MC Blue Cartel and jockey Jorge Garcia battle to victory in the $302,335 Lassie Futurity Friday night at Delta Downs.

© Hodges Photography

By Emily Paulk, StallioneSearch

VINTON, LA–MAY 22, 2026– Fastest qualifier MC Blue Cartel lived up to heavy favoritism Friday night at Delta Downs, digging in late to capture the $302,335 Lassie Futurity for Louisiana-bred two-year-old fillies.

Ridden by Jorge Garcia, the filly stopped the clock in :16.776 seconds for a 94 speed index over a fast track with a 5 mph crosswind.

Bred by Bottoms Up Racing and owned by Jaime Cardenas, MC Blue Cartel is trained by Josue Ponce. The filly was a $10,000 repurchase at the LQHBA Yearling Sale and entered the futurity off the fastest qualifying time from the April 30 trials.

The winning connections of MC Blue Cartel accept the $302,335 Lassie Futurity trophy on Friday.
© Hodges Photography

The undefeated filly is sired by champion sire Carters Cartel, whose progeny have earned more than $16.8 million, and is out of the Jess Louisiana Blue mare MC Bluecorona, making her the mare’s first foal.

Her pedigree is anchored by AQHA Dam of Distinction Final Prize Dash, earner of $77,465 and producer of Grade 1 winners First Prize Leesa ($488,385), First Carolina ($415,047), First Prize Robin ($295,147), and Fast First Prize ($244,929).

The female family also includes champion Dark NME, earner of $1,739,485, further highlighting the deep black type pedigree behind the talented juvenile. Now undefeated in four starts, MC Blue Cartel boosted her bankroll to $355,497 after collecting the $151,167 winner’s share of the purse.

RDD Reasons For B finished second under Leonardo Rodriguez for breeder Richard Dale Domingue, owner Rogelio Marquez Jr., and trainer Juan Garcia.

The daughter of world champion Freighttrain B completed the 330 yards in :16.819 seconds for a 93 speed index after dueling throughout the stretch. The filly was an $18,000 purchase at the LQHBA Yearling Sale.

RDD Reasons For B is out of the FDD Dynasty mare FDD Reasons, while her second dam is champion Jess Good Reason, earner of $422,234. The filly now owns one win and one second from two career starts with earnings of $57,397.

Second fastest qualifier Mucho Man Shortstop closed gamely to finish third under Claudio Aguilar for owner-breeder Ruse Ranch LLC and trainer Ricardo Romero. The filly posted a 90 speed index while covering the distance in :16.903 seconds.

The daughter of leading sire KJ Mucho Macho Man was a $9,500 repurchase at the LQHBA Yearling Sale and is out of the stakes placed Freighttrain B mare Shortstop Express.

Her second dam, Allizoom ($113,016), was stakes placed, while third dam Lett Her Zoom ($309,167) was a champion. Mucho Man Shortstop previously finished fourth in the Mardi Gras Futurity (RG2) and now sports a record of 4-1-0-2 with earnings of $67,201.

Goldaintyourcolour finished fourth and was followed by Whoozthatlady, Jrs Cos I Shine, Guidrysboodietrain, Luziana Women, Ivory Toasted, and Caracara Dreamin.

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