Page 143 - May 2016

Velocidad Clasico
SWINGIN CORONA
by Luis Prieto Zamudio, translation by Eduardo Silveyra
With only five appearances in his official record, but with extensive experience in tracks and match races in the central region of Mexico, the grey Swingin Corona won at the Hipodromo de las Americas the only clasico for older horses at 250 yards - The Velocidad Clasico with a purse of 332,600 pesos (approx- imately US $18,623).
An initial group of 12 runners was reduced to 10 at the last hour and had an additional reduction as Scicario was scratched from his starting gate by veterinary order when he could not be controlled by his rider (Eddi Cuellar) and handler.
This was a highly anticipated race due to the level of participants, with several of proven competitiveness, others looking to start their career in the Mexican scene, and still others with modest numbers in their official record. Such was the case of Swingin Corona.
A point of particular interest is that four years ago in this race, Allens Cash imposed a New World Record time for 250 yards, which remains in force to this date.
Having examined the participants in the Velocidad Classico, the public chose their favorites in the betting windows, marking as a wide favorite the red bay filly Sound Of Candy from Haras Ixbiapan, a winner of four clasicos,
including the Inaugural Clasico on Jan. 24, 2016. The gates opened and
at the far right Beaded
Lace (#10) moved inward
and interfered with
Rambunctious Boy (#9).
On the opposite end, Send
Me Satin Please (#1) moved
toward the same direction
and hit his left flank against
the rail. Meanwhile, Swingin
Corona (#3) started perfectly
from the gates and set the pace for the group. His nearest rival was Apollitical Knockout (#4), and on the outside Beaded Lace, once on her proper route, set down to hunt the leaders - fruitless efforts by both as Swingin Corona was already “touching the laser” in a blink of an eye with a flawless performance by rider Mario Alberto Lopez, who handled him masterfully. His time was 12.85 seconds (104 speed index). This was his third win and first clasico won, adding 199,560 pesos (about $11,174 US) to his total earnings.
As a two year old, Swingin Corona was a finalist in the AQHA Juvenile Challenge of Mexico after winning his qualifying race (his maiden) and marking the fastest time among
25 participants. At that time, he was owned by Cuadra Victoria M.C. At three years old, he was acquired by Rancho Las Gaviotas, the name in which he runs today.
Swingin Corona (Swingin Jess - Coronita Cartel, by Corona Cartel) was bred
in the United States by Randy and Stacy Hill. His team believes he has good genetic potential so, once this
commitment is over, he will stand as a stud in Rancho Las Gaviotas. His second dam is Dashin Follies, who produced stallions PYC Paint Your Wagon and Ivory James, and his third dam is multiple AQHA Champion Dashing Folly, winner of several clasicos and more than $500,000.
This is the second consecutive clasico that Rancho Las Gaviotas has attained in the new season, as on Feb. 7 they captured first place in the National Championship Dia del Charro with RG Golden King. From this team also comes This Lil Contender, who captured sec- ond place in the 2012 Velocidad Clasico.
Apollitical Knockout of Cuadra Cartas Blancas and under the direction of Alberto
Hipodromo de las Americas $18,623 • 250 yards :12.85 • si 104
Mr Jess Perry
Swingin Jess
Swingin Otoole
SWINGIN CORONA, ‘10-h.
Corona Cartel
Coronita Cartel
Dashin Follies
Swingin Corona, guided by Mario Alberto López, surprised the group and with an impeccable race in the Velocidad Clasico
SPEEDHORSE, May 2016 141
RACING NEWS
Miguel A. Espinoza / Hipodromo de Las Américas