Dk Crystal Favorite, ridden by Nestor Duran, wins the $38,600 Adequan Derby Challenge at the Hipodromo de las Americas on Sunday.

© Luis Prieto Zamudio

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

MEXICO CITY, MEX–JUNE 22, 2025—In a decisive final stretch drive, Dk Crystal Favorite lived up to her billing as the post-time favorite by capturing the 27th running of the $38,600 Adequan Derby Challenge on Sunday at the Hipodromo de las Americas. The victory secured her spot in the Grade 3 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship to be held October 18 at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Under a confident ride from jockey Nestor Duran, the California-bred filly surged past My Lady Tempting, who had broken sharply from the gates. Dk Crystal Favorite edged ahead by a neck at the wire, stopping the timer at 19.82 seconds for 400 yards, earning an 87 speed index.

The winning connections of Dk Crystal Favorite accept the Adequan Derby Challenge trophy on Sunday at the Hipodromo de las Americas. © Luis Prieto Zamudio

Trained by Ashley Cirilo, Dk Crystal Favorite continues to prove her consistency, having now hit the board in all six career starts. Her record stands at four wins, 1 second, and one third, with total earnings of $49,556, including $18,878 for Saturday night’s win.

Dk Crystal Favorite is coming off a sharp Allowance victory on May 25, following a solid third in the Chirina Glorys Classic. She placed second in the Juvenile Championship from her 2024 campaign.

Bred in California by La Presita LLC and LJM Ranch Inc., she is out of Corona Crystal and a daughter of Corona Cartel. The daughter of leading sire Favorite Cartel, races for owner Cuadra La Presita.

My Lady Tempting, piloted by A. Vega M., showed early speed and strong form, ultimately finishing a close second. The Tempting Dash daughter has now posted one win, two seconds, and one third from five starts with earnings of $11,369.

Bred in Utah by Michael Isom, she is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Splendifferous and races for Cuadra Bronco Rider under trainer Octavio Becerra. She was a $32,000 graduate of the Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

Finishing third was RR One Quick Lew, a consistent contender trained by Alberto Fernandez and ridden by Huberclein Gomez. The Big Lew gelding, bred in Oklahoma by Reliance Ranches, is out of One Quick Jess, by Mr Jess Perry.

Owned by Everardo Muzquiz, RR One Quick Lew brought a 14-start résumé of 4 wins, 5 seconds, and 2 thirds, with earnings totaling $53,875. He was a $12,000 Heritage Place Yearling Sale purchase.

The remainder of the field included Vegas Secrets, Jt Apollitcal Dee, Painted Judy, Chiseled N Chrome, Wf Good Gracious, Pfr Apollitical Party, and Stikini.

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