PHOENIX, AZ—APRIL 28, 2019—Favorite Latin Lover, the fastest qualifier to Sunday’s $41,800 Desert Classic Futurity at Turf Paradise, snagged an early lead and never looked back, winning the final by nearly two lengths.

Emilio Tapia had the call for trainer and owner Rigoberto Guillen. The pair won the 300-yard stake in 15.368 and earned a 101 speed index.

Favorite Latin Lover ($4.40) was the fastest qualifier in two trials for the futurity held on April 6, in which he posted a time for :15.677 seconds with Martin Osuna aboard.

Favorite Latin Lover debuted in his trial, so the 2-year-old colt is now two for two lifetime with $22,741 in career earnings. He was bred in Texas by Steve Burns, Paul Jones and Thompson Racing Inc., by Favorite Cartel and out of Jess Charming by Mr Jess Perry. Jess Charming qualified for the West Texas Futurity (G1) and Golden State Million (G1) in her racing career.

Ms Patty Cake, the third fastest qualifier and third place finisher in the same trial as Favorite Latin Lover, finished second in the final. Ridden by Rick Oliver, Ms Patty Cake is trained by Matt Fales and is owned and bred by Ralph and Carolyn Fales.

The 2-year-old is an Arizona-bred daughter of Texas Icon, out of the Gol mare Shiftin.

Ms Patty Cake finished a neck in front of Old School Icon, who was the second fastest qualifier. Old School Icon is also trained by Matt Fales but is bred and owned by Martha Wells in Arizona.

Old School Icon, by Texas Icon, is out of the Walk Thru Fire mare Cozie Fire. The 2-year-old gelding was ridden in both the trial and final by Mark Jasso.

Completing the field were Separate Delight, Fashin Icon, Man On Fire, Caramelo P, El Infierno and Dales Cash. Le Preciosa Luna was scratched.