Under jockey Jacob Enriquez, Toastin Heros posted the fastest time from three trials contested today at The Downs at Albuquerque for the $200,000-est. La Fiesta Quarter Horse Derby.

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By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

ALBUQUERQUE, NM—SEPTEMBER 26, 2025—Three trials were contested Friday afternoon at The Downs at Albuquerque to determine the finalists for the $200,000-est. La Fiesta Quarter Horse Derby, with the 10 fastest 3-year-olds at 400 yards advancing to the October 19 final.

Making his first start since an off-the-board performance in the Grade 2 Heritage Place Derby in May, Toastin Heros posted the fastest qualifying time of the afternoon, while Daou and Paramounte Streakin also secured top-three qualifying spots.

Toastin Heros, a 3-year-old gelded son of Valiant Hero out of the Coronas Leaving You mare Toastin With Coronas, dominated the opening trial by 1 ½ lengths, stopping the timer in 19.404, a 94 speed index into a 7 mph crosswind.

Owned and bred in Oklahoma by Gene Cox, Toastin Heros is trained by Clinton Crawford and was ridden to victory by Jacob Enriquez. The consistent gelding asserted command early and cruised under the wire to lead all qualifiers.

Also a finalist in the Remington Park Derby(RG1), West Texas Derby(G3), and Mystery Futurity, Toastin Heros has earned $89,300 in 13 career starts.

Daou, a $270,000 purchase from the 2023 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, delivered a gritty performance in the final trial, holding off a late rally to win by a nose in 19.429.

The New Mexico-bred son of five-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty out of Donelli by Big Daddy Cartel is owned by J and SM, Inc. and was bred by MJ Farms.

Fred I. Danley saddled the graded-placed gelding, who was guided to the wire by Adrian A. Ramos. A three-time winner who has been a solid stakes performer has earned nearly $250,000 in 16 starts. He was second in the Rainbow Juvenile, West Texas Derby(G3), and third in the Ruidoso Juvenile.

Also flashing strong speed in that same heat was Paramounte Streakin, who closed strongly to finish just a nose behind Daou in in 19.435, the third-fastest clocking of the trials.

The Colorado-bred gelding is by Paramounte and out of Tlm Streakin Joy by Tac It Like A Man. He is campaigned by Rivera Quarter Horse Racing Inc., bred by Rivera Quarter Horse Racing (CO), trained by Jorge A. Morales-Flores, and ridden by Alfredo Sigala.

The 10 fastest qualifiers will return for the $200,000-est. La Fiesta Quarter Horse Derby final on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at The Downs at Albuquerque.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of qualifiers, times, connections, and breeding lines.

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