Page 145 - May 2016

Easily A Possum Clasico
RG GOLDEN KING
by Luis Prieto Zamudio, translation by Eduardo Silveyra
In another demonstration of power, the three- year-old sorrel from Rancho Las Gaviotas won the Easily A Possum Clasico in its 17th
edition, a race ran at the Hipodromo de las Americas at a distance of 350 yards on March 21, 2016.
Eight were registered, yet were reduced to seven by the scratching of Shake Time (#6) of Cuadra Crucifijo where the son of Stel Corona out of Damoney (by Mr Eye Opener) and bred in Texas by Quarter Horses Hodnett was the favorite in the betting windows. However, there was a moment of uncertainty when the big colt opened the door of his gate but was controlled by his rider Mario Alberto Lopez, and then loaded back in his gate. It was later learned that this was in reaction to a kick by One Sweet Built (#5) to the stalls.
The start of the race began with all of
the runners searching for the finish line. Highlights include the sorrel Eye On Winning (#2), who ran with determination and strength driven by the experienced Eddi Cuellar. Meanwhile on the right side of the track, RG Golden King gradually took over the drive with a pace set by his rider, but pulling towards the
center of the sandy track, he came to have a brush with the red bay Saz Saz Zoo, who was running diagonally to the right. Evading this pitfall, the two steeds took the lead in the race, where slowly but firmly,
Rancho Las Gaviotas played down the advantage to over- come Cuadra Armadillo with little more than a head. It was definitely a rousing finale, a duel of power versus power.
The race time was 17.23
seconds for a 97 speed
index, very similar to that
recorded by the winner in
his previous victory (17.26
seconds) on Feb. 7 in the
National Championship Dia
del Charro. This is definitely
a good start to the season for the stable of the State of Morelos, who has won the three clasicos in which it has participated, two of them with RG Golden King and the Clasico Velocidad with Swingin Corona, all with the assistance of jockey Mario Alberto Lopez Marmolejo. In 2015, RG Golden King also
credited the Jodys Glory Clasico, putting his current record at 3-2-4 in 9 appearances.
The award ceremony was tumultuous, with more than 50 people in the winner’s circle accompanying the
rider, his horse and equip- ment, including trainer Jose Erick Ocampo, all looking to immortalize in a picture the happy moment of triumph.
The purse in dispute was for 242,600 pesos (approxi- mately US $13,939), of which 60% was for the winner. This clasico is the first jewel of the Quarter Horse Triple Crown, with the AMCCCCM Clasico and the Mexicano Derby fol- lowing, scheduled for May 22
and July 31 respectively and both at 400 yards. Eye On Winning (First Down Dash - Eye
Of An Episode) was placed second, having fin- ished third in his previous appearance on the National Championship Dia del Charro, again manned by Eddi Cuellar for Cuadra Armadillo and trainer Erick Jose Ocampo.
Hipodromo de las Americas $13,939 • 350 yards :17.23 • si 97
Corona Cartel
Stel Corona
Our Lips Are Sealed
RG GOLDEN KING, ‘13-c.
Mr Eye Opener
Damoney
Such An Easy Effort
Hand to hand in the final yards among two maternal siblings, RG Golden King (#7) scores the win over Eye On Winning
SPEEDHORSE, May 2016 143
RACING NEWS
Miguel A. Espinoza / Hipodromo de Las Américas