The much awaited pair of Firecracker Stakes – the Distaff for 3 year old fillies followed by an open event for 3 year olds – offered a lucrative opportunity for young, up-and-coming talent last Thursday evening at Retama Park, and did not disappoint.
In one particular family, girl power in strong! Pearls Spirit AA (pictured above)– full sister to 2x Darley Champion Older Mare, Dream Pearl+/ – proved her lineage proud as she battled for an early lead before swinging two wide in the upper stretch and ridden to victory by jockey Francisco Giles in the $16,100 Firecracker Distaff Stakes for trainer Jerenesto Torrez and breeders/owners Betty J. and Joseph A. Gillis.
The Firecracker Distaff was followed by the Firecracker Sprint, where RB Money Maker's (pictured below) 7-length winning debut gave a nod to his loaded pedigree as well. The colt is by Nashwan Al Khalidiah and the first foal out of RB Money to Burn to run in the USA. RB Money to Burn has made a name for herself in the UAE with three Group wins, including the 2020 Group 1 Al Maktoum Challenge Round 1 and most recently in the 2021 Group 2 Mazrat Al Ruwayah at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. RB Money Maker carried the RoseBrook Farm silks ridden by Ernesto Valdez-Jiminez for trainer Jerenesto Torrez. to victory in his impressive debut in the Firecracker.
Although this year's rendition of the Firecracker did not require a pay-in to compete, future installments will transition into a pay-in scenario with the intention of an even larger purse.
Photos by Coady Photograhy