Page 174 - Speedhorse April 2021

RACING NEWS
Francisco Pasquel Classic
RG CHOSEN JEWEL
by Luis Prieto Zamudio, translation by Speedhorse
This is the only 110-yard distance stakes run at the Hipodromo de las Americas.
It involved nine Mexican bred three years and older horses, who paid the established registration fee for a purse of $362,300 pesos (approx. $17,222 U.S.).
In the absence of a betting audience at the racetrack’s windows, remote betting favored Mexicano Fire and Mi Compadre Wagon: the latter, along with Walk Thru Aguerrido, were the only ones with recent experience in the short distance, placing second and third, respectively.
In the group, the only maiden was RG Chosen Jewel, who for the first time would participate in such a short race, the same where her stablemate Humble Lady on Dec. 6 emerged victorious.
In compliance with regulatory protocol, the field took their starting positions and broke and raced without incident. The course was covered in :6.74 for a 112 speed index with RG Chosen Jewel finishing on top for a New Track Record, surpass- ing the :6.82 previous clocked by Charly Cartel.
The young jockey Heriberto Camacho Sotelo did an excellent job directing the
winner, moving with her to the winner’s circle to receive the trophy and cup along with trainer Victor Hugo Arias Oropeza.
Raised in Hermosillo, State of Sonora, by Juan Pablo McLaurin Castillón, RG Chosen Jewel is the daughter of stallion Dog Daze Afternoon and out of Gators Girl (by Jody
O Toole). She was consigned
to the 2018 Annual Select Yearling Sale at Hipodromo de las Americas (Hip #351), where she was listed at $150,000 pesos (approx. $7,690 U.S.), being repurchased. Subsequently in a private deal, she was acquired by Rancho Las Gaviotas in the name of which she runs.
Very pleased with the
result, McLaurin gave
recognition to his late father,
Douglas McLaurin Aguirre,
who acquired the mare when
he was 18, and decided to breed and raise the filly until he put it in the hands of Rancho Las Gaviotas. “My father was a visionary and
was always confident that Gators Girl, despite her advanced age, would give us something very good. In these five years, in addition
to RG Chosen Jewel, she produced her full brother, the colt Godzylla, who in 2020 won the final of Nacameri Futurity in Rayón,
State of Sonora, as well as a yearling. And she is close to give birth to her 2021 foal,” commented Juan Pablo.
Alfredo Rabanal Salinas, trainer and owner of Rancho Las Gaviotas, expressed his happiness at this victory, where the filly broke her maiden by winning the Francisco Pasquel Classic in record track time. “Our team worked exception- ally, and she exceeded all expectations. There was a spe- cial connection to achieve the goal of honoring the memory
of Mr. Douglas McLaurin Aguirre, who has
not been with us for two months, to whom we wholeheartedly dedicate this victory,” said Alfredo
172 SPEEDHORSE April 2021
RG Chosen Jewel and Jockey Heriberto Camacho Sotelo win the $17,222 Francisco Pasquel Classic.
Hipodromo de las Americas
$17,222 • 110 yards :6.74 • si 112 • Ntr
Streakin La Jolla
Dog Daze Afternoon
Gold Daze
RG CHOSEN JEWEL, ‘17-f.
Jody O Toole
Gators Girl
Some Coup
Miguel Angel Espinoza Espinosa