Pacific Surfliner, ridden by Huberclein Gomez, wins the John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship at the Hipodromo de las Americas on Sunday.

© Luis Prieto Zamudio

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

MEXICO CITY, MEX–JUNE 22, 2025– In a stunning turn of events Sunday evening at the Hipodromo de las Americas, Pacific Surfliner stormed to victory through the mud in the 30th running of the $48,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge. The win clinched her a coveted berth in the Grade 2 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship, set for October 18 at the Downs at Albuquerque.

Sent off as an 18-1 longshot from the morning line, the Pacific Surfliner surged across the 350-yard distance in 17.57 seconds, clocking an 83 speed index and upending heavy favorite Dark Water Bay by 2 1/4-lengths to claim her first stakes title. The win marked her second career victory from three starts, with Huberclein Gomez aboard for the breakout ride.

The winning connections of Pacific Surfliner accept the John Deere Juvenile Challenge trophy on Sunday at the Hipodromo de las Americas. © Luis Prieto Zamudio

Pacific Surfliner had finished a troubled seventh in the trials but narrowly secured a qualifying spot for the finals held June 1. She returned to the same track on June 15 to break her maiden and followed up with a career-best performance on Sunday, raising her lifetime earnings to $25,447.

Trained by Julian Gutierrez for owner Cuadra JJ, the filly is by Freighttrain B. She was bred in Oklahoma by Kelly Yother Equine LLC out of Ring A Ring Of Roses, by Jess Lips, and was purchased for $9,500 at the 2024 Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

Second-place finisher Dark Water Bay, the 7-2 morning line contender, ran a game race under Heriberto Camacho, continuing his consistent streak. Though still a maiden, the son of Mr Jess Perry has now finished second in two stakes events, including The Prize Classic earlier this season.

Trained by Antonio Garcia for Cuadra Alpuyeca, the $77,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate has banked $17,860 in three career starts. He was bred in Oklahoma by Mike Vaughan out of Aqua Girl, a daughter of Corona Cartel.

Rounding out the trifecta was One Famous Temptaton, the fastest qualifier and 3-1 morning line favorite. Piloted by Jesus Loredo, the colt lost some footing late but still managed to secure third place in the stakes final.

Trained by Ramon Guerrero, One Famous Temptaton now holds one win from three starts and $7,631 in career earnings. He was bred by Johnny Trotter and sold for $45,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. He is out of One Famous Ermana, by Mr Jess Perry.

Rg Naught Angel, Dashing Bureaucracy, Rg Divine Reason, SJM Cowboy Desire, Blue On The Run, and Lights N Corona round out the order of finish.

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