NEWS
Koko Mambo scores authoritative victory in Peruvian Derby
Posted: Monday, November 16, 2009 3:32 PM
by Michael Burns
Koko Mambo powered well clear in the stretch to post his second classic victory in the 107th running of the Clasico Derby Nacional-Copa Saga Falabella (Per-G1) (Peruvian Derby), the third leg of the Peruvian Quadruple Crown, on Sunday at Hipodromo de Monterrico in Lima.
Ridden by Carlos Javier Herrera, the Apprentice colt surged past pacesetter Akram with five furlongs remaining and drove clear in the stretch en route to a 5 1/2-length victory in Peru’s premier classic.
Group 1-placed winner Bradock finished second, two lengths clear of Kentucky-bred Kabu.
Trained by Juan Suarez, Koko Mambo covered 2,400 meters (11.93 furlongs) in 2:35.60 to solidify his credentials as one of Peru’s leading three-year-olds on dirt.
Winner of his first two starts at three by a combined 14 3/4 lengths, Koko Mambo entered off an impressive eight-length victory in the Clasico Ricardo Ortiz de Zevallos (Per-G1), the second leg of the Peruvian Quadruple Crown, on October 18.
Bred in Peru by Haras San Pablo, Koko Mambo is out of the Mashhor Dancer mare Not for Sale, who is a half sister to Peruvian Group 1 winner and sire Westbury.
Michael Burns is a South America-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent
