Shes Ec To Tempt Dominates $100,000 TQHA Sires' Cup Derby-RG3

Shes Ec To Tempt continued her outstanding sophomore campaign Saturday night, drawing away to defeat Karma Cha Ching by three-quarters of a length in the $100,000 TQHA Sires' Cup Derby (RG3) at Retama Park.

Breaking sharply under jockey Victor Manuel Urieta Jr., Shes Ec To Tempt quickly took command and widened her advantage through the 400-yard test. The brown filly stopped the timer in :19.831, earning a 104 speed index over a fast racing surface while running into a 7 mph headwind.

"I’m very happy about another milestone in my career," Urieta said after the race. When asked how he prepared for this race, he said, "I was ready; I always prepare to compete anywhere I go, it just takes focus and discipline. I knew I had a good animal to ride. I felt a bit nervous because I knew I was up against tough competitors. I know they always start strong, so my only concern was finishing well right to the end. Thank God we pulled it off."

The victory was worth $40,000 for owner K K Horse Racing and pushed Shes Ec To Tempt's career earnings to $202,623. She has won nine of 10 career starts, with her only other finish a second. Her stakes victories include the Big Easy Futurity and C.C.F.A. Dutchman Stakes in addition to Saturday night's TQHA Sires' Cup Derby.

Jose A. Garcia trains Shes Ec To Tempt, who was bred in Texas by Francisco Javier Garza. The daughter of champion Tempting Dash is out of Kas Shes Ec, by Ec Jet One. She was a $23,000 RNA at the 2024 TQHA Yearling Sale.

Karma Cha Ching rallied to get up for second, finishing three-quarters of a length behind the winner and earning $20,000. The 3-year-old filly has earned $153,302 from 13 starts, with five wins and two seconds. Her stakes victories include the Sam Houston Oaks and La Villita Stakes, and she was also a finalist in the TQHA Sires' Cup Futurity.

Bred in Texas, Karma Cha Ching is by Pa Cha Ching from Marthas First Corona, by Tinys First Corona. The filly is owned and bred by Sarah Huskey and trained by Esteban Rubio. Nestor Duran was aboard Saturday night.

Jess Drive finished another three-quarters of a length back in third and collected $10,000. The gelding has earned $51,372 from 10 career starts, winning three races with one second and two thirds. In addition to his third-place finish in the TQHA Sires' Cup Derby, he was a finalist in the Sam Houston Derby (G3).

Victor G. Fierro trains Jess Drive for owner Eleazar Martinez Sr. Claudio Ponce Aguilar had the riding assignment. Bred in Louisiana by Richard and Janelle Simon, the 3-year-old is by multiple stakes sire You Drive I Fly from Jonna, by Spit Curl Jess.

Completing the field were Peacemaker Return, Atlas Rise, Chloes Man, Run On Monday, JLC Show Time, and Del Rey Bar.

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