Mega Hero extends winning streak to five in Firecracker Derby

Mega Hero won his fifth consecutive race Friday night, rallying for a half-length win over Graceful Eagle in the $172,580 Firecracker Derby for Quarter Horses at Delta Downs. It was another head back to One Sweet Picky in third.

Mega Hero ($3.60), the fastest qualifier for the Firecracker, covered 400 yards on a track rated fast in 19.59 seconds. Manuel Gutierrez was aboard for Double H Racing Investment and trainer Jose Sanchez.

Mega Hero’s streak started in a Nov. 25 trial at Evangeline Downs. Mega Hero then won another trial April 21 at Delta and proceeded to capture the finale, the $62,000 Old South Derby on May 12. In his next start, Mega Hero won his Firecracker Derby trial June 9. For his victory in the finale Friday night, he earned $86,290.

Racing resumes Saturday night at Delta with the $274,325 Firecracker Futurity for Quarter Horses.

• Grand Ilusion ($10) closed from last for a three-quarter-length win over 2014 world champion Quarter Horse Jrc Callas First in the $15,000 Tower of the Americas Handicap at Retama Park.