Delta Downs: Firecracker Futurity, Firecracker Derby both six-figure stakes

Trainer Bobby Martinez and jockey David Alvarez have the fastest qualifiers for a rich Quarter Horse stakes double at Delta Downs on Saturday night. The men will team with Shakem Little Corona in the Grade 2, $327,715 Firecracker Futurity and Runaway Wagon in the $144,065 Firecracker Derby.

Shakem Little Corona won her 350-yard trial for the Firecracker Futurity in 17.30 seconds June 16 to remain undefeated in two starts. She won by a half-length under Alvarez. Shakem Little Corona, who races for Bobby J. Barnett, will break from post 4.

Also set to start in the Firecracker is Sassmaster, the winner of the Grade 2 Sam Houston Futurity in April who had the eighth-fastest qualifying time for Saturday night’s finale. Interesting Man, winner of the Grade 3 Harrah’s Futurity at Louisiana Downs in March, has the fifth fastest qualifying time for the Firecracker.

Runaway Wagon led all qualifiers for the Firecracker Derby when he won his 400-yard heat in 19.45 seconds June 16. He won on a good track, under Alvarez. Runaway Wagon, who will break from post 7, races for Barnett and Tommy Hays.

The field Saturday night also includes Triple Vodka, a winner of 5 of 7 starts, including last year’s Texas Quarter Horse Association Sales Futurity at Retama Park, and Sizzlin Cartel, winner of last year’s Firecracker Futurity.