Rue leads the field into the $44,550 AQRA Presidents Open Spring Derby Monday afternoon at Turf Paradise.

© Coady Media

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

PHOENIX, AZ–March 30, 2026—The Monday afternoon card at Turf Paradise features an eight-race program highlighted by the $44,550 AQRA Presidents Open Spring Derby, set as race two with a scheduled post time of approximately 1:45 PM. The 350-yard dash will bring together the ten fastest qualifying sophomores, setting the stage for a competitive early feature on the card.

Leading the field is fastest qualifier Rue, installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite. The three-year-old filly has been nothing short of consistent, winning four of six career starts, including a victory in the AQRA Presidents Open Spring Futurity, while also finishing second in the AQRA Turf Paradise Juvenile Stakes. With earnings totaling $50,802, Rue has proven her class early in her career for owners J Lazy Six Racing, who secured her for $60,000 at the Heritage Place Sale.

Sired by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of First Caroline Rose by Corona Cartel, the Oklahoma-bred filly was bred by William E. Smith. Trainer David John Williams will saddle Rue from post three, with Kevin Carbajal set to guide her in the final.

Her main competition comes from stablemate Bf Dulce Sin Rage, listed as the 7-2 second choice on the morning line. The gelding secured his spot in the final by winning his trial heat, recording the fourth-fastest qualifying time while showing determination through the stretch to earn his second career victory.

By Dulce Sin Tacha and out of Bf Fooserageous by Foose, the Utah-bred runner was bred by Kevin A. Birrell and also races under the banner of J Lazy Six Racing, who purchased him for $52,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. Trainer David John Williams will send him from post five with Henry R. Lopez aboard.

With a strong presence from the J Lazy Six Racing barn and two proven qualifiers leading the charge, the $44,550 AQRA Presidents Open Spring Derby shapes up as a compelling showdown among rising three-year-olds, all set to sprint 350 yards in one of the afternoon’s marquee events at Turf Paradise.

The races at Turf Paradise can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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