Cintra and Olascoaga, with a Full Barn and Kopke as Their New Hope for Meydan

The South American stable already has 40 horses in Dubai, including Satu, Natan, and Nam Phirk for Stud Las Monjitas; high expectations build for the upcoming season with dreams of racking up multiple victories

By Diego H. Mitagstein

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (Special for Turf Diario).— The countdown to a new season at Meydan is officially underway. As world-class stables make their final adjustments, Antonio Cintra and Julio Olascoaga are working enthusiastically with a full barn. The duo commands 40 horses, featuring a powerful South American contingent and high hopes of regaining center stage on one of global racing's most demanding circuits.

The marquee headline of recent hours is the arrival of Kopke (Hi Happy), the standout Argentine runner who completed his quarantine protocols upon entering the stable. "He came out of quarantine on Tuesday," Julio revealed to Turf Diario, confirming a major addition to the roster.

Under the care of Carlos D. Etchechoury and carrying the colors of Stud Las Monjitas, the bay colt captured the Clásico Ecuador (G2) last season before bowing out with a victory in the Clásico República Federativa del Brasil(G3) in early August at Palermo.

The silks of Camilo Bautista maintain a formidable presence within the barn, anchored by Satu (Catcher In the Rye), Natan (Señor Candy), and Nam Phrik (Hofburg). The former two are recovering from physical setbacks and making steady progress toward their racetrack returns.

"Natan suffered an ankle issue last year and could barely breeze. Satu was ready to race, but he picked up a minor tendon injury, so we decided to pause his training. His recovery has been tremendous," the trainer explained.

Progress report metrics are encouraging. "Satu has already worked 800 meters, and Natan has breezed 1000 meters," noted a pleased Olascoaga.

Nam Phrik also fuels high expectations. A winner at Jebel Ali, the colt missed by narrow margins at Meydan during his previous campaign.

The roster recently expanded with four 2-year-olds—two arriving from England and two from Argentina—who are beginning their acclimation. All were previously under the banner of Fawsi Nass, who stepped away from his Dubai base and entrusted his horses to the South American duo. Joining them is veteran campaigner Yurman (Asiatic Boy), who remains at the facility.

"We are at 40 horses, a completely full barn. I have a couple of runners scheduled to depart soon, which might free up stall space for a new arrival from Uruguay or Argentina," Julio explained, leaving the door open for future additions.

Rather than making grand promises, the conditioner prefers a pragmatic outlook. "I don't think I have an absolute standout or superstar, but I do have a lot of horses that are going to fight hard. I have several strong handicap horses that will perform well," he analyzed.

Among the names he highlighted is Norato (Kentuckian), another runner who overcame physical issues. "He had an ankle injury, underwent surgery, and now I have him ready for when Meydan opens its doors. We are going all-in with him," he added with a smile.

He also singled out Donde Firmo (Midshipman), Don Pelicano (Midshipman), and Arabee (Asiatic Boy), along with several promising young prospects. The overriding goal will be to reclaim winning momentum following a campaign where solid form did not always translate into trips to the winner's circle.

"Last year was tough on that front. I lost count of how many second-place finishes we logged. But you turn the page and move forward. The horses are responding, and we just need a touch of luck," he reflected.

That confidence is well-founded. Through the hands of Cintra and Olascoaga passed Miss Yechance (Cotai Glory), the brilliant mare who recently captured the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1) during Prix de l'Arc de Triompheweekend. Before achieving international top-level success, she scored at Meydan under their tutelage with jockey Francisco Leandro in the irons—a testament to the program built over recent seasons.

The challenge ahead will be formidable. Meydan will once again host powerhouses like Bhupat Seemar, Doug Watson, Simon and Ed Crisford, and Godolphin, an environment where winning demands high quality, patience, and flawless execution.

Adding to the competitive landscape is the return of South African legend Mike de Kock, one of the most successful trainers in Dubai Racing Carnival history. His stable features two high-profile Argentine group winners: Colorado del Monte (Strategos), a dual G1 winner, and Hand In Hand (Il Campione), a G2 victor.

While the competition will be fierce, Olascoaga and Cintra know the lay of the land intimately. Backed by a solid infrastructure, major owners, and a deep roster, they enter the new racing calendar with renewed determination.

The arrival of Kopke, the return to health of Satu and Natan, and the potential of Nam Phrik form the core of a team that needs no flashy declarations to justify its ambition.

At Meydan, where global racing giants clash every season, the South American operation is ready to make its mark. And with 40 horses filling the stalls, there is every reason to look forward with optimism.