Cántaros Song got the better of Don London in the Especial Haras Vacación

The son of Alcindor achieved the biggest victory of his career Sunday at Hipódromo de La Plata

Don London drifted out in the stretch, but couldn’t hold off Cántaros Song/ HLP

LA PLATA, Argentina—Just a short while before the Clásico Fortunato Damiani (G3) headlined Sunday’s program at El Bosque, another feature offered a competitive appetizer in the form of the Especial Haras Vacación, a 1100-meter dirt dash for 4-year-olds and up with at least three wins to their name.

Looking to bounce back from a string of underwhelming efforts—albeit against much tougher company—Cántaros Songstepped up with a career-best performance to earn his first stakes victory in a long and well-traveled campaign.

With apprentice jockey Kevin Méndez in the irons, the son of Alcindor tracked early leader Don London (Orpen) from the break, challenged him at the top of the stretch, and despite the pacesetter drifting badly in the lane, managed to push through and edge clear late for a 3/4-length win. Another two lengths back, the favorite Enchanted Tales (Il Campione) had to settle for third. The final time was 1:04.50.

Trained by Carlos N. Corrales and racing in the colors of Stud Candela C, Cántaros Song was bred by Haras El Alfalfar. He is out of Garúa Key (Key Deputy), a full sister to G2 winner Ultima Gota Cat and a half-sister to the black-type producers Qué Gotera Cat and Gotera Cat, all daughters of Easing Along.