The Transmission powerful in Jaguar Rocket Futurity Final

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (July 20, 2020) – The Transmission and Sergio Ramirez were impressive in their trial. They topped that race off with an even more impressive win in the 18th running of the $138,400 Jaguar Rocket Futurity Monday, July 20 at Indiana Grand.

Starting from post three in the nine-horse field, The Transmission busted out of the gate with a lot of authority and led the way early on. The son of Freighttrain B only had to worry about the late closers on the far outside as One Coldhearted Diva and Giovani Vazquez Gomez found another gear late in the 300-yard dash, but The Transmission was set, winning by a neck in :15.760. One Coldhearted Diva finished second followed by The Transmission’s stablemate, Unbound Patriot and Antonio Rodriguez for third.

“He (The Transmission) was better today,” said Ramirez. “I was surprised the day of the trial because it was his first career start, but today, I knew he would be even better. He hasn’t been difficult to work with at all. He’s very nice and quiet. He’s going to be a quick one.”

The Transmission is now two for two for owner Nicole Florida and breeder Basil McClain. Ricardo Martinez trains the talented colt.

“You can always see the seriousness in his eyes,” said McClain, who got his start in Quarter Horse racing in Oklahoma before relocating to the Chicago area. “He’s a very quiet horse and he’s still a stud colt. He’s naturally talented. You just point him in the right direction, and he’ll go.”

McClain has made a career out of breeding and selling racehorses. He has been in the business full time since 2013 and has a longstanding relationship with Martinez. So, when the opportunity came up to place The Transmission with Martinez, there was no hesitation.

McClain also boards horses at his farm in the Chicagoland area, and to celebrate the start in the Jaguar Rocket Futurity, he had black shirts with The Transmission placed on them for the entire team. He’s had a lot of hope for The Transmission, even at an early age.

“My fiancé (Nicole Florida) actually chose to breed our mare to Freighttrain B, so she’s the owner,” added McClain. “He was originally named Heza Freighttrain B, but one day, I was in the kitchen and was watching him out the window. He could switch gears so quickly. I actually called in and told them we need a name change. That’s when he became The Transmission.”

The Transmission now has more than $90,000 in career earnings in just two starts. His connections hope to bring him back to Indiana Grand for a stakes race later on in the year.

“We hope to be back for the Miss Roxie Little,” added McClain.

Photos by Coady Photography