Catching Fire Corona Seeks First Stakes Win in Old South Derby

Politically Corrupt was the fastest qualifier in the April 22 Old South Derby trials.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA—MAY 9, 2016—Catching Fire Corona, a stakes placed Fire And Corona gelding racing for Hector Salinas, will seek his first stakes victory in Friday’s 350-yard, $71,075 Old South Derby at Delta Downs.

Catching Fire Corona made his sophomore debut with a nose victory at odds of 3-5 in his Old South Derby trial on April 22. The runner-up in last year’s 400-yard, $258,000 Evangeline Downs Futurity, the gelding drew post 8 and will be ridden by Joe Badilla Jr.

Politically Corrupt, the fastest qualifier, drew post 5 and will be ridden by Manuel Gutierrez for owner Double H Racing Investment LLC and trainer Elpidio Luna Jr. The gelded son of Apollitical Jess has won his last two outs, including the third of five Old South Derby trials.

The complete lineup, in post position order including jockey assignments--

1. Seis To Temp (Eddie Sanchez)
2. Dont Lett Her Down (David Alvarez)
3. Aw Naw (Alfonso Lujan)
4. One Tough Rio (Luis A. Guerrero)
5. Politically Corrupt (Manuel Gutierrez)
6. SR Inseperable (Damian Martinez)
7. Cartel Gigi (Jose A. Rodriguez)
8. Catching Fire Corona (Joe Badilla Jr.)
9. Mr Rock Solid Jess (Raul Ramirez Jr.)
10. Paint Me A Storm (John Hamilton).