By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

MEXICO CITY, MEX—JUNE 19, 2025—Sunday’s race card at Hipódromo de las Américas will spotlight three major stakes races, each offering significant opportunities for juveniles and sophomores on the international stage. Two of the races—the John Deere Juvenile Challenge and the Adequan Derby Challenge—will award berths into the Challenge Championships scheduled for October 18 at The Downs at Albuquerque.

The action begins in Race 6, the 30th running of the $48,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge, which serves as a regional qualifier for the Grade 2 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship later this year at the Downs at Albuquerque.

In Race 7, the 27th edition of the $38,600 Adequan Derby Challenge brings together a competitive field of 3-year-olds looking to secure a berth in the Grade 3 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship.

Race 8 will close out the trio with the 35th renewal of the $88,000 Subasta Selecta Derby, a staple of the Mexican racing calendar and a key showcase for the Subasta Selecta program. CLICK HERE for the story.

One Famous Temptaton Tops Field in John Deere Juvenile Challenge

Kicking off the first of three stakes races on Sunday’s card, One Famous Temptaton has been installed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the John Deere Juvenile Challenge.

The son of Tempting Dash delivered a commanding trial performance, clocking the fastest qualifying time en route to victory. He will break from post four under jockey Jesus Loredo, who returns for another ride on behalf of owner Cuadra Los Chivos.

Trained by Ramon Guerrero, One Famous Temptaton has one win from two career starts. Bred by Johnny Trotter, the colt was a $45,000 purchase at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. He is out of One Famous Ermana, a daughter of Mr Jess Perry.

Also attracting early attention is Dark Water Bay, who is 7-2 on the morning line. Though still a maiden, the son of Mr Jess Perry turned heads earlier this season with a runner-up finish in The Prize Classic.

Trainer Antonio Garcia conditions the colt for owner Cuadra Alpuyeca, with Heriberto Camacho set to ride. A $77,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate, Dark Water Bay was bred by Mike Vaughan out of Aqua Girl by Corona Cartel.

Dk Crystal Favorite Headlines Adequan Hipódromo de las Américas Derby Challenge

Dk Crystal Favorite has been installed as the 3-1 morning-line favorite in the $38,600 Adequan Derby Challenge, entering off a victory in her most recent start in an Allowance race.

The daughter of Favorite Cartel has hit the board in all five career outings, posting a 3-1-1 record and earning $25,500. Earlier this season, she finished third in the Chirina Glorys Classic and ran second in the Juvenile Championship last year.

Bred in California by La Presita LLC and LJM Ranch Inc., Dk Crystal Favorite is out of Corona Crystal, by Corona Cartel. The filly will leave from post five under jockey Nestor Duran for trainer Ashley Cirilo and owner Cuadra La Presita.

Looming as a major contender at 7-2 is RR One Quick Lew, a consistent earner who brings 13 starts of experience into the gate. Trained by Alberto Fernandez, the son of Big Lew, owns a 4-5-1 career record and has banked more than $48,000 to date.

Bred in Oklahoma by Reliance Ranches, RR One Quick Lew is out of One Quick Jess by Mr Jess Perry. He was purchased for $12,000 at the Heritage Place Yearling Sale and will break from post three with Huberclein Gomez aboard.

All Hipodromo de las Americas races can be viewed at Q-Racing Video.com.

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