Fastest qualifier SM Jess Corona will return to the finals of the AQRA Turf Paradise Derby on Tuesday, December 31.

© Coady Media

BY MICHAEL CUSORTELLI

PHOENIX, AZ–DECEMBER 28, 2024–SM Jess Corona, a son of champion Kvn Corona and the fastest qualifier, is one of 10 sophomores entered back in Tuesday's 400-yard, $30,000-added AQRA Turf Paradise Derby at Turf Paradise Racetrack.

Trained by Adan Farias for owner Santos Montemayor, SM Jess Corona boasts a two-race win streak, including a 1 1/4-length victory in the second of three trials on December 10. The homebred gelding drew post 10 and will be ridden by Jonathan Roman.

Other contenders include Wicked Cowgirl Smart, a multiple stakes-winning daughter of Flying Cowboy 123 trained by David Williams for owner J Lazy Six Racing. Wicked Cowgirl Smart has won four of her six starts at Turf Paradise, including the March 25, 350-yard AQRA President's Open Spring Derby.

Wicked Cowgirl Smart drew post five and will be ridden by Henry Lopez.

All Turf Paradise races can be seen at Q-Racing Video.com.

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