El Cuervo Favorito draws the 6-5 morning line for Sunday’s $11,015 Gabriel Cue Sacre Classic at Hipódromo de las Américas, opening a ten-race card highlighted by trials to the Garañones Derby.

© Luis Prieto Zamudio

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott
 

MEXICO CITY, MEX–April 17, 2026—The Sunday evening program at Hipódromo de las Américas features a ten-race card, highlighted by the opening event, the $11,015 Gabriel Cue Sacre Classic. The race sets the tone for an exciting night, featuring four trial heats leading to the $72,000 Garañones Derby, where 37 sophomores will compete for a spot among the 10 fastest qualifiers.

The first race is scheduled at 14:30 and will be contested over 350 yards. The field is composed of four runners, three-year-olds and older, all of which have previously competed in claiming races for $7,250 or less.

El Cuervo Favorito enters as the 6-5 morning-line favorite. The eight-year-old gelding began the year in strong form, scoring a two-length victory at 550 yards against starter allowance company. Despite encountering some setbacks last season, including two disqualifications, he returns with momentum and looks well-suited for the shorter 350-yard distance. A sharp break could set up a gate-to-wire performance.

He is sired by Favorite Cartel and out of Super Perla Negra, bred in California by Steve D. Burns, DVM. Racing for Cuadra JJ and trained by Leonilo Cruz Garcia, El Cuervo Favorito will break from post three with Huberclein Gómez in the irons.

The compact field of four will look to deliver a strong opening performance and set the stage for the $72,000 Garañones Derby trials later in the evening, where thirty-seven three-year-olds will compete across four heats, each aiming to secure a place in the final, as one of the ten fastest qualifiers will meet back on May 3rd for the finale.

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