Trainer Jose Espinosa Wins The 1-2 In The Laddie Futurity [RG2] With Gold Gun Z and Trainrobbersace

Gold Gun Z (#6), ridden by Guadalupe Lucio, wins the $291,932 Laddie Futurity [RG2] in a photo finish at Delta Downs on Saturday.

© Hodges Photography

VINTON, LA–MAY 25, 2024–It was a tight photo finish with a three-way drive at the wire between Gold Gun Z, Thetrainrobbersace and San Lorenzo Hustle in the $291,932 Laddie Futurity [RG2] at Delta Downs on Saturday.

The top two finalists, Gold Gun Z and Thetrainrobbersace, are stablemates conditioned by Jose Espinosa. Both won their trial heats but were not in the top three times. In fact, Gold Gun Z held the tenth fastest qualifying time from the trials.

Guadalupe Lucio, Jr., who did not ride him in the trials, got the leg up on Gold Gun Z for his victory in the 330-yard Futurity. Sabino Reyes chose to mount Thetrainrobbersace for the finals. Gold Gun Z broke fifth from the gates for a late surge across the wire and clocked a 91 speed index in :16.850 seconds on the fast track. The victory paid $10.00 to win on 4/1 odds.

Tonight’s first-place finish was Gold Gun Z's second from two starts, and his earnings were boosted to $151,966 after he cashed in the $145,966 winner’s check. His victory marks the first stakes win for the leading first-year sire of winners Gold Heart Eagle V.

The winning connections of Gold Gun Z accept the $291,932 Laddie Futurity [RG2]trophy at Delta Downs on Saturday. © Hodges Photography

Breeder Slash Z Quarter Horses sold Gold Gun Z for $122,000 to his owner, Party Tyme Racing, in last year’s LQHBA Yearling Sale. The bay gelding is out of Cf Smokin Gun by Tres Seis. He is a half-brother to stakes winner Relentless Gun.

Runner-up Thetrainrobbersace broke his two-win streak and now has a record of 2-1-0 from three starts and $59,828 in the bank.

Thetrainrobbersace is a $45,000 LQHBA Yearling Sale graduate bred by Rj Ranch LLC. Jose Espinosa, in partnership with Robert Witsiepe, owns the son of Freighttrain B. He is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Brillianz, a half-sister to stakes winner and track record setter Hallmarke. Thetrainrobbersace is from the family of world champion Whistle Stop Café and champion Brimmerton.

San Lorenzo Hustle, ridden by Martin Osuna, placed third. The son of American Hussle has yet to break his maiden from two starts and has $31,193 in earnings.

Trainer Jeremy Derozin saddled San Lorenzo Hustle for owner/breeder Rogelio Marquez, Jr. The sorrel colt is out of Sugarshaker B by Heza Fast Dash.

Torpedo, Cartel Gone Wild, Ripnzoom, Enzo Avion, Wanna Sweet Treet and Paint Me Onis complete the order of finish. Fastest qualifier from the trials San Lorenzo Chrome was scratched by his trainer.

Delta Downs will conduct another week of live Quarter Horse racing next Wednesday through Saturday, May 29 through June 1. First post time each night is at 6:15 pm.

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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 readers of USA TODAY 10 Best, Delta Downs features a six-furlong oval track, 15,000 square feet of casino space, and more than 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 in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7; from Texas, take Exit 4.