Amonet rediscovered her top form and left no room for doubt

The daughter of Mask led every step of the way to capture the Clásico Ina Nistel in her La Plata debut, drawing off to defeat race favorite Guadilu by four lengths; she secured her third career victory and her second stakes score

LA PLATA.— Amonet needed just a single visit to make La Plata her own. Following nearly 13 months without a victory, the chestnut mare campaigning for Stud Los Halcones rediscovered her finest form and turned Thursday's Clásico Ina Nistel, contested over 1400 meters on the dirt, into an authoritative display. Not even odds-on favorite Guadilu (Señor Candy), who appeared poised with a genuine opportunity upon entering the lane, could threaten her dominance down the stretch.

Kevin Banegas chose not to rely on rival tactics. From the moment the gates sprang, he sent the daughter of Maskstraight to the lead and let her establish her own stride. The pacesetter turned into the home straight with the race still up for grabs as Guadilu launched her challenge, ranging up to within half a length. For a brief moment, a thrilling duel seemed at hand.

It proved merely an illusion. Far from yielding under early exertion, Amonet found another gear the instant her rival pressed her. She drew away with authority, widening her margin through the final furlong to cross the wire four lengths ahead of the Lagrange representative. Ten lengths further back came Leyenda Mundial (Platinum Warrior),finishing third without threatening the top duo. Qué Buena B (Qué Vida Buena) and Stella Prize (Winning Prize) completed the order of finish.

The timer delivered equally compelling proof: 1m23s27/100 for the 1400 meters, an outstanding mark that reinforced the visual impression. The victory gave Amonet her third win from 10 career starts, including two stakes triumphs,confirming that her highest level remains well within reach.

Considerable time had elapsed since October 12, 2025, when she scored by three lengths in the Clásico Empiric over the San Isidro turf diagonal. That performance marked her as a filly with a bright future, though mixed results and a layoff followed. In her prior outing, she finished second by a half-head in allowance company on the San Isidro dirt—a subtle signal of recovery, though lacking the conclusive statement delivered this Thursday.

Agustín Duarte picked the ideal moment to send her to El Bosque for the first time, and Banegas executed the blueprint flawlessly. Rather than measuring capabilities against the local contingent, Amonet forced them to chase her from the start. A victory that, given the style and final margins, reopens doors to higher-level ambitions.

Bred by Haras La Valkiria, the winner is a daughter of Mask—a son of Tapit—and Vivacita (Heliostatic), who also distinguished herself at the stakes level. Her dam won six races, including the Clásico Doria, and placed third in the Clásico General Las Heras (G3). The lower line traces back to Vip Class (Northern Afleet), a Brazilian family with deep roots at Haras Santa María de Araras.

Time will tell how far Amonet can extend her ceiling. Yet her effort at La Plata was not merely about snapping a winless streak: it was about reclaiming the authority of a filly who seemed destined for major achievements in her juvenile year. Judging by her display in the Ina Nistel, those early expectations remain fully justified.