Fastest Qualifier Dirtwater Dash Draws Post 8 for Grade 3, $196,995 Firecracker Derby

Delta 550 Stakes winner Dirtwater Dash will put his five-race win streak on the line in Monday’s 400-yard, $196,995 Firecracker Derby (G3) at Delta Downs.

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VINTON, LA—JULY 14, 2021—Dirtwater Dash, a gray son of Sir Runaway Dash owned by Rosendo Valdez, will put his five-race win streak on the line in Monday’s 400-yard, $196,995 Firecracker Derby (G3) at Delta Downs.

The fastest qualifier, Dirtwater Dash is coming off of a 101/4-length victory in the third of four Firecracker Derby trials on June 28. The gelding has won all four of his outs -- including the May 24, $25,000 Delta 550 Stakes -- since he was claimed by Valdez for $10,000 on February 1.

Dirtwater Dash drew post 8 and will be ridden by Everardo Rodriguez for trainer Rosendo Valdez Jr.

Other prominent Firecracker Derby finalists include Priscilla Rodriguez’s Hes Innocent. A brown son of Hes Relentless trained by Martin Trejo, Hes Innocent has won all four of his races at Delta Downs, including last year’s 350-yard, $371,000 Firecracker Futurity (G2). The complete lineup, in post position order including jockey assignments:

1. Diane To Be A Hero (James Flores)
2. Lucchesse (Pedro Espinosa)
3. KK Blue Wagon (J.R. Ramirez)
4. Fear The Dragon (Manuel Gutierrez)
5. Hes Innocent (David Alvarez)
6. Sirprince Knockout (Raul Ramirez Jr.)
7. Pops First Lady (Luis Vivanco)
8. Dirtwater Dash (Everardo Rodriguez)
9. Hennessy Xo Tlc (Francisco Calderon)
10. Synergized (Gilbert Ortiz)

The Firecracker Derby, and all Delta Downs races, can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.