Bonafyde Wins The Nod For A Slight Upset In $60,000 Flying Breed Stakes

Bonafyde (#4), ridden by Noe Suarez, wins the $60,000 Flying Breed Stakes in a photo finish over JJ Heza Fast Dash Jr (#3) at Delta Downs on Saturday.

© Coady Photography

VINTON, LA–JULY 15, 2023–After an even start out of the gates, the $60,000 Flying Breed Stakes at Delta Downs on Saturday came to a photo finish decision between JJ Heza Fast Dash Jr and Bonafyde. It was the latter who won the nod.

Under the direction of jockey Noe Suarez, Bonafyde clocked a 90 speed index in :11.989 seconds. The four-year-old Louisiana-bred gelding’s upset over JJ Heza Fast Dash Jr paid $26.80 for the win and the $36,000 victory check increased his earnings to $89,880.

The winning connections of Bonafyde accept the $60,000 Flying Breed Stakes winning trophy at Delta Downs on Saturday.
© Coady Photography

Bonafyde was sold by breeder Jo Baya Foreman to his current owner/trainer Santiago Garcia for $15,000 in the 2020 LQHBA Yearling Sale. The four-time winning son of Heza Fast Dash is out of Unquestionable by Oak Tree Special.

Ridden by Ricardo Hernandez, Jr., JJ Heza Fast Dash Jr was bumped and dueled with Bonafyde to the wire but placed second after stewards ruled Bonafyde the winner by a head. The son of Heza fast Dash clocked an 89 speed index in :12.004 seconds.

The five-year-old gelding trained by Jose Carrizales has six wins with $142,838 in earnings, including the Open Me A Corona Stakes [G2] and Esplanade Stakes last year. JJ Heza Fast Dash Jr was bred in Louisiana by his owner J & J Stables, LLC and is out of Forever Real by Mr Jess Perry.

Mighty Pocket Rocket, with Leonardo Rodriguez controlling the reins, hit a late rush for the wire placing third by a nose. The seven-time winning son of Mighty Corona has $113,335 in career earnings.

Trainer Janessa Muniz saddled Mighty Pocket Rocket for owner Tyler Langford. The 11-year-old gelding was bred by Mark Langford and is out of Raise The Sky by Pie In The Sky.

Five Bar Presence, Tee Britt, Freighttrain Game, Ja Zooms and Hez Pretty Fast complete the order of finish.

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About Delta Downs
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4. For more information about the season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com.