A Beautiful Paradox: Sabiyano Made History in the Clásico 9 de Julio
- Turf Diario
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
In the La Plata edition of the race, he became the first horse in 15 years to capture back-to-back victories in consecutive renewals
LA PLATA, Argentina (Special for Turf Diario).— For the first time in 15 years, a horse has captured back-to-back editions of the Clásico 9 de Julio - Día de la Independencia (G3-1600m, dirt), one of the most prestigious events on the racing calendar at the local racetrack.
The feat belongs to Sabiyano, who achieved the milestone with a highly professional performance, replicating the historic double completed by the outstanding Cafrune (Colonial Affair) in 2011 and 2012. Previously, both Royal Martial (Royal Accomplice in 1990 and 1992) and Don Cartero (Lode in 2002 and 2004) had won the race twice, though not in consecutive renewals.
The La Plata main track clearly suits the son of Fortify perfectly. Having already posted highly commendable efforts during his 2025 campaign, he confirmed that affinity upon his return to the venue, overpowering a highly competitive group of rivals and returning to winning ways following a handful of subpar outings on other circuits where he failed to settle.
With veteran rider Eduardo Ortega Pavón in the irons, the Luis A. Sánchez trainee tracked the pace comfortably in fourth position while Campo Verde (Strategos) set the fractions under pressure from Don Zahir (Daddy Long Legs), with Storm Sound (Hi Happy) tracking closely in third.
As the field swung around the final turn, only the leader managed to sustain his momentum, while Sabiyano began to make his move from the outside. Upon entering the straight, Campo Verde attempted to dig in along the rail, but the chestnut’s stretch run proved relentless, grabbing the lead inside the final furlong to score by 3/4 of a length.
Another 2 1/2 lengths back, the betting favorite El Ernesto (Señor Candy) closed well to complete the trifecta, finishing a half-neck ahead of Bombay Lake (Anjiz Lake), who outperformed his odds to complete the frame.
Returning a lucrative $13.15 mutuel, Sabiyano firmly restored his status as an elite miler in the La Plata edition of the Clásico 9 de Julio, thrusting himself right back into the conversation for divisional leadership at the track. With the road leading directly to the prestigious Clásico Joaquín V. González (G2), the upcoming season promises to be highly competitive, especially with the generous chestnut returning to peak form.
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