Chayito Cartel by a neck in Kindergarten Futurity

CYPRESS, Calif. – Chayito Cartel remained undefeated in three starts with a neck victory in Sunday’s $361,700 Robert Adair Kindergarten Futurity at Los Alamitos, the first major race of the year in California for 2-year-old Quarter Horses.

Ridden by Jesus Ayala, Chayito Cartel ($6) ran 300 yards in 15.43 seconds, holding off a late threat from 4-1 Mental Error. Dreams Divine (12-1) finished third, a half-length behind Chayito Cartel in a field of 10.

Chickititas Favorite, the 8-5 favorite, finished fifth, beaten 1 1/2 lengths. Chickititas Favorite broke to the outside at the start and was never near the front.

Chayito Cartel won a maiden race on April 19 and set the fastest qualifying time for the Kindergarten Futurity by winning a division of the time trials on May 5. Chayito Cartel was timed in 15.44 seconds in the trials.

Owned by breeder Francisco Diaz, and trained by his 31-year-old son Lindolfo, Chayito Cartel has earned $158,391. Chayito Cartel is by Favorite Cartel, whose sire, Favorite Trick, won the Eclipse Award as the 1997 Horse of the Year.

Lindolfo Diaz said in the winner’s circle that Chayito Cartel will not race again until September and is not nominated to the track’s leading futurities.