Million Winner San Lorenzo Jet Doubles With LQHBA Breeders' Derby Win

San Lorenzo Jet, under jockey David Alvarez, winning the $202,037 Louisiana Champions Day Derby(RG3) Saturday at Evangeline Downs.

© Coady Photography

OPELOUSAS, LA—DECEMBER 16, 2023—Last year's Louisiana Million Futurity(RG1) winner San Lorenzo Jet scored a three-quarter length win in the $202,037 LQHBA Breeders Derby(RG3) Saturday night at Evangeline Downs.

San Lorenzo Jet broke well under regular rider David Alvarez then extended his lead while completing the 400 yards in :19.635 seconds, equaling a 95 speed index with a 10 mph tailwind on a sloppy (sealed) race track.

Trainer Jesus Marquez saddled the son of Jet Black Patriot to his seventh career win in nine starts for owner Rogelio Marquez, Jr. The $93,729 winner's purse boosted the bay geldings earnings mark to $987,939.

"He’s a big horse and always gives he all, "said Marquez. 

Winner of the Lee Berwick Futurity(RG1), Louisiana Million Futurity-DH(RG1) and the Laddie Futurity(RG2) last year, San Lorenzo Jet was bred by Rogers Farms (Tim and Jennie Rogers) from the Fly Jess Fly Miss Delta Duck.

"We are thankful for Mr. Marquez (Sr.) and his son Rogelio," said Rogers. "All we did was breed and raise him!"

Runner-up Wild Train Fortune, under jockey Rolando Cabrera, was no match for the winner. Champion trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. conditions the daughter of world champion sire Freighttrain B for owners Riley Blanchet and Rodney Verrett. Blanchet also bred the $147,631 earner from the Carters Cartel mare Cartels Fortune.

The winning connections of San Lorenzo Jet accept the LQHBA Breeders' Derby stakes trophy Saturday night at Evangeline Downs. © Coady Photography

Cool Ya Jets bumped hard at the start but fought hard to finish a head back in third for owner Pete Scarmardo. Also from the Kenneth Roberts stable, the daughter of Jet Black Patriot earned $20,829 for her effort. Ubaldo Luna had the riding call aboard the $271,938 money earner.

Bayou Stirling Equine LLC bred Cool Ya Jets from the Heza Fast Dash mare McM On Thin Ice. Winner of the Louisiana Oaks at Delta in July, she was finalist in the All American Oaks(G1) at Ruidoso Downs last summer.

Post time favorite Konnan Cartel finished fourth after hoping at the start. Completing the field were Royal Jet Knockout, King Air, Martinis Moneymaker and Diamondonatrian.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.

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For more information on the American Quarter Horse season at Evangeline Downs, visit the track's website evdracing.com. Evangeline Downs' Twitter handle is @EVDRacing and the racetrack is also accessible on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EvangelineDownsRacing.

About Evangeline Downs
Evangeline Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Evangeline Downs is in Opelousas, Louisiana, off I-49 on Cresswell Lane at Exit 18.