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VINTON, LA–JULY 5, 2024–Fastest qualifier Gotagogh made quick work of nine rivals on Friday night in the $145,205 Firecracker Derby (G3) at Delta Downs.

The Juan Diaz, Jr. trainee was the one to beat in the final. Under jockey Jorge Javier Garcia, he did not disappoint, winning the first stakes of his career after qualifying for several graded stakes races as a 2-year-old in 2023.

Gotagogh, owned by Triple Five, broke well before gaining a clear advantage midway through the 350-yard race. In the final strides, there was no doubt about the outcome as the speedy colt reported home 1-3/4 lengths in front of runner-up Motion of Grace.

Regardlezz finished another 3/4 of a length behind the top pair in third. The winner covered the distance over a fast track in a time of 17.435 seconds, which equaled a speed index of 98.

Gotagogh has now won six of 10 career starts. On Friday, his $72,603 first-place prize raised his overall bankroll to $213,475.

Bred in Texas by Boddy D. Cox, Gotagogh is a 3-year-old brown colt by leading sire Favorite Cartel, out of the Shazoom mare Signs Zoomer. He was purchased for $150,000 as a yearling at the 2022 Texas Quarter Horse Association Yearling Sale.

Also from Diaz stable, runner-up Motion Of Grace races for owner-breeder Francisco Javier Garza. The daughter of leading sire Hes Relentless earned $24,685 for the effort. Martin Osuna had the riding call aboard the Oklahoma-bred out of Jumpn Beau Chick by Jumpn Chic. She has earned $183,808.

Regardlezz, also a daughter of Favorite Cartel, earned $14,521 for third. Champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr., conditions the brown filly for the owner and co-breeder Bobby D. Cox. Chad Hart co-bred the stakes-placed filly from the Apollitical Jess mare Apollitical Regard.

Fans sent Gotagogh to the gate as an overwhelming 1-2 favorite, and he paid $3 to win, $2.40 to place, and $2.40 to show. Motion of Grace was worth $10.20 to place and $6.20 to show. Regardlezz returned $9.40 to show.

Woopaa 123, B Second Cowboy, White Collar, Blood Aztec, Big Red Train, Think Again Kev, and Eagle Flying Thru Fire completed the field.

Delta Downs will finish the next-to-last week of its season on Saturday night with a 10-race program that features the $303,490 Firecracker Futurity. The first post time is set for 6:15 p.m.

For more information about the season, visit the track's website at www.deltadownsracing.com.

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About Delta Downs
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation, is the premier racing and gaming entertainment venue in Vinton, LA. Named "America's Best Horse Racing Track" by USA TODAY's 10 Best readers, Delta Downs features a six-furlong oval track, 15,000 square feet of casino space, and over 1,500 of the most popular slot machines. Amenities include two restaurants, chart-topping entertainment at the Delta Event Center, and the FanDuel Sportsbook.

Delta Downs is located on Delta Downs Drive in Vinton, Louisiana. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7; from Texas, take Exit 4.