Page 164 - June 2016

Mexico Derby
GAME SAMBASO
by Luis Prieto Zamudio, translation by Eduardo Silveyra
The Mexico Derby is the second Classic test for Mexican three year olds auctioned at the Hipodromo de las Americas. There were 33 participants in the qualification races held on April 17 to obtain the 10 finalist positions, who returned to the track on May 1 to dispute a purse of 536,000 pesos (approximately US $31,140).
The fans awaited the Mexico Derby with great expectation, given the quality of the qualifiers. Topping the list of finalists at :16.32 seconds was the brown filly RG Maléfika Cartel, reappearing this season after having won the Futurity Mexico Consolation in 2015 and finishing third in the Stallion Futurity,
as well as in the final of the Mexican Bred Juvenile Challenge.
She was the second favorite to win the race, with Silver Perry the favorite on a nice after- noon to enjoy the speed of the Quarter Horse.
The field took their starting positions. The black filly N Sure was the most restless in her gate, which delayed her start as it opened. In the middle of the gates, MSR Royal Corona and Lafishingonabugsmoon advanced in opposite directions, slamming and enclosing RG Maléfika Cartel. When the race began to flow, MSR Royal Corona once again leaned on the same filly and left her without any chance. While this was being resolved on the inside of the track, Silver Perry undertook the chance to
escape with Game Sambaso in pursuit, which paid off and resulted in his crossing the finish line 3/4-length in front of the big sorrel.
Few realized the danger of the grey son of Sambaso Dancer out of The Answer Lady (by Corona Cartel), who was
bred by Everardo Muzquiz,
as he closed with odds of 12.10 pesos for each bet. Under the guidance of Ismael Parra Martinez, he finished the 330 yards in :16.39 for
a SI 93. He was saddled by Liderme Rene Gomez Diaz.
In 2015, he won the
Mexican Bred Juvenile
Challenge. He began 2016 by
winning the corresponding
Derby. In the Mexico Derby
trials, he came in fourth and
positioned himself with the sixth fastest time, scoring :16.497. This was his fifth victory in 11 starts, with a second and two third places. His reward was 225,120 pesos (US $13,079 approximately).
At the end of the race, there were inquiries and protests for the violations by MSR Royal Corona and Lafishingonabugsmoon on RG Maléfika Cartel, but as they arrived behind the filly, they did not merit any disqualifica- tion. Such flagrant fouls warrant exemplary
actions from the stewardess to prevent their recurrence, which in this case meant a broken right knee for the filly which required surgical care, placing two screws and resulting in her removal as a runner.
Silver Perry (Jessified - Ziplock Chick) took second place for owner Casandra Godinez (Cuadra Gomac) under the guidance of Lauro Vazquez. Carlos Vazquez Marquez trains him, as well as the winner. He was bred by Everardo Múzquiz.
Surprising in third place was Valentine Ruby (Tres Ruby - Valentine High), well assisted by Eddi Cuellar for Cuadra Garañones and trainer Jose Luis Cruz. She
was bred by Alejandro Arenas Badillo. Other positions at the finish line were as
follows: J Genuine (Jess The Man – Genuine First Down), El Vasco GC (Native Jewel DH – Sixarun Girl), N Sure (Native Cartel – Sure Alibi), Príncipe Aguerrido (Aguerrido – Jess A Princess), RG Maléfika Cartel (Danny Cartel – La Chuchena), MSR Royal Corona (MSR Corona Clasic – Niftys Royal Flush) & Lafishingonabugsmoon (Nofishinoafullmoon – A Special Lady Bug).
Hipodromo de las Americas $31,140 • 330 yards :16.39 • si 93
First Down Dash
Sambaso Dancer
Beduino Dancer
GAME SAMBASO, ‘13-g.
Corona Cartel
The Answer Lady
Bug In The Pie
162 SPEEDHORSE, June 2016
Game Sambaso wins his second classic of 2016 and third for his career.
RACING NEWS
Miguel A. Espinoza, Hipodromo de las Americas