PHOENIX, AZ—APRIL 10, 2016—Justified, under jockey Chase Clark, got up in the final strides Sunday afternoon to defeat Heza Royal Jess in the $45,790 AQRA President's Open Spring Derby at Turf Paradise. Fastest qualifier May Be Fantastic Sa finished a neck back for third in the blanket finish.

Saddled by trainer Chad Ferguson, Justified raced over the 350 yards in :17.625 seconds, a 97-speed index into 6 mph headwind on the sloppy (sealed) racetrack.

Tim Holdaway and David Perry owns the colt by champion Foose from the Special Leader mare Special Wave. Bred in California by Lucas Racing Inc. and Vaughn Cook, Justified has compiled a (4) 2-1-0 record and the $22,895 AQRA President's winning purse boosted his total to $25,965. His dam is a half-sister to world champion Wave Carver and champion Ocean Runaway.

H and E Ranch, Inc.'s homebred Heza A Royal Jess bounced off a fourth place effort in the trials to finish second and earn $9,158. Pedro Hernandez-Sandoval trains the Mr Jess Perry gelding, out of Im Royal Satin by Royal Quick Dash, who led early in the race. Already a stakes winner Heza A Royal Jess has earned $56,329.

Fastest qualifier May Be Fantastic Sa put in a game effort to finish third for owner Orlando Guerrero. Ubaldo Guerrero saddled the colt by Fantastic Corona Jr from the Tres Seis mare Darlin Treis. Ridden by Martin Osuna, May Be Fantastic Sa earned $4,569 for the effort. Gianni Franco Samaja is the breeder.

Domaine, Jess Call Me Fancy, Extra Ordinary Perry, Docs Famous Eagle, La China Maluca, Kedahuerfana and Im Flyin completed the field.