Stel Time Scores Game Victory In $42,000 Autumn Derby At Grants Pass Downs

Stel Time turned in a determined front-running performance Sunday evening to capture the $42,000 Autumn Derby at Grants Pass Downs, holding off favored Jess F Y I by a neck in the 400-yard championship for three-year-old Quarter Horses.

Ridden by Kevin E. Orozco for trainer Hector Magallanes, Stel Time broke sharply from post four and established an early advantage before digging in gamely to withstand a late challenge. The Oregon-bred filly stopped the clock in 19.529 seconds, earning a 99 speed index over a fast racing surface with no wind.

The victory was worth $16,800 to owner and breeder Jeff Ray, increasing Stel Time's career earnings to $38,355. The daughter of Turbulent Times, out of Stella Corona by Stel Corona, recorded her fifth victory in 13 career starts. Her updated record includes five wins, one second, and two thirds. She previously finished fourth in the Firecracker Futurity.

Sent off at odds of 4.30-1, the bay filly demonstrated her early speed and determination throughout the race, holding a narrow advantage before securing the neck victory.

Jess F Y I, the 1.80-1 betting favorite, delivered a strong runner-up performance under jockey Blake Nunnally, finishing a neck behind the winner and earning $7,140.

Also trained by Hector Magallanes, the three-year-old gelding races for Michael S. McKay and was bred by Michael and/or Shannon McKay. He is a son of Gold Heart Eagle V, out of Time to Splash Bac by Splash Bac.

The runner-up effort increased Jess F Y I's career earnings to $87,228, with an updated record of six wins, three seconds, and one third from 13 starts. His previous accomplishments include victories in the Firecracker Futurity and John Deere Emerald Downs Juvenile Challenge, along with a runner-up finish in the Adequan California Derby Challenge.

Vr New Dream overcame contact at the start to finish a determined third, another head behind Jess F Y I, earning $4,620 for owner and breeder Denis Valdez.

Trained by Benito Curiel and ridden by Alex V. Anaya, the three-year-old gelding is by Ec Jet One, out of A Cataclysmic Affair by A Classic Dash.

The third-place finish increased Vr New Dream's lifetime earnings to $16,833. His updated career record stands at two wins, one second, and four thirds from 14 starts. He previously qualified for the finals of the Golden Spoke Derby and Grants Pass Derby Challenge.

The remaining finishers were Slreasonwithattitude in fourth, followed by Cinderella Jg, Handsome, Three Bars Blazin, Awesome Cowboy, Apolliticalcollusion, and Dynasties Favorite.

The Autumn Derby was contested under clear skies with a temperature of 60 degrees. The race featured 10 finalists who qualified through trials held September 27 at Grants Pass Downs.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Stay connected with the latest Quarter Horse racing news, stakes results, and industry updates from StallioneSearch.com. CLICK HERE to visit StallioneSearch.com.