Page 47 - February 2016 Speedhorse

Heza Dasha Fire wins the Champioin of Champions
Heza Dasha Fire wins the Los Alamitos Super Derby
Heza Dasha Fire wins the Golden State Derby
Nevertheless, Heza Dasha Fire outbroke him. Moonist never gave up, but he never caught his younger rival either.
“I could see the other horses about 50 yards into the race,” said Mendez. “But at about 100 yards into the race, we were on the lead.”
That effectively ended the race. Heza
Dasha Fire powered to a 1 1/4-length lead over Moonist with Mendez never having to think about using his whip. Moonist finished another 2 1/4-lengths ahead of third-place Dashin Brown Streak.
As soon as the win photo was snapped, Kathy walked up to pet Heza Dasha Fire.
“I always try to give him some loving after the race,” she said. “He’s a sweetheart.”
He is also the latest World Champion, leading Don to exclaim, “This is once in a lifetime.”
Heza Dasha Fire’s winning connections after his Golden State Derby victory
That combination turned an already terrific racehorse into a sensational competitor. Flores unveiled him for the trials of the Golden State Derby-G2, and Heza Dasha Fire sizzled to a 1 1/2-length victory as the fastest qualifier.
The bettors loved Heza Dasha Fire so much that Los Alamitos didn’t offer place or show wagering on the Golden State Derby final. Heza Dasha Fire went off at 1-10 only because the minimum payout is $2.20. The comment line read “never in doubt,” and track announcer Ed Burgart said, “Heza Dasha Fire, in my opinion, might be the best 3 year old in the country.”
Cruz Mendez, the only jockey ever to pilot Heza Dasha Fire in a race, never had to ask him. The official margin was 1 1/2-lengths, which could have been much more.
“Heza Dasha Fire just continues to amaze us,” said Don.
Heza Dasha Fire returns after winning the Golden State Derby
In October, Heza Dasha Fire competed in the trials and finals of the Los Alamitos Super Derby-G1 - two more races and two more wins.
“I was jumping up and yelling,” said Kathy, who just about bursts out of her skin on the Los Alamitos apron every time Heza Dasha Fire runs. “He’s phenomenal. He’s been a joy from the beginning.”
The Super Derby earned Heza Dasha Fire
a berth in the Champion of Champions-G1.
It would be his first try against his elders, including a very dangerous and talented gelding named Moonist and the excellent filly Quirky.
The race is well named because it became obvious that the World Championship would be on the line. Would it be Heza Dasha Fire or Moonist?
Bettors voted with their dollars, hammering Heza Dasha Fire to 3-5 and pegging Moonist at 5-2.
Moonist sometimes can break sluggishly, but he didn’t in the Champion of Champions.
Kathy Meneely kisses Heza Dasha Fire after his win in the Los Alamitos Super Derby
Dale Day speaks to trainer Jose Flores and owners Kathy and Don Meneely of S-Quarter K, LLC
SPEEDHORSE, February 2016 45
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