Multiple stakes winner Dk Marney Jess will head four trials for the $100,000-added Retama Park Derby (G2) on Wednesday.

© Jack Coady Photography

By: Louanne Wainscott, StallionESearch

SAN ANTONIO, TX – JULY 1, 2025–All eyes will be on Retama Park this Wednesday evening as forty-six of the nation's top three-year-old Quarter Horses compete in four highly competitive trials for a chance to earn a spot in the $100,000-added Retama Park Derby (G2).

Only the ten fastest times will advance to the final, promising high-stakes action and the possibility of record-setting performances over the 400-yard distance.

Among the top contenders, Dk Marney Jess stands out as the favorite. Sired by Apollitical Jess and out of the Corona Cartel mare Marney Jo, this impressive filly has already earned $555,063 and boasts one of the most notable résumés in the country.

Dk Marney Jess made waves on the 2024 juvenile circuit with wins in both the (G2) Louisiana Downs Futurity and the (G2) Sam Houston Futurity. She also qualified for two of the year’s most prestigious races, finishing fourth in the (G2) Dash for Cash Futurity and ninth in the (G1) Texas Classic Futurity.

Now three, she has continued her momentum with a strong third-place finish in the (G2) Heritage Place Oaks Finals. Trained by Patrick L. Clemons for CH Horse Racing, LLC, Dk Marney Jess will start from the 10th gate in Race 10, the final heat of the evening, with Nestor Duran riding.

Another major contender is Dr Pepper 123, a gelding by Chilitos out of My Glory Dash. Trained by J. W. Plunkett for breeder-owner Mary Lou Zoeller, Dr Pepper 123 enters off a decisive rally to win the (G3) Sam Houston Derby on June 14. With three wins from six starts and earnings of $136,925, he aims for qualification in Race 8, heat two, under regular rider Noe Villatoro.

Jimenas Ranch and trainer Raul Ramires bring strong threats with Apolitical Time and Nine One Won, both fresh off qualifying for the (G2) Heritage Place Derby Finals.

Apolitical Time, a colt by Apollitical Jess out of Breitling Time by Fishers Dash, will race in Race 7, the first heat of the evening, from post seven as the 3-1 morning line favorite. With two previous Derby final qualifications, he aims for his third, once again guided by Nestor Duran.

Nine One Won, the ranch’s top hope, is drawn into Race 9, post nine, and is the 2-1 morning line favorite. Sired by Tempting Dash and out of Not My Choice by Jody Otoole, this five-time winner has earned $108,758 from fifteen starts. Duran will ride him again as connections hope to sweep both qualifying heats.

A night to remember at Retama Park featuring a mix of proven stakes winners and promising newcomers, Wednesday’s trials are expected to deliver exciting performances. The ten fastest times will advance to the Retama Park Derby Finals on Saturday, July 26, where they will compete for the lion’s share of the $100,000 added purse and Derby bragging rights.

All Retama Park races can be seen at Q-Racing Video.com.

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