Candlelit came flying late to land top honors in the Clásico General Las Heras

After a pair of underwhelming efforts earlier this season, the Equal Stripes filly bounced back in style over a rain-affected track

Candlelit secured the second black-type victory of her career / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Finding her best stride over a grueling turf course and taking full advantage of the strong early fractions set by the speedy Candy and Giant (Giant's Pleasure), Candlelit rebounded in a big way Saturday to capture the G3 Clásico General Las Heras (1400m, heavy turf), the feature event on a lively card at San Isidro.

A minor player in last year’s 3-year-old filly division on the main track at the Jockey Club, the daughter of Equal Stripes had failed to make an impression in her first two starts of 2025. But facing tougher company and far more demanding conditions this time, she turned in the most significant performance of her career to earn her second black-type victory. Her previous stakes score came under similar circumstances in the Bayakoa (L).

Under a patient ride from Kevin Banegas, Candlelit was allowed to settle near the back of the pack as expected pacesetter Candy and Giant set off with Early Life (Suggestive Boy) in close pursuit. The opening quarter went in :24.83, and the pace quickened through the half in :47.69, with the field spread wide across the track.

As they straightened for home, Candy and Giant quickly gave way, and Fiesta Porteña (Fortify) moved up the rail to briefly take command. But Candlelit, weaving her way through traffic with a determined late rally, surged past in the final 50 meters to score by 3/4 of a length. The final time of 1:26.96 was a testament to the demanding course.

Trained by Nicolás Martín Ferro, who bested his father Enrique in a head-to-head trainer matchup, Candlelit races as a homebred for Haras Abolengo. She is the first foal out of Fall On the Beach (Treasure Beach) and hails from the female family of G1 winner Storm Dynamico (Dynamix) and champion Forty Fabuloso (Roar).

Proven now between 1200 and 1400 meters, Candlelit may soon be tested over a mile—a trip that offers plenty of stakes opportunities on the local calendar. If she finishes the way she did this time, the distance shouldn't pose a problem.