Cacal Island found his best stride once again, snapping a dry spell of over two years with a sharp
The winner of the Clásico Club Hípico de Tandil (L) during his 2-year-old campaign rediscovered stakes success in the Especial Lordling at La Plata. Partnered by jockey Juan Cruz Rivero, he fended off a relentless challenge down the stretch to prevail by half a length over Noni Letal
LA PLATA.— More than two years had elapsed since Cacal Island (Lizard Island) last savored victory above standard condition ranks. An eternity for a horse who, as a juvenile, had generated high expectations by capturing the Clásico Club Hípico de Tandil (L) at Hipódromo de La Plata, but subsequently saw his form recede, fading well off the major spotlight.
On Tuesday, in the Especial Lordling (1100m, dirt), he recaptured a flash of his early promise, taking top honors in the feature event of a modest card in overall quality—though the main event delivered an entertaining contest with several key actors and a tight finish.
Carrying a light assignment of 54 kilograms and with jockey Juan Cruz Rivero in the saddle, Cacal Island found the ideal scenario to resurface. His task, however, was far from easy; right from the break, he was forced into a blistering speed duel alongside Noni Letal (Don Letal, 58 kg), Opreso (Endorsement, 54 kg), and Lindo Pibe (Lenovo, 54 kg).
With no quarter given, the early pace was sustained as all four fought for prime positioning. Cacal Island never yielded his spot in the lead pack, and when the decisive moment arrived, he retained enough stamina to forge ahead.
Approximately 300 meters from the wire, the winner established control, though significant work remained. Noni Letal, who had matched strides with him from the gates, refused to fold and pressed him stubbornly inside the final furlong.
Cacal Island found the necessary response. Fighting with nothing to spare—but displaying a tenacity long absent from his outings—he held on to secure a half-length victory over Noni Letal, who ran with immense merit in defeat.
A length back in third finished Opreso, who entered as the betting favorite; while always in contention, he failed to sustain his effort when the pressure peaked. Just a half-head further behind in fourth came Redentor Cat (Knockout,56 kg), unable to find the resurgence he sought following his prior effort.
The clock stopped at 1m04s87/100 for the 1,100-meter trip, a clocking reflective of the fast early fractions where speed proved decisive, alongside the resilience to hold off late challengers in the deep stretch.
For Cacal Island, the victory marked his fifth win in 19 career starts—a record that now incorporates a second stakes success, separated from his first by a prolonged drought.
Trained by Víctor Villanueva, the 5-year-old son of Lizard Island and Nicolasia (Grand Reward) was bred at Haras Aitué and races under the colors of Stud El Tata Viejo II (Neuquén).
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