Che Banquero Turns the Tables to Land His Biggest Victory

After coming up short against Señor Importante in the Korn, Che Banquero turned the tables with authority in the G3 Antonio Cané, solidifying his place among La Plata’s top stayers

Che Banquero has now captured two staying stakes this season at La Plata / HLP

LA PLATA.- Che Banquero has clearly found his rhythm at La Plata. Emerging as one of the leading long-distance specialists on the local circuit, the Stud El Barrial runner added another major score to his resume on Thursday with a strong victory in the G3 Clásico Antonio Cané (2100m, dirt), gaining revenge over Señor Importante (Fortify), who had bested him in the Clásico Alejandro Korn, and reaffirming his status as a rising force heading toward the G1 Gran Premio Dardo Rocha, as always set for November 19.

Patiently ridden by Lautaro Balmaceda, the son of Greenspring settled just off the pace as Sofware (Treasure Beach) carved out fractions of :25.99, :51.01, and 1:15.62 over a track rated wet. Things began to shift around the far turn, and as the leaders came off the bend, the real race began.

With Sofware fading, Señor Importante, Tambaqui (True Cause), and Che Banquero emerged as the main players, with the latter finding room along the inside before switching out and surging to the lead inside the final 200 meters. Once in front, he drew away confidently to win by 1 1/2 lengths, stopping the clock in 2:14.67. Señor Importante held second, a half-length in front of Tambaqui, with a long gap back to the rest. The mile and 2000m splits were timed in 1:41.70 and 2:08.65, respectively.

Bred by Patricio Losinno and trained by Fabio Mentucci, Che Banquero has now won 5 of his 18 career starts—all at La Plata—and continues to build momentum in the division.

Out of the U.S.-bred mare Blue Berry Kiss (Broken Vow), a two-time winner in Palermo and La Plata, Che Banquero is a half-brother to Che Matador (Remote), a three-time winner in the north. Blue Berry Kiss’s most recent foal is a 2023 filly by Reride, named Che Serrana.

With this latest success under his belt, Che Banquero now looks firmly on course for a serious tilt at the Rocha, La Plata’s most prestigious race.