Arnaldo Vigil Keeps Rolling as Garufa Mask Delivers Another Stakes Win at San Isidro

The La Plata-based trainer has now captured stakes races on three consecutive days, this time thanks to the dark bay from Stud Tinta Roja, who shone in the Gendarmería Nacional Argentina.

Garufa Mask Won Even More Comfortably Than It Appeared / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The unstoppable run continues for La Plata-based trainer Arnaldo Vigil, who secured his third consecutive day with a stakes victory, this time thanks to Garufa Mask (Mask), the commanding hero of Saturday’s Gendarmería Nacional Argentina (1400m, dirt) at San Isidro.

Taking full advantage of the absence of Holy Joy (Fortify), who looked strong on paper, the dark bay also extended the winning momentum for Stud Tinta Roja, which on Tuesday at La Plata had celebrated with Viejo Cuchara (Il Campione) in the Club Hípico de Tandil (Listed), also under Vigil’s care.

Carrying a top weight of 57kg, the Haras La Valkiria-bred runner returned to his best form, reminiscent of his performance a few months ago when he captured the Clásico Asociación Argentina de Fomento Equino (Listed) over the local turf, before a string of below-par efforts at higher levels.

Garufa Mask teamed up perfectly with jockey Gustavo Calvente, who was aboard for the first time. Breaking well—despite a history of gate issues that has sometimes left him far behind—he settled second, tracking Black Stripes (Equal Stripes, 55.5kg), and maintained that position into the stretch.

From there, he gradually reeled in the leader and edged past without being fully asked, crossing the wire three-quarters of a length in front—a margin that flattered the runner-up. Closing well to finish third, another three-quarters back, was Rosario’s Bitter Orange (Cosmic Trigger, 55.5kg). Final time was an impressive 1:21.59, with sharp splits of 24.27, 46.91, and 1:09.45.

Out of the Irish mare I’mneverwrong (Compton Place), who also produced the consistent Nunca Digas Never(Hurricane Cat), Garufa Mask recorded his fifth win from 14 starts, including two stakes victories, boosting his earnings to 30,040,300 pesos.

Now back in winning form just after turning four, Garufa Mask left the impression he’s ready to tackle more challenges ahead.