Unbeaten El Pando to target Hilton Memorial on Charles Town Classic undercard
GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – The undefeated El Pando is poised to return to stakes company following his impressive 3-year-old debut win last Friday at Lone Star Park.
Trainer Jaylan Clary said Tuesday that El Pando is probable for the $250,000 Robert Hilton Memorial on Aug. 26 at Charles Town. The seven-furlong race for 3-year-olds will mark the two-turn debut for the horse, who is 3 for 3.
“He’s run at seven furlongs – it was just one turn,” Clary said of El Pando’s win in the $100,000 Clever Trevor last October at Remington Park.
Clary is hopeful the horse’s talent and natural speed will serve him well in his two-turn rumble at the stakes level. Clary owns the son of Outwork.
“It will be a test for sure – first time to really try it out,’’ she said. “He’s pretty special.”
El Pando won his career debut in a maiden special weight last September at Remington. He cruised by 8 3/4 lengths in the five-furlong race and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 85. One start later, he won the Clever Trevor.
El Pando returned to action at Lone Star Friday and was a 4 1/4-length winner over older rivals in a conditioned allowance at 6 1/2 furlongs. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 78.
“I liked how he handled everything,” Clary said. “A 3-year-old that hasn’t raced since 2, sometimes they can get a little too excited.”
Clary said she was impressed how El Pando sat just off the pace after a less than ideal start, and accelerated in the stretch.
“He came back full force,” she said.