(Saturday, October 25, 2008) - Keilani Farms Swingin Jess, ridden by Gilbert Ortiz and trained by Heath Taylor, overcame a troubled trip to win by a nose in the 10th running of the Grade 1, $206,300 Dash for Cash Derby, for three-year-olds, over a fast track on Saturday night at Lone Star Park.

After being bumped at the start and getting carried in late in the stretch, Swingin Jess held on gamely to nose out Heza Smooth Gambler completing the 440 yards in 21.696 seconds to earn a Speed Index of 94. It was another head back to third-place finisher Jess Flashy.

“I thought it was a tremendously gutty effort,” said winning trainer Heath Taylor, “there was a lot of crowding on the inside part of the track and Gilbert (Ortiz – jockey) thought he could have done it a little easier with a clean trip.”

“He was left a little out of the gate but then he went to running and, when it got a little crowded nearing the finish, he showed what a big heart he has,” added the winning jockey.

With her ninth career win in 17 starts, the three-year-old colt, earned $82,520 to increase his career earnings to $426,548.

Swingin Jess paid $11.80, $5.20 and $4.00, runner-up Heza Smooth Gambler returned $22.40 and $8.60, while Jess Flashy paid $6.20 to show. Perry Tee Chick, Panther Purr, Ima Candy Suspect, Zazoom and Goodnews Gran completed the order of finish.

Lone Star Park’s 31-day, 2008 Quarter Horse Fall Meeting of Champions will be held from September 26 to November 29. After the opening weekend on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27, racing will be held every Thursday through Saturday in October and each Wednesday through Saturday in November, except Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 26-27 when there will be no live racing due to the Thanksgiving holiday. First post time for all dates will be 6:35 p.m. For more information, visit the track’s Web site at www.lonestarpark.com.