Royalist Holds Off Karma Cha Ching in $168,400 Dash For Cash Derby at Lone Star Park

Royalist turned in a determined front-running performance Saturday night at Lone Star Park, holding off a late challenge from Karma Cha Ching by a head to capture the $168,400 Dash For Cash Derby (G2).

The 440-yard contest also produced a dead heat for third between Rf Runaway Cowboy and Jess Drive.

Sent off as the 6-5 favorite, Royalist broke sharply and maintained his advantage throughout, stopping the clock in 21.376 seconds, earning a 98 speed index while racing into a seven-mph headwind over a fast track.

The victory was worth $72,412 to owner Hector Reina and marked the sorrel colt's seventh career win from 14 starts. His lifetime earnings increased to $252,881, with four second-place finishes.

Trained by Ben Olaveson and ridden by Luis L. Vivanco, Royalist is a three-year-old son of Corona Cartel out of Zigfield Follies, by One Famous Eagle. Bred in California by Veronica Gail Kawananakoa, he was purchased for $120,000 at the 2024 Los Alamitos Equine Mixed Sale.

Royalist previously captured the Retama Park Derby and finished second in the Sam Houston Derby (G2). He was also a finalist in the Evangeline Downs Futurity (G2).

Karma Cha Ching overcame a troubled beginning to finish a game second, just a head behind the winner. The three-year-old filly stumbled at the start but recovered quickly to challenge Royalist through the closing yards.

The runner-up effort earned $28,628, increasing her career bankroll to $183,930. She has compiled five wins, four seconds, and no thirds from 15 career starts.

Owned and bred by Sarah Huskey, Karma Cha Ching is trained by Esteban Rubio and was ridden by Nestor Duran. The Texas-bred filly is by Pa Cha Ching out of Marthas First Corona, by Tinys First Corona.

Her previous accomplishments include victories in the La Villita Stakes and Sam Houston Oaks, a runner-up finish in the TQHA Sires' Cup Derby (RG3), and a finalist appearance in the TQHA Sires' Cup Futurity (RG2).

Rf Runaway Cowboy and Jess Drive could not be separated at the finish, dead-heating for third, 1¼ lengths behind the runner-up. Both were credited with $14,314 in earnings.

Rf Runaway Cowboy, a three-year-old gelding by Flying Cowboy 123 out of Rf Runaway Duck, by Sir Runaway Dash, races for Victor Jordan. He was bred by Rogers Farm/Tim and Jennie Rogers and is trained by Marc E. Jungers. Raul Ramirez Jr. was aboard.

Purchased for $80,000 at the 2024 Heritage Place Fall Mixed Sale, Rf Runaway Cowboy weakened late but held on for a share of third. His record now stands at three wins, four seconds, and two thirds from 13 starts, with $270,792 in career earnings.

The gelding previously finished second in the Texas Classic Futurity (G1) and was a finalist in the Ruidoso Derby (G1).

Sharing third was Jess Drive, a three-year-old gelding by You Drive I Fly out of Jonna, by Spit Curl Jess. He recovered from a bobbled start to rally for a share of the show position.

Owned by Eleazar Martinez Sr., Jess Drive was bred by Richard and Janelle Simon and is trained by Victor G. Fierro. Claudio Ponce Aguilar was aboard.

A $18,000 purchase at the 2024 LQHBA Yearling Sale, Jess Drive increased his lifetime earnings to $71,686, with four wins, one second, and three thirds from 12 career starts.

He previously finished third in the TQHA Sires' Cup Derby (RG3) and was a finalist in the Sam Houston Derby (G3) and Lee Berwick Memorial Futurity (RG1).

Completing the order of finish were Ding Dang Dulce in fifth, Expenssive Boots in sixth, Brother Gaga in seventh, Aj Big Cash in eighth, and Toby Two in ninth. Docs Magic Card was scratched.

The Dash For Cash Derby (G2) was contested over a fast racing surface under clear skies.

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