Page 197 - August 2017

Garanones Futurity
DIVINA JESS
by Luis Prieto Zamudio, translation by Eduardo Silveyra
On June 24 and 25, qualifying races were held for the Garañones Futurity finals. The five fastest of each day earned their right
to compete for the prize of $3,463,250 pesos (approximately $195,198 US) assigned to the finals at a distance of 300 yards. For this pur- pose, 197 individuals took to the track of the Hipódromo de las Americas from the 392 that went through the Yearling Selecta Auction, who qualified and whose owners paid the fees to the race, which were a substantial part of the prize.
In the June 25 trials, Reina de Reinas got the best time of :15.257, which influenced her mark as a favorite, having also won the Mexico Futurity Championship. Next to her was Ze Dancer Arandas with :15.260, an impressive colt and winner of the Consolation of the Mexico Futurity. Then it was Divina Jess, the eventual winner who qualified in :15.266, a competitor in the Mexico Futurity where she finished in third place.
On July 16, nine of the 10 selected were present after the withdrawal of Bullish Cool from the M-R Cuadra. The expectations were great as the hour of the finals approached. Light rain preceded the race, cooling the atmosphere a bit, but nothing of importance for what was expected. The entry of Reina de
Reinas with Pantera Down Dash, both of the Cuadra San Lázaro de Arara, made their odds the lowest for first place at 1 to 1.
Shortly after the start, Pantera Down Dash interfered in the race of Reina de Reinas, and there the companions annulled each other. The others worked cleanly, with Divina Jess a strong competitor from the
beginning, who through the center of the track took the lead of the group by little margin and there maintained herself until crossing the goal in front of SF Simple Quick Heart by difference of a neck. The latter in turn sur- passed by a nose Ze Dancer Arandas and Gallo Malvado, who tied for third place. It was an extremely close race.
Divina Jess stopped the
clock at :15.10 for a speed
index of 101, greatly improving from her qualifying time. It was yet another stakes that goes to the record of Jockey Paul Osvaldo Rodríguez, who to this day is already second in statistics of his division, only surpassed by Moisés González García.
The awards ceremony in the winner’circle
was led by the team of Cuadra San Antonio AJH, owner of Divina Jess, the Juárez Hernández family, followers and friends. There was also trainer Jose Ravel Baltazar Aguilar and his family, as well as Don Antonio Lobeto Tamez and Adriana Gómez Barnola, executives of the Mexican Association of
Quarter Horse Breeders and Horsemen.
Divina Jess was raised in Mexico by Oscar Lozano, who registered her at the Yearling Selecta Auction in 2016 where she was quoted
at $380,000 pesos ($20,706 US approximately), the eighth highest price.
The filly has a current record of two firsts and two thirds from five outs. Her first win was in this qualify- ing race. The earnings she
adds to her account for the Garañones Futurity are $1,454,565 pesos (approximately $81,983 US) and now total more than $1.8 million pesos in her short career as an athlete.
Divina Jess is by Royal Invasor (by Royal Quick Dash), who in 15 starts took three firsts, three seconds and a third place, with
Hipodromo de las Americas $195,198 • 300 yards :15.10 • si 101
Royal Quick Dash
Royal Invasor
One Fast Kisser
DIVINA JESS, ‘15-f.
Mr Jess Perry
Jess Clear This
Onlyifthecheckclears
Divina Jess outlasted her rivals and took the Garañones Futurity
SPEEDHORSE, August 2017 195
RACING NEWS
Miguel A. Espinoza, Hipódromo de las Américas