Moonist captures fourth Quarter Horse derby

CYPRESS, Calif. -- Moonist became the first horse to win four Quarter Horse derbies in a single season at Los Alamitos when he stretched his unbeaten streak to eight races in Friday’s $156,000 Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association Breeders’ Derby.

Ridden by Cesar DeAlba, Moonist ($2.60) overcame a bump at the start to win the 400-yard race by 1 3/4 lengths over 30-1 Rf One Famous Okey. Moonist was timed in 19.71 seconds.

Dynasty of Habits was third in the field of eight.

Earlier this year, Moonist won the El Primero, Governor’s Cup, and Golden State derbys. He has reached an eight-race winning streak by winning time trials for all four derbys.

Moonist, a gelding by Separatist, races for Ron Hartley and trainer John Cooper. Moonist will have a maximum of two more starts this year – in the trials, and most likely, the final of the Southern California Derby on Nov. 30 and Dec. 21.

Moonist has won 13 of 20 starts and earned $459,918 in his career.