Gold Gun Z, ridden by Noe Cansaneda, wins the $154,230 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby-RG1 on Saturday.

© Hodges Photography

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–JULY 12, 2025–Fastest qualifier from the trials, Gold Gun Z, returned to the finals to score his third consecutive victory this season under jockey Noe Castaneda in the $154,230 Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby-RG1 on Saturday.

Breaking early from post four, Gold Gun Z pulled clear for a gate-to-wire victory, clocking a 93 speed index in 19.952 seconds. His 400-yard effort paid $3.60 to win as the post-time favorite.

"He’s just a good horse all the way around. He goes in the gate, he stands perfectly for me, he always leaves good. He knows his job, he loves his job," said jockey Noe Castaneda.

The winning connections of Gold Gun Z accept the Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby-RG1 trophy at Delta Downs on Saturday.
© Hodges Photography

Trainer Jose Espinosa saddled the 3-year-old gelding by leading second-year sire Gold Heart Eagle V for owner Party Tyme Racing. The win marks his sixth career victory from 11 starts. He captured last year’s Laddie Futurity-G2 and was second in this year’s Mardi Gras Derby. His only off-the-board effort came in last year’s LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity-G1, where he finished fourth.

Buddy Deville, one of the owners of Gold Gun Z, said, “This horse has been good to us every time. He’s just a talented horse. It’s all glory to God, number one, and then our team is so special and works so hard. You can’t do any of these things without the whole team and the support from our families.”

“It’s a family loved sport. We love what we do, and we’ve been blessed to have another good horse. Hopefully God will bless us with more, and we keep having fun,” Deville continued.

The Louisiana-bred gelding secured the lion’s share of the purse—$78,657—which pushes his career earnings to over $316,000. Gold Gun Z was bred by Slash Z Quarter Horses out of Cf Smokin Gun, by Tres Seis. He was a $122,000 purchase from the 2023 LQHBA Yearling Sale.

Second-place finisher Dropping Dimes rallied late from post eight to close the margin to a half-length behind the winner. The black gelding, conditioned by Miguel Castillo for owner Jaime Cardenas, was ridden by Jorge Garcia.

The son of Apollitical Blood has now banked more than $73,000 from four wins in 12 starts. Bred by Ryan and Danielle Robicheaux in Louisiana, he is out of Depositing Chex, by Freighttrain B.

Finishing third was Perry Midnight Train, who dueled early but faded slightly in the final strides. The sorrel gelding, trained by Roberto Madrigal for owner Ricardo Ramos, was piloted by Gerardo Luna.

The son of Freighttrain B was bred by Desormeaux Gotreaux LLC out of Midnight Swingin, by Mr Jess Perry, and was purchased for $19,500 at the 2023 LQHBA Yearling Sale. Perry Midnight Train now boasts over $67,000 in earnings and was a finalist in last year’s LQHBA Louisiana Million Futurity-G1.

The final order of finish behind the top three was: Nbc Mr Booz, Moneys On, XDW Jess a Rogue, Beleavin, Another Gold Heart, and G Amtrak B. San Lorenzo Tempted was scratched.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.

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