That Rico cruises in Golden State Derby

CYPRESS, Calif. – That Rico won the first major stakes of his career in Sunday’s $259,900 Golden State Derby at 400 yards at Los Alamitos under a hand ride from leading jockey Jesus Ayala.

After a perfect start, That Rico ($8.40) led by as much as 1 1/2 lengths early in the 400-yard race and prevailed by a half-length over 9-1 Trippys Royal Jess and 37-1 Look at Her, who finished in a dead heat for second in a field of 10.

That Rico was timed in 19.71 seconds and earned $109,158 for co-owners Terry Thompson and trainer Paul Jones, who also trains Look at Her.

The Golden State Derby was the third consecutive win for That Rico, a gelding by Carters Cartel. The winning streak includes the minor Independence Day Handicap in July and a division of the Golden State Derby trials on Aug. 6.

That Rico has won 7 of 13 starts and earned $188,805.

Jones said after the race that he has yet to choose a goal this autumn for That Rico, who is eligible for the track’s three remaining derbies – the Pacific Coast Quarter Horse Racing Association Breeders’ Derby in October, the Super Derby in November and the Southern California Derby in December.