Miss Apolitical Jess winning the ABQM Potro do Futuro GP

© @clicksdoturfe

written by @turfeeunapolis

SAO PAULO, BRAZIL–SEPTEMBER 18, 2025–The 48th running of the GP ABQM Potro do Futuro – South America’s signature Quarter Horse stakes – confirmed Miss Apolitical Jess as the leading filly of the year.

The event, which offered approximately $180,000 in total purses, was contested last weekend at the Jockey Club of Sorocaba (São Paulo). It marked the third six-figure prize on the historic Brazilian oval this season.

A field of 24 sophomore horses faced off in four different trials. Each heat winner, along with the four fastest runners among the non-winners, advanced to form an eight-horse final over 440 yards.

ABQM Potro do Futuro GP © @turfeeunapolis

The Trials
On Saturday, September 13, Sagrada Desirio SJOR opened the trials with a 21.762-second clocking. The filly, by Wager On A Chick (by Chicks a Blazin), bred at Haras São Jorge, runs under owner Roberto Sylvio Abdalla.

She was piloted by Jek Souza for trainer I. Nascimento “Guaxinim.”

Pre-race favorite Anjo Dourado HFSJ – Triple Crown hopeful and Brazil’s all-time leading money earner with over $196,000 – saw his unbeaten streak halted, finishing third.

In the second heat, Golden Verde, bred by the renowned Mauro Eli Zaborowsky, CEO of Haras Vista Verde, posted 21.958 seconds. The colt by One Famous Eagle and out of Habitual Dreamer (by Apollo TB) is campaigned by Stud 4 Irmãos (Paraguay).  Trainer Rivail Rosa named Bruno Oliveira as the rider.

The fastest qualifying time came in Heat 3 when Liv Senator SAM, winner of the Sorocaba Futurity, posted a sharp 21.702, but a lost shoe, which resulted in a hoof injury that ruled her out of the final after veterinary inspection.

The Louisiana Senator filly is out of the proven broodmare Velocita (by Granite Lake). Trainer Alan Mendes saddled Liv Senator SAM for owner Stud Imortais. She was ridden by Ailton Santana.

In the fourth and final trial, the team of Alan Mendes and Ailton Santana combined to perfection with Miss Apolitical Jess, who posted 22.025 seconds despite a 19.7 km/h crosswind.

Miss Apolitical Jess has become the best filly of the new generation in Brazil.  © @turfeeunapolis

The Final Race
On Sunday, September 14, seven finalists returned for the $180,000 showdown, with Liv Senator SAM absent.

The lineup featured the trial winners Sagrada Desirio SJOR, Golden Verde, and Miss Apolitical Jess, alongside the four fastest non-winners: Piemonte Corona STM, Anjo Dourado HFSJ, Graziela Vista, and Encantada For Me PK.

Miss Apolitical Jess broke sharply, held her ground off the turn, and rallied to the wire in a commanding performance to take the GP ABQM Potro do Futuro. The daughter of Apolitical Jess, out of Paint Your Lips (by Corona Cartel), posted 21.484 seconds into a 6.3 km/h crosswind, earning a speed index of 98.

Alan Mendes, a renowned trainer from the Northeast, now shines at the Jockey Club of Sorocaba. © @turfeeunapolis

Trainer Alan Mendes, widely recognized as one of the top conditioners in Brazil’s Northeast, celebrated his fifth victory at the Jockey Club of Sorocaba in 2025. He is now in his second season back at the São Paulo oval, leading the formidable Stud Imortais partnership.

Jockey Ailton Santana notched the biggest win of his career with his first “Potro do Futuro” triumph. Earlier in the card, he guided Granite Soul (Granite Lake x Blues Girl Won, by Mr. Jess Perry) to victory in the Juvenile division.

All the staff of Miss Apolitical Jess, the champions of the GP ABQM Potro do Futuro © @turfeeunapolis

Foaled July 2022, Miss Apolitical Jess was bred by Jamil Name and the legendary former trainer Levir Melo.

The filly has won four of six career starts, earning over $76,000, and was purchased for $170,000 at the 2024 Top das Estrelas Sale, held by Rancho Horizonte, owned by Guy Peixoto, proprietor of the legendary sire Tres Seis.

The official order of finish was: Miss Apolitical Jess first, followed by Encantada For Me PK, Golden Verde, Anjo Dourado HFSJ, Graziela Vista, Piemonte Corona STM, and Sagrada Desirio SJOR.

Eugênio, Jonatan Weisheimer, and Jonatas Dantas (president) - members of the board of directors of the Jockey Club of Sorocaba (@turfeeunapolis) © @turfeeunapolis

A New Era at Sorocaba
This year’s GP ABQM Potro do Futuro also marked the grand reopening of the completely renovated Sorocaba oval.

Under the leadership of President Jonatas Dantas, the track has invested heavily in equine welfare, upgraded spectator and horse facilities, and significantly boosted purses — ushering in a new era for Brazilian Quarter Horse racing, with record-setting auction sales and a surge in participation that is reshaping the sport’s future in South America.

*****************

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.