News - Racing March  29, 2024

Tm Dees Prize Turns Tables In Old South Derby Win


Tm Dees Prize, under jockey Juan Marquez, wining the $53,595 Old South Derby at Delta Downs Saturday night.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA—MAY 23, 2015—After finishing second to the fastest qualifier Wild Tycoon in the trials for this year’s $53,595 Old South Derby three weeks ago, Two The Max Investments LLC’s Tm Dees Prize reversed his fortunes and defeated the same rival on Saturday night. Tm Dees Prize was ridden to victory by jockey Juan Marquez.

Following a fast break from the rail post position in a field of nine, Tm Dees Prize dueled throughout the 350-yard event with Wild Tycoon and longshot Jessjinging. At the finish line the Vann Haywood trainee was ¾ of a length better than Wild Tycoon with Jessjinging settling for third, another head behind the runner-up. Tm Dees Prize ran the distance over a fast track in 17.206 second, which earned him a speed index of 99.

The victory by Tm Dees Prize marked the fifth of his nine-race career and it was his second stakes tally. He also won the Lee Berwick Memorial Juvenile Stakes at Delta Downs last year and has now banked $100,247 overall.

The winning connections of TM Dees Prize accept the Old South Derby stakes trophy on Saturday night at Delta Downs. © Coady Photography
Tm Dees Prize is a 3-year-old gelding by Fast Prize Dash, out of the Deefirst mare Call Her Dee. He was bred in Louisiana by his owner.

Riding a four-race win streak, Wild Tycoon had to settle for second place in the Old South Derby. The sorrel gelding earned $9,111 for owner Rogelio Marquez, Jr. Martin Trejo trains the Tempting Dash 3-year-old out of First Down Hemp, by First Down Jewel. David Alvarez had the riding call aboard the Richard and Janelle Simon Louisiana-bred.

Jessjinging races for owner Natalin Gallegos and trainer Carlos Saldivar. Everardo Rodriguez rode the Swingin Jess colt out of Jetajing, by Noble Pride. Bred in Louisiana by John Witte and Merritt Pride, Jessjinging earned $5,539 for his effort.

Sent to the gate at odds of 9-2, Tm Dees Prize paid $11.40 to win, $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Wild Tycoon returned $2.20 to place and $2.10 to show. Jessjinging was worth $5.60 to show.

The Golden Bowl, Jess A Rogue, Quite Riot, Wheres Mom, Tf Rowdy Lil Perry and Wild On Da Whiskey completed the Old South Derby finish.

Although jockey John Hamilton did not win a stakes race on Saturday night, he did visit the winner’s circle five times during the 10-race card. Hamilton ended the night at the top of the local jockey standings and is searching for his fourth straight riding title at Delta Downs in 2015.

Delta Downs will begins its sixth week of live racing on Wednesday night with another 10-race program that is scheduled to get underway at 6:15pm CDT.

For more information about the current season visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com or on the Facebook page, ‘Delta Downs Racing’.

Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.

Courtesy Ses