Argentine jockey Gustavo Calvente, one of the most prominent in the region, was present at the Hipódromo de Asunción last Sunday and secured a victory in the Gran Derby Asunción. Riding the two-year-old filly Show Emotion, wearing the bright orange silks of Venezuelan stud 8 Años, Calvente dominated the female race, winning by several lengths over Paraguayan Queen and the other competitors, with a time of 1:18.33 for the 1,200 meters.
In addition to Show Emotion, Calvente also rode El Libertador in the Derby for males, Pegaso in the Independencia Nacional prize, and Sweet Prince in the 14 y 15 de Mayo classic, all in the colors of stud 8 Años, owned by Jesús Campos and his family. In the Derby for males, however, victory went to the gray Justin Mendes, also from 8 Años, ridden by Marco Meza, who completed the distance in 1:18.18. Calvente, pushing El Libertador hard, finished second.
In the Independencia Nacional prize, over 2,000 meters, Negro Simón, from stud Don Rubí, won comfortably under the guidance of Juan Román, in 2:18.82, beating Amaranto, Invencível, and Sérpico. Pegaso, ridden by Calvente, failed to stand out. In the 14 y 15 de Mayo classic, Mr Danger, from stud 8 Años, beat El Galáctico by half a length, recording the best time of the day for 1,200 meters: 1:16.95. Sweet Prince, also ridden by Calvente, finished third.
The program began with the victory of Flight to Paradise, from stud El Legendário, ridden by Juan Figueredo, in the race for two-year-old debutants and maidens, in 1:19.70. Another highlight was Macho Furioso, from stud J.C., who returned to the track successfully in the hands of Alcides Coronel, clocking 1:19.04 also over 1,200 meters.