Burgess Shale: The Consistent Performer Finally Breaks Through at Top Level

With five wins and multiple placings to his name, the Safety Check gelding earned a well-deserved victory in the Handicap Picacero and looks poised for more

Burgess Shale and His Late Kick Proved Unstoppable / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

If there was one horse in the Handicap Picacero (1300m) lineup who deserved a stakes-level victory, it was Burgess Shale. Carrying top weight of 58.5 kilos, the son of Safety Check had built an impressive resume of near-misses against top-class rivals, including G1 winner El Mejor Recuerdo (Il Campione).

Making his debut at San Isidro, after campaigning exclusively at Palermo, Burgess Shale finally achieved his long-awaited goal – ironically, after finishing unplaced in his previous start following a string of placings spanning a year and a half.

This time, his signature late kick delivered the result everyone had been waiting for. Unleashing a finishing burst with newfound power, he thrived over the heavy northern track, partnered for the first time by Martín Valle. Breaking from a tricky outside gate, Valle kept him relaxed and clear of traffic throughout, ensuring freedom of movement and avoiding any bumps or tight spots.

In recent races, Burgess Shale had struggled to keep up early, often looking uncomfortable. But this time, his action impressed from the start as Bartlemy (Full Mast, 58) and Santo Varón (Sebi Halo, 54.5) set a strong pace with fractions of :23.39 and :46.37.

The race shape played perfectly into his hands. Once they turned for home, the result was never in doubt. Moving up strongly down the center in just three strides, Burgess Shale took command by the 200-meter pole and quickly opened a decisive margin, leaving no chance for Flying to the Sky (Señor Candy, 56), who finished second 2 1/2 lengths back. Another two lengths behind, Santo Varón held for third by half a length over King of Wessex (Cosmic Trigger, 56). The final time was a sharp 1:16.55.

Trainer Gustavo Romero keeps the Haras El Turf-bred gelding in top shape. Alternating the silks of Stud Paca-Paca(which he carried Wednesday) and Stud El Chuchy, Burgess Shale now owns a record of 5 wins in 20 starts, with 5 seconds, 4 thirds, 2 fourths, plus minor placings, and career earnings of ARS 33,603,000 – a true model of consistency.

Having removed the thorn from his side, Burgess Shale found San Isidro’s dirt surface ideal for his style and will now aim even higher.