Chilley enters the Firecracker Derby Trials at Delta Downs off a nose victory in the Old South Derby and will look to secure a berth in the July 4 Firecracker Derby Final.

© Hodges Photography

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–JUNE 11, 2026–The road to the Grade 3 $75,000-added Firecracker Derby Final begins Saturday evening at Delta Downs, where a competitive field of 28 sophomores will race in three trial heats during races six through eight on an action-packed nine-race program. Covering 350 yards, the heats will be grueling, with every stride counting as the ten fastest qualifiers earn their place in the July 4 Firecracker Derby Final, setting the stage for one of the meet's most anticipated championship events.

In the opening trial, race six, the spotlight falls on Chilley, the 5-2 morning-line favorite, who enters in top form after a dramatic victory in the $112,000 Old South Derby. The talented colt dug deep in the final strides to prevail by a nose in a thrilling stretch duel, adding another highlight to a productive career that includes three wins, three runner-up finishes, and a third-place finish in eight starts. Owned by Jaime Cardenas, who secured the colt for $19,500 at the TQHA Yearling Sale, Chilley has already banked $81,762.

Bred in Texas by Tommy and Johanna Bullard, the son of Chilitos out of the Shazoom mare Zoom In On Me will break from post five for trainer Josue Ponce. Jockey Jorge J. Garcia returns aboard as the pair seek another strong performance and a coveted spot in the Firecracker Derby Final.

The second trial, race seven, features perhaps the most accomplished entrant in the trials, as Hi Octane enters as the 6-5 morning-line favorite. The gelding exits a determined third-place finish in the Old South Derby, where he overcame significant trouble at the start after being bumped hard leaving the gate, then rallied to finish just a half-length behind Chilley at the wire.

Owned by Keith Nellesen, Hi Octane has compiled an impressive resume, with four victories in ten starts and $262,082 in earnings. After qualifying for several major events during his juvenile campaign, the gelding appears to be carrying that momentum into his three-year-old season, showing the consistency and maturity that make him a serious contender in this year's Firecracker Derby division.

Purchased for $60,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, Hi Octane is a son of Apollitical Jess out of the Valiant Hero mare Valiantinecandyrocks. Bred in Utah by Lance and Tammy Finlinson, he races for trainer Viviane Hill and will break from post six with regular rider Rodrigo S. Vallejo.

With a berth in the Firecracker Derby Final on the line, every trial promises intensity from the moment the gates open. The mix of proven stakes performers, emerging contenders, and talented connections should deliver an exciting evening of racing for fans and bettors as these 28 sophomores chase their shot at one of the summer's premier prizes on Independence Day weekend. Saturday night's trials are certain to deliver speed, drama, and the first clues about who may ultimately emerge as the next Firecracker Derby champion.

The races at Delta Downs can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.