Piloted by Mark Jasso, Ccr Political Wrap goes wire-to-wire to win the second of two trials over Tonny Montana for the fastest qualifying time.

© Vince & Linda Williams

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

GRANTS PASS, OR–SEPTEMBER 29, 2025–Ten 3-year-olds faced off in a pair of Autumn Derby trials at Grants Pass on Monday evening, each seeking one of the ten qualifying spots for the $40,000-est. final to be run October 13.

Ccr Political Wrap turned in the night’s most impressive effort, breaking fast from the rail and drawing clear by 1 1/2 lengths to win the second trial in :19.799 seconds. The performance earned a 96 speed index and the fastest qualifying time.

Ridden by Mark A. Jasso, the sorrel filly is trained by Hector Magallanes for Cedar Creek Tree Farm Ranch and Racing, who also bred her in Oregon. By Apollitical Jess, she is out of Wrap You Up by Walk Thru Fire.

The victory marked her fifth consecutive win and improved her record to 13 starts, 6 wins, 3 seconds, and 3 thirds with $37,393 in earnings. Though she earned black type with a third-place finish in the Far West Futurity last year, she will be seeking her first career stakes win in the Autumn Derby final.

Mr Royal Cartel, under jockey Mark Jasso, won the opening trial Monday. © Vince & Linda Williams

Tonny Montana chased the winner throughout, finishing second in :20.011 seconds for a 91 speed index and the third fastest time.

Mr Royal Cartel posted the second-fastest qualifying time in the opening trial, overcoming early bumping before drawing clear by ¾-length in :19.929 seconds, earning a 93 speed index.

Also ridden by Jasso and trained by Magallanes, the sorrel gelding is owned and bred in Oregon by Ismael Villarreal. He is by The Cartel Hawk and out of Miss Royal Rumble, by Royal Shake Em.

With the win, Mr Royal Cartel improved his record to 11 starts, 4 wins, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds, while banking $53,448. His résumé already includes a victory in last year’s Far West Futurity—defeating Ccr Political Wrap—and a runner-up finish in the Emerald Downs Juvenile Challenge Stakes.

CLICK HERE for the complete list of qualifiers to the Autumn Derby at Grants Pass on October 13. 

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