The Nebraska HBPA Derby at Legacy Downs is set to showcase some of the finest Nebraska-bred three-year-old colts and geldings in a thrilling one-mile stakes race. With a $30,000 purse, this event promises intense competition, strategic jockeying, and a test of endurance on the fast dirt track.
Race Details
- Event: Nebraska HBPA Derby
- Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
- Time: 3:50 PM CT
- Location: Legacy Downs, Nebraska
- Distance: One Mile
- Surface: Dirt
- Purse: $30,000
- Weight Assignments:
- 3-year-olds: 122 lbs
- Non-winners of three races: Allowed 2 lbs
- Non-winners of two races: Allowed 4 lbs
- Maidens: Allowed 6 lbs
Field Analysis – Horses, Jockeys, Trainers & Pedigrees
1. Hurry Up N Wait (5/2)
- Jockey: V. J. Bailon
- Trainer: D. C. Anderson
- Owner: JL Racing LLC
- Breeder: Justin Larsen
- Pedigree: Midnight Storm – Shesaluckyflag (Lucky Lionel)
A consistent performer, Hurry Up N Wait has shown strong closing speed in previous races. His sire, Midnight Storm, was a Grade 1-winning turf specialist, but his dam’s lineage suggests solid dirt stamina. Expect him to be a late challenger in the stretch.
2. Fly High Trigger (8/1)
- Jockey: T. Cunningham
- Trainer: S. H. Becker
- Owner: Steven H. Becker & Jaci Burdick
- Breeder: Steven Becker
- Pedigree: Court Vision – Eager Leader (More Than Ready)
Fly High Trigger has struggled with consistency, but his pedigree suggests tactical speed. Court Vision, a Breeders’ Cup Mile winner, provides versatility, while More Than Ready’s influence could help with late acceleration.
3. P R Mo Vision (6/1)
- Jockey: J. A. Medina
- Trainer: J. Wise
- Owner: Ryan Belgum
- Breeder: Judy Pryor
- Pedigree: Court Vision – Ranska (Uncle Mo)
A mid-pack runner, P R Mo Vision has shown flashes of brilliance but needs a stronger finishing kick. His Uncle Mo dam line suggests explosive speed, making him a potential upset contender.
4. Ghost Daddy (15/1)
- Jockey: C. Fackler
- Trainer: J. Compton
- Owner: Jon Myers, Bryan Easley & Scott Gorka
- Breeder: MMJS Equine LLC & Jon Myers
- Pedigree: Dominus – She’s Cheeky (Black Minnaloushe)
A longshot, Ghost Daddy has yet to prove himself at this level. His sire, Dominus, was a Grade 2 winner, but his dam’s lineage lacks top-tier stamina. He’ll need a perfect trip to contend.
5. They Call Me Moose (2/1)
- Jockey: B. Nunnally
- Trainer: G. Thompson
- Owner: Grady Thompson, Whitney Thompson & Deborah Thompson
- Breeder: Grady M. Thompson
- Pedigree: Giant Expectations – Mongol Call (Any Given Saturday)
The morning-line favorite, They Call Me Moose has dominant early speed and strong stamina. His sire, Giant Expectations, was a Grade 2-winning sprinter, while his dam’s lineage suggests long-distance capability. Expect him to set the pace early.
6. Mischief’s Pride (7/2)
- Jockey: L. Delorme
- Trainer: M. A. Johnson
- Owner: Landis Stables LLC
- Breeder: Raver Bloodstock LLC
- Pedigree: Most Mischief – Divine River (Divine Park)
A versatile runner, Mischief’s Pride has solid tactical speed and can adapt to different race scenarios. His sire, Most Mischief, is known for producing durable runners, making him a strong contender.
7. Nebraska Gold (10/1)
- Jockey: B. Quinonez
- Trainer: K. Martinez
- Owner: Robert J. Huss & Jacob R. Huss
- Breeder: Judy Ann Pryor
- Pedigree: Mor Spirit – C P Quality (Caleb’s Posse)
Nebraska Gold has shown promise in shorter races, but his stamina is questionable over a mile. His sire, Mor Spirit, was a Grade 1-winning miler, but he’ll need perfect positioning to contend.
Race Strategy & Predictions
Likely Race Scenario
- They Call Me Moose is expected to set the early pace, pushing the field into a fast opening quarter.
- Mischief’s Pride and Hurry Up N Wait will likely stalk the leader, waiting for an opportunity to strike.
- P R Mo Vision and Fly High Trigger could close late, especially if the frontrunners tire.
Predicted Finish
- They Call Me Moose – Strong early speed, likely to hold off challengers.
- Mischief’s Pride – Tactical versatility makes him a serious threat.
- Hurry Up N Wait – Late acceleration could secure a top-three finish.
- P R Mo Vision – Potential upset contender with a strong closing kick.
- Nebraska Gold – Could surprise if the pace collapses.
Best Bets
- Win Bet: They Call Me Moose (2/1)
- Exacta Box: They Call Me Moose / Mischief’s Pride / Hurry Up N Wait
- Trifecta: They Call Me Moose / Mischief’s Pride / P R Mo Vision
