Trainer Tim Eggleston began the 14-race all-Quarter Horse racing day at Indiana Grand with a win from Stormi Spirits in one of the trials of the Miss Roxie Little Futurity. His day ended with another win in the final race of the day as Jess Over Yonder topped two trails to lead the way into the QHRAI Derby Final set for Oct. 30.

Jess Over Yonder and Natasha Fritz came into their trial on a three-race win streak and exited on a four-race win streak. The duo rallied near gate to wire for the win in 20.206 seconds over the 400-yard dash. Rock the Candy Wagon and German Rodriguez finished second on the outside, closely tracked by Jess Cindy and James Flores for third.

Jess Over Yonder is owned by JF Racing Stables. The sorrel filly by Apollitical Jess was also bred by Nick Johnson, primary owner of JF Racing Stables.

The other trial was won by WRs Moonin Thewagon (photo) and Juan Marquez. The duo finished second on the final list with their time of 20.216. Gwen and Randy Williams of LaCenter, Kentucky, own the flashy grey gelding by Moonin the Eagle. He is now on a six-race win streak dating back to last August at Indiana Grand for trainer Randy Smith.

The 10 finalists moving on out of 19 entrants for the QHRAI Derby, in order of time with jockey and time, includes: Jess Over Yonder (Natasha Fritz, 20.206); WRs Moonin Thewagon (Juan Marquez, 20.216); On a New Note (James Flores, 20.273); Rock the Candy Wagon (German Rodriguez, 20.293); Cartel Creek (Berkley Packer, 20.330); Jess Cindy (James Flores, 20.388); Flyn (Rolando Pina, 20.445); Western Reserve (Cristian Esqueda, 20.523); WRs Famous Molly (Juan Marquez, 20.566); and Apollitical Tools (Rolando Pina, 20.608).

Randy Smith will be busy in the final as he has six of the 10 to prep. Tim Eggleston had two qualify for the final.

Of the six that qualified for the QHRAI Derby Final, two were ridden by James Flores, who flew in for the day to ride in six of the races. Flores always enjoys a trip to Indiana when he gets the opportunity to ride. He plans to return Oct. 30 for the finals and is already excited about the 2022 Bank of America Challenge Championships coming to Indiana Grand.

“I believe this is the perfect place for the Challenge,” said Flores, who holds a couple of track records in Indiana. “The facilities are very nice, and this part of the country needs to expand their Quarter Horse racing. As a jockey, I want to see Quarter Horse racing grow, and Indiana Grand is well deserved to host the event next year. They always do everything right. It’s a family-friendly track and the fans here are always so excited about racing. I’m looking forward to the Challenge at Indiana Grand next year.”