Page 226 - Speedhorse April 2019

Mardi Gras Futurity-RG2
HH GAILFORCE
by Michael Compton
HH Gailforce has run to her name in her first two career starts and the precocious filly from trainer Joel Cantu’s barn produced
a strong effort to score a determined victory in the $305,296 Mardi Gras Futurity-RG2, the first futurity of the year, at Louisiana Downs on March 16.
Ridden by Luciano Duenez, HH Gailforce broke alertly and on the lead, duel- ing throughout the 300-yard fixture.
She was in second place by just a head at the top of the stretch.
After putting away the early leader Heza Fast Train B, HH Gailforce kept on task to the finish, defeating race favorite and fastest qualifier TF Shez Jess Dashin by a neck in a blanket finish.
HH Gailforce stopped the timer in :15.399, earning a 98 speed index.
This was the second straight victory for HH Gailforce, who captured her Mardi Gras Futurity trial heat in her career bow on Feb. 23, leading from start to finish over a sloppy track for a clear 1-length victory. Her time was good for the third fastest qualifying time to the main event.
“In the trial, she ran a little green,” stated the jockey, who also rode her in the trials. “This is the biggest futurity of my career.”
With the winner’s share of $137,384, HH Gailforce boosted her bankroll to $140,984 and is perfect in her first two outings for the Egoizzta Partnership that consist of Juan, Joel and Jose Cantu and Eric Hinojosa.
They made the trip to Louisiana last year and pur- chased the filly for $12,000 in the 2018 LQHBA Yearling Sale.
“It’s a partnership with my brothers and cousin,” explained trainer Joel Cantu.
“At the LQHBA Sale, we didn’t know what to buy; there were so many horses! We looked at the pedigree and the mare is a sister to Open Me A Corona,” he continued. “It was a big race for us and Luciano!”
Harvey Hayes bred HH Gailforce out of lightly raced Open My Prize, a half-sister to Open Me a Corona. The mare has produced 100% money earners from three start-
ers, including winner Bayou Bigtime. HH Gailforce is her first stakes winner and top money earner.
Fastest qualifier TF Shez Jess Dashin (Sir Runaway Dash-Jess Ought To Go Now)
was second under Everardo Rodriguez for owner Dawn South Racing and trainer Ned Goutierrez III. The gray filly, who also won her career debut in the trials wire-to-wire by 2-lengths, was bred by Tate Farms.
Patriot On Ice (Jet Black Patriot-Zooming On Ice)
and jockey J. Ramirez closed with a rush late to finish third for owner Rogelio Marquez
Jr., who will be honored as the 2018 LQHBA Champion Owner in April, and trainer Alberto Solis. A narrow winner over foes in his initial career start in the trials to this race, Patriot On Ice was bred by Omar Alberto Solis.
Heza Fast Train B (Freighttrain B-Fast Girl Friend), Streakin Fast Rogue (Heza Fast Rogue-Streakin Game Patriot), Escandalo (Apollitical Blood-Eying Miss Perry), JJ Jess an Meterorite (Jess an Idea- The Meteorite), JRS Sir Pop a Top (Sir Runaway Dash-Pop a Top Special), JRS Duel Fantasy (Coronas Leaving You-Gevril) and Mr Achievement B (Freighttrain B-Diamonds Achievement) completed the order of finish.
HH Gailforce & Luciano Duenz win the $305,296 Mardi Gras Futurity-RG2 Winning connections include owner Egoizzta Partnership & trainer Joel Cantu
224 SPEEDHORSE, April 2019
Louisiana Downs $305,296 • 300 yards :15.399 • si 98
PYC Paint Your Wagon
Freighttrain B
Dianetogetcha
HH GAILFORCE, ‘13-f.
First Prize Perry
Open My Prize
In The Open
RACING NEWS
Hodges Photography
Hodges Photography