HOUSTON, TX—MAY 3, 2019—LQHBA Champion 2-year-old filly Eysa Jess Jumpn may even more potential as a 3-year-old. She dominated her nine rivals Friday night in the $167,500 Sam Houston Derby (G3) returning as the fastest qualifier from trials held on April 12.

Owned by Jose Estrada Quarter Horses and conditioned by 26-year-old Josue Huitron, the daughter of Heza Fast Dash out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Jumpn broke well from her rail post, edging clear by a margin of 1 ¾ lengths in :17.268 seconds for 350 yards. Rider Guadalupe Lucio, Jr. had the return call, and the duo earned a 105 speed index.

"I was 19 year-old when I first rode her," said Lucio. "She keeps surprising us every time. She leaves the gate well, never weakens and just loves to run. It is an awesome feeling!"

Bred in Louisiana by Spring Hill Farms & Sherry Dunn, Eysa Jess Jumpn was a $11,500 purchase at the 2016 LQHBA Yearling Sale and has won eight of her of her 11 starts. With her winner's share tonight of $67,000, her lifetime earnings stand at $509,870.

"She is a dream," said Huitron. "Every time she runs, she gets better and nothing bothers her!"

Eysa Jess Jumpn is the first horse Jose Estrada ever purchased and he knows how fortunate the team is to have such a classy champion.

"She is amazing and I want to thank our rider, Josue and his brother, Joel and all the grooms," said Estrada.

Longshot Runnin For Corona, who was the eighth-fastest qualifier, closed for second under jockey Victor Urieta, Jr. Zoomin Patriot was next and Paint Me a Sinner completed the superfecta.

Runnin For Corona races for owner Dianna Karen Estrada and trainer Josue Ponce. The royally-bred son of leading sire Corona Cartel picked up $26,800 to double his earnings total to $54,819. Manuel Urieta, Jr. had the riding call.

Bred in Utah by Lucas Racing Inc. from the Runaway winner mare Runaway Wave, Runnin For Corona is a half-brother to world champion Wave Carver and three-time champion Ocean Runaway.

Dash For Cash Juvenile winner Zoomin Patriot finished a head back to get third for owner Claudia Avila. Rolando Almanza conditions the Jet Black Patriot gelding out of Zippy Zoomer by Azoom.

Bred in Louisiana by Run Bayou Ranch, Inc., Zoomin Patriot was ridden by champion jockey Ricky Ramirez. The $18,425 Sam Houston payday boosted his career mark to $138,163.

Eysa Jess Jumpn ($3.00) is paid into the Delta Downs Derby, and will return to Delta Downs, according to Huitron.

Paint Me A Sinner, Lj Moonrise, Makelogangreatagain, Mr Corona Crystal, Dess Jetting Diva, Jess Master Angel and All Sophia Wanted completed the field.

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Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. The Park offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the race track and accommodating groups from 20 to 300 people, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner's Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit shrp.com.