At the final jump, Forti Leaf joined the ranks of the top fillies with her victory in the Güiraldes

The Fortify filly, who had lost her unbeaten record in the Aristegui (G2) at La Plata, got up right at the wire to edge out Mi Confesión by a nose

Juan Cruz Rivarola celebrated with all his heart and soul the biggest victory of his career / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The second half of the season kicked off for juvenile fillies in Argentina, and the first major test of the period brought a surprise in Saturday’s Clásico Manuel J. Güiraldes (G3-1400m, fast) at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo.

In a thrilling finish decided in the final stride, Forti Leaf stamped herself as a filly to watch on her first visit to “La Catedral,” edging out favorite Mi Confesión (Suggestive Boy) by a nose.

With the division leaders resting after contesting the Estrellas Juvenile Fillies (G1) just over a week ago, Forti Leaf returned to winning ways after losing her unbeaten status when third in La Plata’s Clásico Raúl Aristegui (G2) behind Elenika (Winning Prize).

Guided by Juan Cruz Rivarola, the daughter of Fortify tracked closely as Go Clari Go (Strategos) and Mi Confesión dueled on the lead. When Mi Confesión gained control turning for home, Forti Leaf quickly ranged up to apply pressure.

For a moment it looked like the favorite would justify the public’s faith, but in the final yards Forti Leaf launched a resolute rally to nail her rival right on the wire. It was a long way back to My Pride (Daddy Long Legs) in third, nine lengths behind, with Envidiada (Il Campione) another neck away in fourth.

A disappointing fifth, beaten nearly 15 lengths, was Go Clari Go, who weakened badly and raised doubts about her ability over this distance, though a physical issue may have contributed to her poor performance. The final time was 1:24.15.

Trained by Gustavo Fabbian for Stud El Rey S.A.O., Forti Leaf is the second foal out of Red Leaf (Grand Reward), a sister to Peruvian champion Golden Leaf (Stay Thirsty), as well as to stakes winners Leaf Crown (Easing Along) and Spring Leaf (Southern Halo), and from a family that includes Alpha Plus (Mr. Prospector), Salute the Soldier (Sepoy), Monzante (Maria’s Mon), and Skywalker (Relaunch).