Br Chivali Nazareno, ridden by Miguel Angel Rodriguez, surges late to win the $280,000 peso ($16,400 USD) XL Velocidad Classic at Hipódromo de las Américas on March 29, 2026.

© Elliot Leon

By Emily Paulk, StallioneSearch

MEXICO CITY, MEX–MARCH 29, 2026–Br Chivali Nazareno, Mexico’s reigning Champion Aged Horse, delivered another dominant performance Sunday in the $15,400 (US) Velocidad Classic at Hipódromo de las Américas. Surging late, he collected his second stakes win of the season in the 250-yard race, clocking a 91 speed index in :13.05 over a fast track.

Ridden by Miguel Angel Rodriguez, the son of Southern Corona, once again showcased his powerful closing kick to secure the victory. This makes the third consecutive stakes victory for the five-year-old, including the inaugural Classic in early March, and the Jose Merced Orozco Classic last year. After an undefeated season in 2025, Br Chivali Nazareno keeps the momentum going for 2026.

Owned by Cuadra Cartas Blancas and trained by Jorge Alberto Ruiz Peribán, Br Chivali Nazareno was bred in Mexico by Maximiliano Perez and is out of the Gone To The Man mare Chivali Go.

The sorrel colt has now made 30 career starts, compiling an outstanding 23 wins, 2 seconds, and 4 thirds, with earnings climbing to $292,000 following the $7,700 winner’s share. In addition to his consistent success, he has etched his name into the record books with track records at both 220 and 300 yards, further solidifying his status as one of Mexico’s elite sprinters.

AJ Sweet Angel finished second, just a neck behind the winner in :13.15 under Alejandro Gomez Lopez. The Apollitical Jess gelding, owned by Cuadra Alpuyeca and trained by Antonio Garcia Carranza, was bred in the United States by Rancho El Cabresto Inc. He was purchased for $48,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

Out of the Fishers Dash mare Taka Puna, AJ Sweet Angel now holds a record of (9) 3-2-0 with earnings of $20,000. After scoring a victory in the Javier Rosique Palaviini Classic and finishing fourth in the Las Americas Derby in 2024, he took the 2025 season off before returning in 2026 to earn black type.

One Famous Crystal completed the trifecta, finishing third in :13.29 with Huberclein Gomez aboard. The One Famous Eagle colt, owned by Rancho El Pirul and trained by Cesar Garcia Serrano, was bred in the United States by La Presita LLC and LJM Ranch Inc.

Out of the Corona Cartel mare Corona Crystal, he now boasts a record of 5 starts with 2 wins, 1 second, and 2 thirds, earning $22,167, including a victory in last year's Champion of Champions and second place finish in this year's Inagural Classic.

AJ Bad Temptation finished fourth, followed by AJ Rockero to complete the order of finish.

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