(Grand Prairie, Texas - Saturday, September 17, 2022) - The field for the $152,600 Dash for Cash Derby (G2) was determined from four trials on the ten race card at Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. Trainer Rolando Almanza had a big night as he saddled the two fastest qualifiers.

Favorite Blues Man posted the fastest time of all trial entrants, covering the 440 yards in :20.743 into a 10 mph headwind. Francisco Calderon was aboard during the 1 3/4-length win in the third trial of the evening.

The three-year-old colt by Favorite Cartel out of a Mr Jess Perry mare, Amore La Blue, is owned by La Feliz Montana Ranch, LLC. This victory was Favorite Blues Man's third win from five starts at the quarter-mile distance.

Smoky Ice, last year's Dash for Cash Futurity runner-up, was the second fastest qualifier. The gray gelding stopped the clock at :21.812 under a ride from Ricardo Garza-Cruz in the night's fourth trial. Just like the fastest qualifier, Smoky Ice is conditioned by Rolando Almanza and owned by La Feliz Montana Ranch, LLC.

The winner of the Firecracker Derby (G3) at Delta Downs, Lil Longmire, was the third fastest qualifier for the Dash for Cash Derby. Gilbert Ortiz had the riding call aboard the bay filly, crossing the finish line in :21.826 for M. Heath Taylor. Lil Longmire's win in the second trial of the night improved her record to seven wins from 12 career starts. Ben Peterson is the owner of the Utah-bred filly.

The ten fastest qualifiers from the trials will return to Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie on Saturday, October 1 for the $152,600 Dash for Cash Derby (G2):

Total handle for the ten race card was $517,227.

Live racing resumes Friday, September 23. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. First race post time is 6:05 p.m.