Cannolina continues her giant-killer reputation with another shock victory in the Gran Premio Gilberto Lerena
- Turf Diario
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Stud 1912 color-bearer followed her Ramón Biaus (G2) upset with another shock victory to secure her first Grade 1 title
PALERMO, Argentina (Special to Turf Diario)— If it doesn’t come with an upset, it doesn’t count for Cannolina. Just as she had done last year in the Clásico Ramón Biaus (G2), the daughter of South Kissing struck again at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, this time capturing the Gran Premio Gilberto Lerena (G1-2200m, turf), the second leg of the fillies and mares' Campeonato de Oro and one of the two centerpieces of Saturday’s superb card.
On that previous occasion, Alberto López’s trainee had taken down the mighty Martana (Fortify); this time, her victims included the formidable Charm (Strategos), making her the only runner to date capable of defeating both divisional leaders. Despite her longshot status, Cannolina raised the trophy with the authority of a favorite, racing prominently from the start and appearing perfectly at home on a demanding, rain-softened course. Tracking the early leader Plata Chopera (Treasure Beach), the winner surged to the front in the straight, opening up daylight in just a few strides to finish completely unchallenged.
At the wire, she held a 4-length advantage over Portal Maya (Portal del Alto), who denied Miss Talento (Equal Talent)second place by a nose in a photo finish. Another 1 1/2 lengths back, the heavy favorite Charm finished fourth, marking the worst performance of her career and leaving a significant question mark where there was once absolute certainty. Cannolina stopped the clock in 2:19.02 under the guidance of the efficient Brian Enrique, who secured his 19th Group 1 victory just one day before his birthday.
The Lerena heroine was bred and is owned by Antonio and Alberto Di Sanzo, the same connections who 21 years ago enjoyed the memory of Vanguarda (Sekari) winning the Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas (G1) at this very track. They, along with the Scarpello family, showed their faith in South Kissing by purchasing him as a stallion for Haras El Caldén. A few years after his passing, the chestnut sire has produced his first G1 winner—paradoxically defeating Portal Maya, who is trained by the Scarpello family. Such is the way of destiny.
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