Heza Fast Dash Dominates LQHBA Breeders' Derby Trials

Heza Louisiana Dash, under jockey Gilbert Ortiz, cruises to the top qualifying mark for the $267,171 LQHBA Breeders' Derby on Wednesday at Evangeline Downs.

© Coady Photography

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from the 26 head of accredited Louisiana-bred 3-year-olds who participated in today's trials, will return to Evangeline Downs Saturday, November 28th and vie for the $188,891 winner's share of the rich purse. The trials, which were originally set for last weekend, were rescheduled for today due to inclement weather in the area that caused the racetrack to cancel Saturday's complete card.

Heza Louisiana Dash was the first of four finalists saddled by trainer Kenneth L. Roberts, Sr. Ridden by Gilbert Ortiz, the Heza Fast Dash covered the 400 yards into a 10 mph headwind in :20.136 while posting a dominating 2¼ length victory in the second trial.

Coming off a second place effort in the derby at the Fair Grounds Race Course last August, Heza Louisiana Dash has won five of 11 career starts and earned $93,224. TM Ranch owns the brown gelding from the Mr Jess Perry mare Eyejesslovelouisiana. Jumonville Farms and Burnett Ranch is the breeder.

Dashacrossourmind defeated Jes A Fast Dasher by three-quarters in the last trial with the pair of Heza Fast Dash offspring getting the second and fourth fastest times of :20.208 and :20.324.

Kevin Broussard conditions the stakes winning Dashacrossourmind for owners Brock Broussard and Jacque Bourque. Bred by T. Rogers and T.G. Fontenot MD, Dashacrossyourmind has earned $93,048. Donald Watson was up. The colt is from the Mr Eye Opener mare Doievercrossyourmind.

Louisiana Jambalaya posted a half-length victory in the first trial to knockdown the third fastest time of :20.270 seconds for owner Carter's Quarters LLC and trainer Trey Ellis. Lucas Constantin rode the Jet Black Patriot colt out of Iwanna Dash, by Royal Quick Dash. The multiple graded stakes winner has earned $200,628.

Kenneth Roberts, Sr. saddled the aforementioned Jes A Fast Dasher for owner/breeder Tony Doughtie. Out of the Game Patriot mare Jes A Game, he was ridden by Lucas Constantin.

Roberts also saddled 5th qualifier Icanonlyemagine, and 8th qualifier B And G Fast Dash. Other Heza Fast Dash sire qualifiers were the aforementioned B and G Fast Dash, 9th Shes A Fast Dash and 10th Louisiana Sixshooter.

For the complete list of LQHBA Breeders' Derby qualifiers, times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.

Racing will resume at Evangeline Downs on Thursday night with a nine-race program. Post time on Saturday will be 5:35 pm Central Time. For more information on the American Quarter Horse season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track’s website at www.evdracing.com.