Seize the Win rolls to victory in Hialeah Derby

Seize the Win, lightly regarded at 12-1 despite wins in his two most recent starts, seized the lead at the start and rolled to a one-length victory in the $417,575 Hialeah Derby for 3-year-old Quarter Horses on Sunday at Hialeah Park.

It was the second Hialeah Derby victory for jockey Shanley Jackson and trainer Matt Frazier, who teamed up to win the 2012 running with Feature My News.

“This horse is the consummate professional,” said Frazier of Seize the Win, whose biggest win previously came in the $125,000 Governor’s Stakes at Indiana Grand in October. “From day one in the barn, his nickname has been Golden Boy.”

In winning for the third time in six lifetime starts, Seize the Win ($26.80) covered 400 yards, aided by a tailwind, in 19.272 seconds. Moonin the Eagle finished second as the 9-5 favorite, three-quarters of a length in front of Red Corona Warrior.

Jessies First Down wins Hialeah Maturity

Jessies First Down ($35.60), a maiden after nine lifetime starts, broke through by scoring a neck victory over Quick Dynasty in the $204,715 Hialeah Maturity for 4-year-olds. It was the second stakes win of the card for jockey Rodrigo Vallego and trainer Judd Kearl.

Jessies First Down, second in one of three trials for the Maturity on Dec. 28, ran 440 yards in 21.350 seconds.

Vallejo and Kearl also teamed up to win the $112,910 Florida Quarter Horse Association Stallion Stakes Derby with Last Man Standing ($8.80), who prevailed by a neck over Eat the Fish by running 350 yards in 17.679 seconds.