Bienhechor Took a Solid Step Forward to Land the Handicap Sideral

In just his second try at the higher level, the son of Grand Reward scored comfortably in Monday’s feature

Bienhechor never left the rail and proved unstoppable through the final furlong / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The upward trajectory Bienhechor has been building shows no signs of slowing. After a promising introduction to the higher ranks, the Stud Dos Estrellas runner earned his first stakes-level success on Monday at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, asserting his authority in the Handicap Sideral (1200m), the highlight of a short card held in honor of one of Argentina’s turf legends.

Under a confident ride from Gonzalo Borda, the son of Grand Reward enjoyed the perfect setup. Ridge Prince(Strategic Prince, 52.5kg), Oriental Boy (Cosmic Trigger, 55.5kg) and Ask for Wild (Angiolo, 51kg) disputed the lead through sharp fractions of 23.99 and 46.50.

Once they straightened, Bienhechor held his ground along the rail, found a clear lane, and by the 400-meter mark was already taking command. From there, it was all academic: he drew off with ease to win by two lengths over Ridge Prince, with Ask for Wild another three lengths back in third.

And what of the favorite and topweight El Patio (Il Campione)? Very little. He never came close to engaging for the lead and lacked response late, finishing fourth, seven lengths adrift. At six, he may no longer be the horse of old—but connections will surely give him another chance. The final time was a sharp 1:09.92.

Bred in partnership by Haras El Mallín and owner Héctor E. Antonio, Bienhechor is trained by Guillermo Frenkel Santillán and now owns four wins from 13 starts, with earnings rising to ARS 27,026,250.

He is the third foal out of the talented Couldn’t Be Better (True Cause), winner of the Handicap Spiny and placed in graded company. She is a half-sister to Uruguayan stakes winner Son of Charity (Pure Prize), to stakes-placed Benefactor (Grand Reward), and to Gift of Charity (Easing Along), dam of Gift of Virtue (Sidney’s Candy), winner of the Listed Laffue at La Punta.

A polished, professional performance—one that reinforces Bienhechor’s growing status and suggests more is yet to come.