Page 186 - December_2023

RACING NEWS
Francisco Calderon and Dark NME head to the finish line.
1,200 last night. They needed a hero and she’s it. She’s really loved.”
Undefeated going into the All American, Dark NME finished third. Undeterred, the Garcias and trainer Santos Carrizales, Jr. pointed her to the Texas Classic Futurity-G1. She blew away her trial competition by
2 1/4-lengths as the 1-20 favorite to qualify the fastest.
Dark NME drew the rail for the final, the 3-10 favorite with regular jockey Francisco Calderon aboard. She veered in right after the start, putting her at a disadvantage. She did not let that stop her, however, rallying to win by a length in :19.491 for 400 yards.
“She did well—she’s back,” said Garcia. “Honestly, I don’t think there’s a two year old in the country that can beat her. The crowd at the track was just amazing. I don’t think we’ve ever seen it that full.
“She looks fantastic—she’s so strong and healthy. We’re just blessed to have her.”
The Garcias, who live in Hebbronville, Texas, purchased Dark NME for $65,000 at the 2022 Heritage Place Yearling Sale. L Hendrix Horses, LLC bred her in Oklahoma, and Jordan Wiggins consigned her, then named Ms Dillard by the breeder.
Dark NME has been spectacular
as a racehorse. She won her first six starts, including the Remington Park Oklahoma Bred Futurity-RG1 and Rainbow Futurity-G1. She was the fastest All American qualifier, capturing her trial by 2-lengths.
Garcia said that the Texas Classic Futurity would be the filly’s final 2023 start.
“She’s had a long year—we’re going to let her rest,” he said. “She’s coming back to the ranch, and we’ll just let her be a horse for the next three or four months.”
He hopes to point Dark NME for the major derbies in 2024.
184 SPEEDHORSE December 2023
Dustin Orona Photography Myriam Maynard, Speedhorse