Page 158 - August 2019

Governor’s Cup Futurity-RG2
PITBULL
by Tracy Gantz
Eight of the 10 qualifiers to the $360,000 Governor’s Cup Futurity-RG2 on July 27 were sired by Favorite Cartel. So, perhaps it
wasn’t surprising that the first four finish- ers—making up the Superfecta—were sired by the Favorite Cartel.
The winner, fastest-qualifier Pitbull, kept his record perfect, indicating he could have a very promising career ahead of him.
Ruben Lozano has ridden Pitbull in each of his three starts, all at Los Alamitos.
Pitbull broke his maiden on June 1 in his debut. He then won his July 13 trial to the Governor’s Cup Futurity, breaking on the lead and steadily increasing his margin to cross the finish liine 1 1/4-lengths to the good for the fastest qualifying time.
In the Governor’s Cup Futurity finals, favored Pitbull broke from the 3-post just behind Max My Bullets, but he immediately took over the lead. He didn’t relinquish it throughout the remainder of the 350 yards, scoring by a 1/2-length in :17.610 and posting a 94 speed index.
“Three races, three wins,” said a very happy Cesar Nunez, a native of Sonora, Mexico and Pitbull’s owner. “He’s been outstanding. I saw the horse for the first time
just three days ago. He’s magnificent.”
Some of Nunez’s
friends, including Rafael Monteverde, a horse owner who has long raced at Los Alamitos, selected Pitbull for Nunez out of the 2018 Los Alamitos Equine Sale.
Dr. Steve Burns bred
Pitbull in California and
consigned him to the sale in
the name of Burns Ranch.
Valentin Zamudio, who trains the colt, signed the ticket for Nunez, bidding $40,000.
“They found the horse,” said Nunez. “With me being in Mexico, I just said that I was leaving the horse in their hands. It was a great pick of a horse by them.
“I felt it would be a tough race because our horse didn’t have much experience,” Nunez continued. “He broke on top and he remained there. It was a great result. We also just met Valentin Zamudio a few days ago. It’s all been new to me, but it’s been a great experience. We’ll keep racing here.”
Zamudio noted that Pitbull is a smart colt with an easygoing personality.
“He has a wonderful demeanor, and I think all of those qualities have helped him become a nice horse,” the trainer said.
“I see how much he enjoys running,” Zamudio stated. “The horse has always shown us talent. He’s never been headed by another horse up to this point. We hope it continues.”
This was the richest win of Zamudio’s training career, with Pitbull
earning $151,200. Zamudio’s previous biggest win came with Stelfast in the 2017 El Primero Del Ano Derby-G3.
“Jockey Ruben Lozano and the team that surrounds me have been great,” Zamudio said. “I’m very blessed.”
Burns bred Pitbull from the Separatist mare Separate Tac, who ran second in the 2006 Rainbow Derby-G1. Separate Tac has produced 14 winners in 19 starters, including stakes winner Attack The Cartel and stakes- placed Tac Out, Entrap, and TR Tac. A full brother to Pitbull, Lebowski, also qualified to the Governor’s Cup Futurity.
Los Alamitos $360,000 • 350 yards :17.610 • si 94
Favorite Trick TB
Favorite Cartel
Shenoshercorona
PITBULL, ‘17-c.
Separatist
Separate Tac
Ought To Be Famous
156 SPEEDHORSE, August 2019
Pitbull & Ruben Lozano win the $360,000 Governor’s Cup Futurity-RG2
RACING NEWS
Los Alamitos