Dk El Canelo (inside) and El Ilusionista Sr clock the two fastest times, respectively in Sunday’s Garanones Derby trials at Hipodromo de las Americas.

© Luis Prieto Zamudio

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

MEXICO CITY, MX–APRIL 19, 2026–Thirty-seven three-year-olds vied for one of ten spots to the $72,000 estimated Garanones Derby at Hipodromo de las Americas from four trials on Sunday afternoon, and Dk El Canelo came away with the fastest qualifying time of the day.

Ridden by Arturo Vega Moreno, Dk El Canelo broke from the two hole in the last of the four trial heats and defeated El Ilusionista Sr in 17.472 seconds to secure the top qualifying mark in the 350-yard event.

The colt races for Cuadra 3 Reyes and is trained by Joel Mujica Sarubbi. Dk El Canelo has compiled a record of 3-1-2 from 11 starts with $43,000 in earnings.

The son of leading sire Danny Cartel was third in last year’s Mexican Bred Futurity Challenge. He is out of Paint Me Golden, by Pyc Paint Your Wagon, and was bred by Cuadra La Presita.

Runner up El Ilusionista Sr had to settle for second in the heat while still earning the second-fastest time of 17.488 seconds. Ridden by Nestor Duran, the gelding saw his six-race win streak come to an end but lost little in defeat with another strong showing.

Owned by 2025 champion owner Cuadra San Martin and conditioned by 2025 champion trianer Luis Enrique Cruz Solis, he entered the trials off a victory in the Mexico Derby and now carries a record of 8-2-0 from 11 starts with earnings exceeding $115,000. Bred by Rancho Santa Rosa Chiapas, the son of Swingin Good Reason is out of Muscles Diablo, by Valiant Hero.

Dk Lisboa Cartel stamped herself as a serious contender with a win in the third trial, under Nestor Duran, earning the third-fastest qualifying time of 17.631 seconds. Also racing for Cuadra San Martin and trainer Luis Enrique Cruz Solis, the filly continues to build a consistent résumé with four wins from eight starts and earnings of over $22,000.

The daughter of Danny Cartel has already proven herself against top company as a finalist in both the Mexico Derby this season and last year’s Mexico Futurity. She is out of Rumor Goin Round, by Favorite Cartel, and was bred by Cuadra La Presita.

Cuadra San Martin emerged as the dominant force on the afternoon, advancing four runners into the final—more than any other owner—while Cuadra Mendoza followed with three qualifiers, giving both operations a powerful presence heading toward the Derby.

On the breeding side, Cuadra La Presita, Rancho Santa Rosa Chiapas, and Abelardo Gallegos each produced three qualifiers, underscoring the depth of Mexico’s leading programs.

Trainer Luis Enrique Cruz Solis led all conditioners with four qualifiers, continuing a standout season, while Cesar Garcia Serrano added three of his own to the final. In the saddle, Nestor Duran delivered a commanding performance with four mounts advancing, positioning himself as a key figure for the championship race.

Six of the ten finalists return from this year’s Mexico Derby, including El Ilusionista Sr and Dk Lisboa Cartel, along with Tarantino Sr, Dk Misty Cartel, Manny Sr, and Mi Krash Favorito. The field is further strengthened by proven black type performers such as Mexico Derby runner-up Tarantino Sr, champion filly Dk Misty Cartel, and stakes winner Mi Krash Favorito, ensuring a deep and competitive renewal when the Garanones Derby finalists return to the gate.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of the qualifiers going into the May 3 finals of the $72,000 estimated Garanones Derby at the Hipodromo de las Americas.

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