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FARGO, ND–JULY 31, 2025–The spotlight shines on North Dakota Horse Park this Saturday afternoon as eight of the state’s top homebred sophomores line up for the $22,400-added NDQHRA Derby, the marquee event of the meet. The field was determined through a pair of trial heats on July 19, and now the fastest North Dakota-bred 3-year-olds will contest 400 yards in pursuit of Derby glory, bragging rights, and purse money.

Set for approximately 3:00 PM, the final promises a rematch of trial rivals and a showcase of locally bred speed and talent.

Drawing post position five and installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite, Im Rip enters off an impressive neck victory in the trials, where he recorded the fastest qualifying time. The son of Rip Tide out of Cowboywannab (by Cowboys Cartel) is bred and owned by Tyrell R. Moody and trained by Skip Moody.

Im Rip has been a model of consistency, boasting seven wins from ten starts and $33,639 in earnings. He’ll have regular rider Dakota Wood aboard, looking to solidify his standing as the top 3-year-old North Dakota-bred in the state.

The 3-1 second choice on the morning line is Wrangler 123, who turned heads in the trials with a ¾-length victory, showing late acceleration that could prove dangerous again in the finals. The gelding qualified fourth-fastest but did so with authority.

Sired by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of Marmolly (by Freighttrain B), Wrangler 123 has compiled three wins and two seconds from 11 starts, earning $13,079 for breeder and owner Billy Buchholz. He’ll break from post position three for trainer Robert Don Johnson, with Kody Kellenberger set to ride.

Another major contender is Famous Speedy One, who finished a game second to Im Rip in the trial heat after a troubled beginning. With a cleaner trip, this seasoned competitor could reverse the outcome.

Trained by Robert Don Johnson for Wilson Racing Stables, Famous Speedy One is sired by Famous Painted One out of Little Free Speed by Free Company, bred by Darrel Smith & Noreen Cavanaugh. With four wins, two seconds, and two thirds from 12 starts, he leads the field in earnings with $38,002. Larren Delorme will be in the irons from post seven.

The NDQHRA Derby Finals is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of North Dakota’s Quarter Horse breeding and racing program. With each runner bred and raised in the state, Saturday’s event highlights the local connections and partnerships. With a well-matched field and storylines rooted in local pride, fans can expect a thrilling finish in this year’s edition of the NDQHRA Derby Finals.

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