Page 184 - December2022

RACING NEWS
Texas Classic Derby-G1
KJ DESPARADO
by Michael Compton
The classy and accomplished KJ Desparado justified his odds-on favoritism in the $412,569 Texas Classic Derby-G1 at Lone Star Park on Nov. 19, making short work of nine rivals in the 440-yard event.
Ridden by his regular rider Adrian Ramos, KJ Desparado, the co-fastest qualifier in the trials, returned in the featured event with another flawless front-running score. The gelding assumed command at the break
and surged clear in the early stages. He maintained a 1-length advantage through the lane and drew away in the closing stages to score by 1 1/2-lengths over Delight Us All.
KJ Desparado stopped the timer in a brisk :21.244, good for a speed index of 102. The final time encroached on the :21.030 track record set by Empressum in 2021.
The $183,593 winner’s share of the lucrative purse increased KJ Desparado’s career earnings to a whopping $2,706,103 for owners John
182 SPEEDHORSE December 2022
KJ Desparado winning the $412,569 Texas Classic Derby-G1 at Lone Star Park.
Lone Star Park
$412,569 • 440 yards :21.244 • si 102
KJ DESPARADO ‘19-g.
Bred by: L&L Land & Cattle
Raced to 3 $2,706,103 17-12(4)-2(1)-0
APOLLITICAL JESS
si 107
Bred by: Juan Alberto Tirado Lizarraga
Raced to 3 • $1,399,831 14-8(2)-4(2)-0
1,185 f., 115 SW • $56,589,877
MR JESS PERRY si 113
Bred by: Jesse Perry
Raced to 4 • $687,184 21-12(5)-2(1)-0
1,989 f., 160 SW • $60,583,416
APOLLITICAL TIME si 104
Bred by: Vessels Stallion Farm LLC Raced to 6 • $904,242 35-14(10)-7(2)-5(4)
12 f., 1 SW • $1,527,555
TRES VESES
si 91
Bred by: Lee & Sherwood Racing LLC
Raced to 4 • $7,085
7-0-2-0
8 f., 1 SW • $3,048,804
TRES SEIS si 97
Bred by: Mrs. Gwendolyn Eaves Raced to 3 • $856,901 12-6(1)-3(3)-3(1)
1,725 f., 64 SW • $27,723,739
FIRST PLACE KATE
Bred by: Jerry Windham Unraced
10 f., 0 SW • $120,609
Dustin Orona Photography