Cahuel Win transformed from a promising prospect into a headline star in just two starts
The son of Gershwin preserved his unbeaten record with a 5-length victory in the Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (G3); another major triumph for trainer Marcelo Sueldo and jockey Gonzalo Borda with a colt that invites high hopes for the Gran Premio Nacional (G1)
LA PLATA.— It took just two starts for Cahuel Win to earn a prominent place among the top names of his generation. From a winning debut over the mile, he jumped straight to the 2000 meters of the Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (G3), and the step up in distance served only to amplify that initial impression. This Tuesday, in the second leg of the Triple Crown at Hipódromo de La Plata, the son of Gershwin proved vastly superior, preserved his unbeaten status, and opened the door to a limitless future.
Inexperience was an advantage he conceded. Talent, as became abundantly clear, was more than sufficient to offset it. Facing opponents with greater seasoned mileage, including several established figures of the local juvenile process, he resolved the contest with a poise that went far beyond the 5 lengths he recorded at the wire over Fuerte y Claro(Daniel Boone).
For trainer Marcelo Sueldo and jockey Gonzalo Borda, the result marked another major triumph in a season packed with strong moments alongside their 3-year-old lineup. This time, it came courtesy of a colt who had much to prove and who answered every question with a dominant performance.
Borda settled him in third through the early stages of the running while El Pirata (Il Campione) assumed the duty of setting the pace. From that position, Cahuel Win tracked the race closely, without any need to hurry, until he began to close on the leader around the far turn.
The move was as effortless as it was decisive. Before turning into the home stretch, he had already struck the lead, and when asked for his full effort, he pulled away with ease. The race was over in a matter of strides: up front, the unbeaten colt expanded his margin; behind him, his rivals were left to fight for the minor placings.
Fuerte y Claro crossed the line second, with favored Teobaldo (Uncle Chuck) finishing third another 2 1/2 lengths back. Desert Boy (Dabster) finished fourth, 5 lengths further behind, completing a board separated by wide margins. The winner stopped the clock in 2:05.30 for the two kilometers, though the most encouraging takeaway from his trip to El Bosque lay in the total comfort with which he asserted and maintained his supremacy.
Defending the silks of Stud Che Mateo and bred by Haras Vikeda, Cahuel Win added another premier result to the impressive launch of Gershwin as a sire. His debut crop had already produced Fletcher, winner of the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1) and recently sold to continue his career in Saudi Arabia, alongside Mucho Macho Win, winner of the Clásico Santiago Luro (G2). Now, another of his sons establishes himself at the graded level, this time over a stamina-testing distance that opens broad horizons for the major stayers' events.
His dam's side also offers plenty of substance to support high expectations. Cahuel Win is the third foal out of College Girl (Greenspring), a high-class racemare who captured the Clásico Sibila (G2) and Clásico Ricardo P. Sauze (G3). That quality is now finding a continuity that is rapidly taking shape.
The schedule points to the Clásico Provincia de Buenos Aires (G2-2200m) as the logical next reference, serving as the final leg of the La Plata Triple Crown. However, following such a display of authority, it is only natural to look toward Palermo and consider a tilt at the Gran Premio Nacional (G1). That decision will rest with his connections, who have time to evaluate the recovery and progress of a colt still taking his very first steps.
For now, Cahuel Win converted his second career outing into a major statement of purpose. He won like a horse with immense room to grow, leaving behind a far more intriguing question than any that accompanied him before the gates opened: just how far can he go?
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