Amuni returns to La Plata with the Dardo Rocha on the horizon

The son of Tetaze comes straight off a victory over Nassau—recent winner of the Clásico Vicente L. Casares (G3)—and will look to build on his outstanding form in the Clásico OSAF (G3). Sono Perfetto seeks revenge, while the return of Super Inter adds extra intrigue to the final prep race before November's ultimate target

LA PLATA.- Nassau's (Forge) dominant victory in the Clásico Vicente L. Casares (G3) on Monday at Palermo ended up conferring even greater value on Amuni's most recent performance, as he looks to sustain his fine momentum this Tuesday in the Clásico Organización Sudamericana de Fomento del Sangre Pura de Carrera (G3-2200m). The race completes the Bosque's stakes double-header and serves as the final stepping stone toward the Gran Premio Dardo Rocha (G1).

The reference is far from accidental. In the Clásico Stud Book Argentino (L), the most recent major staying test contested at La Plata, the son of Tetaze had defeated Nassau himself by 2 lengths, with the latter carrying favoritism that afternoon. Now, with his vanquished rival making noise at Palermo, the magnitude of that conquest has grown substantially.

That race also marked Amuni's first appearance under the care of trainer Juan Saldivia, though officially saddled by Martín Garrido. The change of quarters proved successful, and his immediate challenge is to confirm that that performance was no fluke, but rather the launchpad for a new chapter of prominence.

Naturally, his paternal half-brother Sono Perfetto holds more than enough credentials to dispute favoritism. The top sophomore of last season at La Plata finished third in the Stud Book Argentino, 6 lengths behind Amuni, but he knows the path to victory against rivals of this caliber inside out.

Without looking any further, he defeated Nassau in the Clásico General Belgrano (G2) at Palermo, before running second to him in the Federación Argentina de Jockey Clubes e Hipódromos. Also a winner of the Clásicos Comparación de La Plata (L), Clausura (G2), Provincia de Buenos Aires (G2), and José Pedro Ramírez (G3), he brings an abundance of big-race experience that could prove decisive.

Much will depend on the race flow. Sono Perfetto finds his best form when he can dictate terms on the front end without facing heavy pressure. If he manages to impose those conditions, his revenge mission against Amuni will be well within reach.

Another name sparking intense interest is Super Inter (Super Saver), who at 8 years old returns to competition following a 186-day layoff. Winner of 11 races, 7 of them at stakes level, the veteran retains enough past class to command respect. His only previous start at La Plata resulted in a fifth-place finish in the Clásico Antonio Cané (G3) in mid-2023, and he signed off with a runner-up effort in the Handicap Arturo A at Palermo. We will soon see how much of his renowned ability he retains.

Traveling in from San Isidro's Campo 2, Elegir Bien (Fortify) arrives with Guillermo Frenkel Santillán and Juan Cruz Villagra backing a bid that is as intriguing as it is demanding. After finishing eighth on debut, the colt reeled off 3 consecutive victories at Palermo, the last 2 over the mile. In late September he drew off by 3 lengths from Dr Peter(Señor Candy) and now faces a double jump—in class and distance—that will put his true potential to the test.

Blue Dollar (Orpen) will need to step up from his fifth-place finish in the Clásico Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (L), 6 lengths behind Silver Ya (Winning Prize), while Fruit Hunter (Global Hunter) reappears following a lackluster effort in mid-July in the Clásico Cocles (L). Both must improve considerably to feature prominently.

Completing the field is So Long Away (Le Ken), who comes straight off his third career victory, drawing off by 4 lengths over 2100 meters. He arrives in sharp upward form, though he faces significantly stiffer opposition here.

With the Dardo Rocha drawing closer, Amuni and Sono Perfetto are set to square off in a clash that could well define the hierarchy heading toward November's grand target.