Jess Good Reason captures Primera Del Ano Derby

CYPRESS, Calif.- Jess Good Reason overcame a bump at the start to win the first six-figure stakes of her career in Saturday’s $227,100 La Primera Del Ano Derby for 3-year-old Quarter Horses at Los Alamitos.

Jess Good Reason, ridden by Roberto Hernandez, collided with Jess Ravin at the start, but recovered quickly to lead by a half-length. Jess Good Reason ($3.40) led throughout the 400 yards and won by three-quarters of a length over 7-2 Jess Ravin. First N Final, an 8-1 shot who was claimed for $10,000 last October, finished third in the field of 10.

Jess Good Reason was timed in 19.68 seconds.

Jess Good Reason, by Good Reason Sa, has won 5 of 7 starts and earned $158,264 for John and Cina Sperry. John Sperry is a former commissioner of the California Horse Racing Board.

In December, Jess Good Reason won her stakes debut in the minor Holiday Handicap. She was later second in the $215,250 Los Alamitos Winter Derby against males in February.

Paul Jones trains Jess Good Reason, who did not have her first start until November 2015. Jones said Jess Good Reason’s debut was delayed because of a tibia injury.