San Lorenzo Chrome rallies late to win the LQHBA Breeders Derby (G3) at Evangeline Downs on December 20. © Hodges Photography

© Hodges Photography

By StallioneSearch

OPELOUSAS, LA–DECEMBER 20, 2025– San Lorenzo Chrome continued his dominance among Louisiana-bred sophomores on Saturday, December 20, rallying late to capture the $144,000 LQHBA Breeders Derby (RG3) at Evangeline Downs. The three-year-old colt covered the 350-yard distance in 17.857 seconds to earn the $64,080 winner’s share of the purse.

Breaking from post seven under Arturo Alvarez and racing into a 10 mph headwind, San Lorenzo Chrome was briefly shuffled back in traffic before launching a powerful late surge through the lane. He edged past Beleavin in the final strides to score by a nose, with Gold Gun Z finishing another head back in third. The winning effort earned a 92 speed index over a fast track.

San Lorenzo Chrome qualified to the LQHBA Breeders Derby final from the November 29 trials, where he finished second in his heat behind Gold Gun Z. Gold Gun Z posted the fastest qualifying time of the night when he edged San Lorenzo Chrome by a head in the first of two trials.

San Lorenzo Chrome is a sorrel colt by World Champion sire Freighttrain B out of the Jet Black Patriot mare Jet Black Presence, a winner and multiple stakes-placed runner. Bred in Louisiana by Charles Boudreaux, he is trained by Juan Garcia for owner Rogelio Marquez, Jr.

"He had a tough start, but pushed through tonight," said Marquez. "That just shows what kind of heart he has."

The victory marked another major accomplishment for the San Lorenzo Chrome, who also captured last year’s LQHBA Million Futurity (G1).

Marquez shared that San Lorenzo Chrome had knee surgery following his victory in the Million.  "We wanted to make sure he was fully recovered and decided to give him pretty much the entire year off. We pointed him to the Breeders Derby trials and our patience paid off."

A $30,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate, the consistent runner improved his career record to five wins and one second from six starts and boosted his earnings to $541,219.

Beleavin finished second after a determined effort. The gelding is by Coronas Leaving You out of the Mr Eye Opener mare Eight Below 123, a winning mare and stakes finalist. Trained by Kenneth Roberts, Sr. for GIA Equine Center, LLC and ridden by Pedro Espinosa, Beleavin added $31,680 for the runner-up finish.

A $24,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate, he now holds a career record of 3-3-3 from 13 starts with earnings of $194,502. Earlier this season, he finished third in the Mardi Gras Derby.

Gold Gun Z, a gelding by All American Derby (G1) winner Gold Heart Eagle V, finished third. Trained by Jose Espinosa for Party Tyme Racing and ridden by Noe Castaneda, the $122,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate now sports a career record of 6-3-2 from 13 starts with earnings of $339,494.

Bred by Slash Z Quarter Horses, Gold Gun Z is out of the Tres Seis mare CF Smokin Gun. He won the Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby-RG3 and placed third in the LQHBA Breeders Derby-RG3 earlier this season.

Completing the order of finish were Moneys On, XDW Jess A Rogue, Freighttrain Lee, Blackjack TLC, Fast Dashin Lou, Your Wagon Or Mine, and Hes Bold As Corona.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen

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