Wyoming Downs will host four trials for the $40,000-added Young Ford / Wyoming Downs Derby on Friday's race card.

© Wyoming Downs

By Louanne Wainscott / Stallionesearch

EVANSTON, WY–JULY 17, 2025—Friday afternoon at Wyoming Downs promises thrilling action as thirty-four talented sophomores compete in the Young Ford / Wyoming Downs Derby Trials, each hoping to earn a place among the ten fastest qualifiers for the prestigious $40,000-added final on August 9, 2025. Four trial heats over 400 yards will decide who advances, with the clock as the ultimate judge.

All eyes will be on Race 5, the afternoon's final and most anticipated heat, which features a head-to-head matchup between two standout contenders: Kaseys Spirit and Favorite Buddy Bc.

Morning-line favorite at 5-2, Kaseys Spirit brings strong credentials to the gate. The Idaho-bred filly by KVN Corona, out of High Spirited Jess (by Mr Jess Perry), has already banked $86,878 for owners CG Racing, LLC. Her résumé includes victories in the 2024 Beehive Juvenile Stakes and the Energy Downs 307 Open Futurity, showcasing her class and finishing power.

Trained by Kylie Valenzuela and ridden by Jeus Valenzuela, Kaseys Spirit breaks from post position eight—an advantageous outside draw that should allow her to open up and drive hard to the wire.

Facing her is the highest-earning horse in the entire field, Favorite Buddy Bc, who enters with a 7-2 morning line and an impressive record. The son of top sire Favorite Cartel has won five of nine career starts, including the Wyoming Downs Futurity and the Mike Lipp Memorial in 2024. With career earnings of $147,534, he races for breeder-owner Ben L. McKinney, under the training of Wes Kellett, and will be piloted by Gerardo Vera from post position four.

While Race 5 may offer the headline matchup, the earlier trials are loaded with emerging talent and evenly matched sophomores eager to break through. Each race carries weight, as final qualification depends solely on the ten fastest times of the afternoon, regardless of finishing position in individual heats.

Fans can expect heart-pounding finishes, blistering breakouts from the gate, and a clock-watching atmosphere as connections and spectators await the official times.

Only ten will move on to the $40,000 added Young Ford / Wyoming Downs Derby Finals, where a sizable purse and regional bragging rights will be on the line. With deep fields, seasoned winners, and rising stars in the mix, Friday’s trials are a true showcase of Wyoming Downs’ top 3-year-old Quarter Horses.

The afternoon card is set to deliver drama, speed, and elite competition—everything that defines derby season at its finest.

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