News - Racing March  29, 2024

Mr Fast Mallard Prevails in $179,806 LQHBA Breeders' Derby (RG3) at Evangeline


Mr Fast Mallard, ridden by Ubaldo Luna, won the $179,806 LQHBA Breeders’ Derby (RG2) by 3/4-length at Evangeline Downs on Saturday evening.

© Coady Photography

DECEMBER 17, 2022 – OPELOUSAS, LA – In the penultimate race of the seven stakes celebrating Louisiana-breds at Evangeline, Mr Fast Mallard broke on top, drifted, but prevailed to win the $179,806 LQHBA Breeders' Derby (RG3).

Mr Fast Mallard ($19.80) covered 400 yards in 19.646 to earn a 94 speed index. The pair drifted early but straightened out to extend their lead to three-quarters of a length over Tf Jess Me and Apollitical Tornado.

The 3-year-old Heza Fast Dash gelding was the eighth fastest qualifier from two trials to the Derby held on November 26.

Mr Fast Mallard is owned and bred by Jose Luis Perez Aguirre and is trained by Kenny Roberts, Sr.

“I felt that if he broke well, he would have a good chance,” said Roberts. “Tonight, he left well and kept it up. He’s matured a lot from last year; it was nice to see him win this after running third in the Futurity last year.”

The winning connections of Mr Fast Mallard accept the $179,806 LQHBA Breeders’ Derby (RG2) trophy at Evangeline Downs on Saturday night.
© Coady Photography

Ubaldo Luna was in the irons for Saturday’s win and knows the horse well. “I have always believed in this horse!” Luna exclaimed. “Sometimes he gets distracted and looks for company, but not tonight. He ran a big race!”

As a 2-year-old, Mr Fast Mallard was third in the LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity (RG1), and he was fourth in the Mardi Gras Derby this spring at Louisiana Downs. In 15 starts, he has three wins and $232,31 in earnings, including the $80,014 earned in Saturday’s Derby win.

Mr Fast Mallard is out of the stakes placed mare Miss Mallard Struts, by Struttin to Beduino.

Fastest qualifier Tf Jess Me won his trial and returned to finish second in the final, snapping a four-race win streak. Jorge Garcia was in the irons for trainer Adrian Huitron and owner Tex Mex Racing. Tf Jess Me was bred by Tate Farms, by One Sweet Jess and out of Miss Mallard Too, by First Down Jewel.

Tf Jess Me is a five-time winner from 12 starts and has earned $127,443 to date in his career. He qualified to the Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2) and was fourth in the Laddie Futurity as a 2-year-old.

Second fastest qualifier Apollitical Tornado also won his trial and finished third in the final. The Apollitical Blood gelding was ridden by Modesto Pina for trainer Wendy Garcia and owner Rubios Landscaping. Narciso Flores bred the gelding out of A Real Tornado, by Streakin La Jolla.

Apollitical Tornado was the runner up in the Laddie Futurity and qualified to the LQHBA Sale Futurity last fall. He has earned $115,494 in ten starts with four career victories.

Completing the field were Ultimo Alex, Put Me N Coach, Dianetoseparatefromu, Mr Crawfish, Louisiana Tequila, Blessher Sweet Heart and Flying Adelia. There was an objection against the winner but stewards ruled no change.


Courtesy Ses