Page 182 - December 2017

Jesus “Nuchi” Jiménez Sánchez Classic
HUNKI DORI
by Luis Prieto Zamudio, translation by Eduardo Silveyra
Arecent addition to the racing calendar of the Hipodromo de las Americas was the Jesus “Nuchi” Jiménez Sánchez Classic. This year marked the fifth running of the 350-yard race, which had nine 2 year olds entered who were not winners at the time of nomination (maidens). Run on Nov. 26, the race had a purse of $226,400 pesos (approximately $12,169 US).
There were four horses making their debut performance, while Diamonds N Royalty already had seven starts with four thirds. However, the preference of the public fell on the filly Absolutely Brilliant, who was a final- ist in the Alfredo Castro Rea Classic and is a daughter of the great Corona Cartel. With the field set, the fans waited for the opening of the gates and the performance of the nine runners.
When the race began, IVR Favorite Cartel (#6) drifted outward and made con- tact with Hunki Dori (#7) and then with BP Wind Circle Willy (#5). The bump did not effect Hunki Dori, and he immediately took control of the center of the track. Hunki Dori established a close duel with Absolutely
Brilliant (#1), who was moving very close
to the inner rail. His effort paid off as he crossed the finish line 1 1/4-lengths in front under José Manuel Cisneros.
It was a comfortable race for the son of One Dashing Eagle out of Fancys First Affair (by First Down Dash), having covered the distance in :15.38 and earning a 91 speed index. He is owned by Cuadra Díaz de León, where he is trained by Epifanio Carrasco Sandoval.
With this victory, he joins the list of win- ners of this event in honor of the breeder Jesus “Nuchi” Jiménez, who in life was the owner
of Rancho La Florida, a breeding ground for prominent runners, including Classic First as 2000 Champion 3-Year-Old Gelding and 2001 Superior Race Horse.
Previously, this race was won by Game Gone Rogue (by Game Patriot) in 2013, Absolut Knockout (by Stoli) in 2014, Chics Love Curls (by Spit Curl Jess) in 2015, and Dans Jess (by Teller Cartel) in 2016.
Jesús and José Jiménez led the award presen- tation of the classic in honor of their late father.
It should be noted that Chics Love Curls, also from the Cuadra Díaz de León, debuted winning this race that began a chain of victo- ries that lasted for seven consecutive races. On that occasion, his time was :17.63 (SI 84). We will see if Hunki Dori repeats or approaches this feat for his cuadra.
Absolutely Brilliant (Corona Cartel-Royally Streak) captured second place for Cuadra Santa Elena, under Moisés Molina. She is trained by Victor Jarillo Sánchez.
NSM Gone Girl (Wave Carver-Im
Gone For A Corona) was third with Martín Hernández Bautista aboard for owner Cuadra Peregrina and trainer José Miguel González Osorio.
Willies On Fire (Walk Thru Fire–Willie Swings), Diamonds N Royalty (JLS Party Wagon–JLS Diamonds Forever), Wicked Royal Willa (First Down Dash–Wicked Royal Cartel), IVR Favorite Cartel (Favorite Cartel–Pink Boots RM) and BP Wind Circle Willy (One Sweet Jess–BP First Ladys Alibi) completed the field.
Awarding of the winner for the fifth edition of the race in honor of Jesús “Nuchi” Jiménez Sánchez.
180 SPEEDHORSE, December 2017
Racing news
Foto: Luis Prieto Zamudio.