Page 118 - May2020.indd

RACING NEWS
Easily A Possum Classic
FLORENTINES FAVORITE
by Luis Prieto Zamudio, translation by Speedhorse
The Easily A Possum Classic was a race that was highly anticipated due to the participation of two fillies that had already competed against each other in the National Charro Day Championship on Feb. 9. In that classic, Mas Buena came in first, followed by Florentines Favorite. However, the judges observed Mas Buena’s contact with another runner and exchanged positions: Florentines Favorite was promoted to first place and Mas Buena moved to second.
In the Easily A Possum Classic, they were competing once again at the same distance
of 350 yards for a prize of $456,500 pesos ($20,671 US). The audience gave their prefer- ence to Florentines Favorite over her opponent, although both were in spectacular shape. The group consisted of 11 participants, but fans deservedly focused their attention on these two.
Just Eagles Girl (#4) departed the gates with great opportunity and strength, but a few yards later she was passed by Mas Buena who took the lead in the group. While it looked like Mas Buena would cross the finish line in the first place, she was being stalked by Florentines Favorite who in a spectacular closure, achieved a 1/2-length margin of victory at the wire under the direction of Edgar Eduardo García, also known as “El Turbo.” The race was com- pleted in :17.07 for a 98 speed index.
Moments of uncertainty followed the end of the race over concern for Florentines Favorite
when her rider return on foot. “She didn’t get injured. She just moved into the back stretch, apparently tired,” Edgar said, as the filly slowly returned, accompanied by the people who attended her.
She entered the winner’s
circle briefly to take the
photo with her owner and
family, trainer, rider and
followers of the Cuadra Los
Arrallanes, owner of the filly.
She immediately retired for a thorough review and medical care.
No doubt the filly strained in the last yards of the race. Honoring his nickname, it seems that, by changing the crop to the right side, Edgar would have “turbo” charged her. “The filly responded very well to the change of force,” the rider said, seeing the replay of the race.
Let us remember that the Easily A Possum Classic is the first jewel of the Mexican Triple Crown Quarter Mile, so we hope to see this filly attempt the feat by also winning the AMCCCCM Classic and Las Americas Derby.
At the moment, her race record stands
at 4-0-0 from 6 starts, including two stakes victories. For this success, Florentines Favorite added $228,200 pesos ($10,335 US approx.) to her account, bringing her total earnings to
more than $759 thousand pesos.
Florentines Favorite was raised in the United States by Abigail K. Kawananakoa. The filly is a daughter of Favorite Cartel and out of Czechthis Florentine by Corona Czech. Her on-site training is run by Carlos Alberto Moreno, and she was saddled by Emmanuel Rivera Valdez.
Mas Buena (Stel Corona–Plenty Good) made a good effort under the command of Heriberto Camacho. She is owned by Cuadra El Cuartel and was saddled by Liderme René Gómez Díaz.
In third place was One Mc Fling (One Dashing Eagle–Southern Fling) under Rosalío Alcudia. The gelding belongs to Cuadra Baldeli and was trained by Liderme René Gómez Díaz.
Also participating were: Just Eagles Girl (Freighttrain B–Just Eagle), Dancing Perry Doll (Mr Jess Perry–Imdancinwiththestars), Cuz My Daddys Famous (Big Daddy Cartel– Cuz Shez Famous), Temptobthebest (Tempting Dash–Thebest Isyet Tocome), Bolt (Kiss
My Hocks–Speeding), Fantastic Wokatee (Fantastic Corona–Wokatee), Boudicea (FDD Dynasty–Whip Curl) and Seniorita Caro (Separatist–Raise A Chance).
Hipodromo de las Americas $20,671 • 350 yards :17.07 • si 98
Favorite Trick TB
Favorite Cartel
Shenoshercorona
FLORENTINES FAVORITE, ‘17-f.
Corona Czech
Czechthis Florentine
Florentine
116 SPEEDHORSE May 2020
Florentines Favorite wins the Easily A Possum Classic.
Miguel A. Espinoza, Hippodrome de Las Américas