Marcelino Sets New Track Record In Crooked River Hook Stakes

PRINEVILLE, OR–JULY 13, 2024–Jose Guerreropiloted Marcelino to his fifth career victory on Saturday in the $6,750 Crooked River Hook Stakes (not black type) for three-year-old and up mixed breeds.

Marcelino broke sharp and led from gate-to-wire, clocking lightning-fast speed. The son of Sixthirteen (TB) crossed the finish line 3 3/4-lengths ahead of Alabama Hills in :31.135 seconds for a 114 speed index, resulting in a new track record. The 610-yard victory paid $7.80 to win on 5/2 odds.

Alabama Hills, piloted by Jaime Lopez, chased Marcelino, crossing the wire in second 2 1/2-lengths ahead of Romanian and rider Jake Samuels, who placed third. High On Cuervo placed fourth, and Red Stars completed the field in fifth.

Trainer Mario Portillo got his second quarter horse stakes win of the evening with Marcelino's first victory in the Rhoden Memorial Bonus Challenge Stakes.

Marcelino has lit the board 18 of 25 starts with five career wins and $34,001 in the bank. Mauricio and Nester Hernandez own the six-year-old gelding bred by Rogelio Gonzalez in Oregon out of La Dvana by Fastnfierce.

Malon Cowgill bred and owns Alabama Hills in Washington out of Tombstone Tina by Jess Louisiana Blue. Benito Curiel trains the eight-year-old son of Brookstone Bay and has earned $45,942 from a record of 7-7-7 from 30 starts.

Gilberto Madrigal bred, owns, and trains Romanian in Oregon. The six-year-old son of Fly Chisholm Fly has four career wins and $26,420 in the bank. He is out of Watch My Six by Demons Begone.