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RACING NEWS
Mardi Gras Futurity-RG2
EL CAMINO CL
by Michael Compton
El Camino CL remained undefeated with a determined victory in the $315,166 Mardi Gras Futurity-RG2 at Louisiana Downs on
March 14. The first futurity of the season, the Mardi Gras attracted a competitive group of juveniles, and El Camino CL, the fastest qualifier for the 300-yard event, backed up his impressive trial score with another sparkling effort.
It was El Camino CL’s debut in the Feb. 22 trials to the Mardi Gras Futurity, and he scored a wire-to-wire 1-length victory in the 9th of 14 heats.
Ridden by Eddie Sanchez once as in the finals, El Camino CL broke alertly from the 2-post. He dueled with Boxcar and Denalia Sweet Jess in the lane. After putting away those rivals, El Camino CL held at bay a fresh, late challenge from Sheza Freighttrain T to prevail by a neck at the finish. In winning for the sec- ond time in as many outings, El Camino CL, the race favorite, stopped the timer in :15.498, earning a 95 speed index.
A Louisiana homebred for Delfino Lozano IV, El Camino CL increased his bankroll to $145,425 with the $141,825 winner’s share of the purse.
“We are very proud,” Lozano shared with the media following the victory. “He’s always been a special horse. We raised him as a baby, and he did it today. It’s a good team I’ve been working with. They are professionals, and I rely on them for everything.”
That team includes
trainer Jose Sanchez III, who
was pleased with his charge’s
performance. “He came out
of his trial very well,” he said. “He did every- thing right today; broke straight and just ran. Delfino has made the payments for the Laddie and Lee Berwick Futurities at Delta Downs.”
Eddie Sanchez, who also piloted Boxcar
in his trial win, chose the right mount for the main event. “Nothing is easy, especially with these two kinds of horses,” he said. “I’m proud of this horse...I’m just the co-pilot.”
Lozano bred El Camino CL out of winner Eying Miss Perry. She has produced 100% win- ners from six starters, including stakes placed Zapata Chic and Eying Louisiana Game. El
Camino CL is her first stakes winner and top money earner.
Runner-up Sheza Freighttrain T (Freighttrain B-Cloning Around), a winner of her trial and the 5th-fastest qualifier, just missed under Rolando Pina. Trained by Alfredo Gomez, the filly is owned by Patrick Richardson. She was sold for $50,000 at the LQHBA Yearling Sale.
Denalia Sweet Jess (One Sweet Jess-Denali Chick), with Modesto Pina
up, held third for owner Jose Rodriguez and trainer Wendy Garcia. A 2-length winner of his trial, Denalia Sweet Jess was bred by Russell Moward and was a $9,000 LQHBA graduate.
Followed by Boxcar (Freighttrain B-Wood Be Charming), One Sweet Filly (One Sweet Jess- Filly Er Up), Jessa Louisiana Dash (Heza Fast Dash-Eyejesslovelouisiana), Lil Jess Rogue (Heza Fast Rogue-Lil Jess Print), Feelin Right (Jet Black Patriot-Jesiacountrychick), Sarahs Patriot (Game Patriot-Sarahsintomischief) and Sharks Jess Jumpin (Jumpn Chic-JA Jess Sizzlin).
Louisiana Downs $315,166 • 300 yards :15.498 • si 95
Heza Fast Man
Heza Fast Dash
First Prize Dash
EL CAMINO CL, ‘18-c.
Mr Jess Perry
Eying Miss Perry
Louisiana Eye Opener
160 SPEEDHORSE April 2020
El Camino CL (#2) and jockey Eddie Sanchez win the $315,166 Mardi Gras Futurity-G2 by a neck.
Hodges Photography