Racing


TF Jess A Leader Quickest in Indiana Grand QHRAI Derby Trials
TF Jess A Leader, under jockey Jose Beltran, sets the fastest qualifying time for the $50,000 Indiana Grand QHRAI Derby.

© Linscott Photography
TF Jess A Leader Quickest in Indiana Grand QHRAI Derby Trials

SHELBYVILLE, IN—JUNE 25, 2016—Three trials were held Saturday, June 25 to set up the $50,000 final of the Indiana Grand QHRAI Derby, which will be held Saturday, July 9, the next all-Quarter Horse night at Indiana Grand. TF Jess A Leader and Jose Beltran turned in the quickest time of the trials to sit atop the leaderboard heading into the final.

Starting from post seven in the eight-horse field, TF Jess A Leader was able to capitalize on a clean start while several horses on the inside got caught up in tight quarters.

The three-year-old son of Mr Jess Perry kept his focus through the 400-yard dash and was able to get to the wire first in a time of :19.810 seconds. Captain BD and Jose Davila finished three-quarters of a length back in second followed by BP Tres Seis Policy and Rodney Prescott for third.

TF Jess A Leader was the second winner on the program for Trainer Sacramento Chavez, who was also a winner with Mavara Vegas in the Indiana Grand Classic. TF Jess A Leader is owned by Jose Chavez. The Louisiana bred gelding won his first race of 2016 in his third outing, and the win marked only his second career trip to the winner’s circle.

TF Jess a Leader, a longshot in the field, paid $39.20, $15.00 and $5.80 across the board.

For the top 10 qualifiers to the $50,000 Indiana Grand QHRAI Derby, with times, sires, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.

Trainers Randy Smith (Beyondthegamewagon and WRs Quick Eagle) and Sacramento Chavez (TF Jess a Leader and Waves Copilot) each have two heading into the final.

The next all-Quarter Horse racing night is set for Saturday, July 9. In addition to the final of the Indiana Grand QHRAI Derby, the evening will include the final of the $40,000 Bradford Stakes and trials for the Heartland Futurity and the Blue River Derby.

Also, Denis Blake of the Wrangler Q-Racing Aces, will be trackside to provide handicapping tips on Quarter Horse racing with free $2 race wagers while supplies last. The evening will also include several family friendly activities such as face painting, a bounce house, strolling entertainment and performances by the Circle City Cloggers.

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino holds multiple awards from industry publications for customer service, entertainment, gaming and dining. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features 2,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games in addition to a one-mile dirt race course and a seven-eighths mile turf course offering live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast wagering is also offered year-round at Winner’s Circle Brewpub & OTB located on the casino floor as well as an off-track betting facility located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.