Cardo Castilla delivered a commanding performance in a Clásico Chevalier
- Turf Diario
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A record-low turnout for the traditional stakes saw Strategos's son cruise to a 9-length victory over a still-winless Sam Bushido
SAN ISIDRO, Argentina (Special to Turf Diario)— It is far from normal to see a race as prestigious as the Clásico Raúl y Raúl E. Chevalier (G2) contested by only four participants, and even rarer to see them cross the wire separated by several lengths with such striking disparity.
The 2026 renewal of one of the most traditional races for two-year-olds—the one that opens the major selection process for young colts at San Isidro—was lackluster, dull, and concerning. It was saved only by the dominant performance of Cardo Castilla, who delivered a monologue in the final stages to once again defeat Sam Bushido (Pneumatic), whom he had already beaten in his previous start.
On that occasion, in maiden company, two lengths separated them; that margin has now widened to nine, and it could have been much larger if jockey William Pereyra had so desired. Another five lengths back, the favorite Mask May (Mask) was a shadow of the horse seen in his winning debut, crossing the wire third and only avoiding the cellar because Recuerdos Pass (Distinctiv Passion) finished 21 lengths further back—35 measured lengths from the winner.
Sam Bushido set the pace while Cardo Castilla tracked in second. He gradually drew level in front of the grandstands,took command, and drew off in the final furlong, capitalizing on a strong turn of foot while the leader faded badly. The time was 1:22.81.
It was a perfect weekend for Pereyra and trainer Juan Saldivia, who the previous day at Palermo had shone with Nevado Catedral (Gouverneur Morris) and Butterfing (Angiolo), winning the Benito Villanueva (G2) and the Honor (G1),respectively. Bred by Haras El Paraíso, Cardo Castilla is a new stakes winner for the notable sire Strategos (Zensational) out of the prolific Sally Rose (Sebi Halo), who has already produced G3 winner Lord Roseillon (Le Blues) and G3-placed Litoral Blues (Le Blues), all from the prominent family of Make Up (Make Tracks).
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