Leading the field is In the Vee, the 3-1 morning-line favorite, who has already established himself as one of the top Wyoming-bred runners of his generation.

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By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

EVANSTON, WY–JUNE 18, 2026–Wyoming Downs will take center stage on Saturday afternoon as an exciting eleven-race program gets underway with a 1:00 p.m. first post. The spotlight of the day belongs to the state's talented sophomore runners, as ten Wyoming-bred three-year-olds return for the $37,000-added 307 HR Wyoming Bred QH Derby after earning their spots in the June 5 trial heats.

Leading the field is In the Vee, the 3-1 morning-line favorite, who has already established himself as one of the top Wyoming-bred runners of his generation. The gelding delivered an impressive trial, rallying strongly to win by 1 ¼ lengths and posting the second-fastest qualifying time. Earlier this season, he qualified for the $56,000 Dan Lockie Derby after winning his trial, and later finished fifth in the final after encountering trouble late in the race.

His juvenile season showcased his consistency and class. He captured the WABRA Wyoming Bred Futurity and qualified for the Ron Cook Accredited Wyoming Bred Futurity, the Wyoming Bred Futurity, and the Bucking Horse Sale Futurity. With seven wins in eleven career starts and earnings of $151,413, he enters the final as the field’s most accomplished runner.

Owned by Eddie Jensen, In the Vee was bred in Wyoming by Dan and Kim Lapierre. The gelding is sired by Junior June Bug and out of the Brindis Por Cayenne mare Brindis Secret. Trainer Jess R. Matt will send him from post two, with Jacob Cardenas retaining the mount.

Matt's powerful stable also includes Surfinoverthemoon, who enters as the 7-2 second choice on the morning line. The gelding posted the fastest qualifying time after winning his trial by a half-length and has shown steady improvement throughout his sophomore campaign. He also qualified for the Dan Lockie Derby and finished a strong third in the final.

A model of consistency, Surfinoverthemoon has hit the board in every career start. During his two-year-old season, he qualified for the Energy Downs Futurity and compiled a record of three wins, four runner-up finishes, and two thirds, earning $40,875 for owner Lana Matt.

The son of Corona Surfer, out of the Apollo (TB) mare Dashmetothemoon, was bred in Wyoming by Walter Larson. He will break from post eight under Julian Zavala after his regular rider elected to remain aboard stablemate In the Vee.

With proven stakes performers, emerging talent, and one of the most competitive groups of Wyoming-bred sophomores assembled this season, the $37,000-added 307 HR Wyoming Bred QH Derby promises to be a highlight of the Wyoming Downs meet. Scheduled as the fifth race on the card, the field will travel 350 yards with an approximate post time of 2:40 p.m., setting the stage for a thrilling showdown among the state's best three-year-olds.

The races at Wyoming Downs can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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