Most race fans expected an RSA bred filly to win the G1 Clasico de Criadores Version Potrancas, the heavily favored sprinter Belleza.

Owner Ramon Vasquez and his new trainer Demetrio Correa had other plans. Just 2 weeks before the 1400 meter stakes race they claimed the talented, but fiery Esmeralda for only DOP $175,000 with plans to run her in the DOP $250,000 event for fillies.

When the gates parted Belleza (Master Command – Mine the Cat, by Cat Thief) engaged in a initial speed duel with Ambar (Sicotico) and later engaged by the game Zahara registering splits of 22 4/5 and  46 2/5. Her rider Victor Severino seemed poised for an easy victory.

All the while Esmeralda (Tango Tales – Blizz Honor, by Kissin Kris) broke at the back of the field from the 1 post position, was unhurried by her rider David Castillo who saved ground along the rail and rallied 4 wide entering the stretch to draw away by 2 lengths stopping the clock in 1:25 1/5.

Esmeralda is a full-sister to multiple graded stakes-placed Time to Tango and she is the second G1 winner for her sire from only 4 total foals.

Esmeralda was bred and sold by RSA in our October Yearling sale to a partnership composed by marketing executive Adalberto Rodriguez and attorney Antonio Tueni.