Mega Hero streaks into Firecracker Quarter Horse Derby

Mega Hero brings more than just a catchy name into Friday night’s $172,580 Firecracker Quarter Horse Derby at Delta Downs. He enters the race on top of his game, having won his last four starts. Mega Hero also was the fastest qualifier for the Firecracker, and he drew well in post 9.

The Firecracker is a 400-yard race for the 10 fastest qualifiers during three trials June 9.

Mega Hero rolled to a three-quarter-length win in 19.60 seconds in the first trial. The victory continued a streak that started in a Nov. 25 trial at Evangeline Downs. Mega Hero then won a trial for the Old South Derby on April 21 at Delta, and proceeded to capture the $62,000 finale on May 12.

Manuel Gutierrez has the mount for Double H Racing Investments and trainer Jose Sanchez.

One Sweet Picky was second to Mega Hero in her trial for the Firecracker, and will break right outside him on Friday in post 10. One Sweet Picky ran 400 yards in 19.71 seconds to rank as the second-fastest qualifier for the Firecracker. Luciano Duenez has the mount for trainer Rodolfo Sanchez. Last year, One Sweet Picky was third in the $306,000 Evangeline Downs Futurity.

World champion at Retama

Jrc Callas First, the world champion Quarter Horse of 2014, will see action Friday night at Retama Park near San Antonio. He is part of an eight-horse field for the $15,000 Tower of the Americas Handicap. The race will be run over 550 yards. He Is the Risingstar is the probable favorite and the 126-pound highweight.

Jrc Callas First is coming off a sixth-place finish at the distance in the $20,000 Harris County at Sam Houston. The start was is first since October. Jrc Callas First boasts a 7-for-9 record at Retama. He is weighted at 124.