Colifato Novo and Vundú set the stage for a high-stakes rematch in the mile

The champion and his runner-up from the Clásico Ecuador (G2) square off once again in the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1); What a Man defends his title and looms as a top-tier threat

Barely half a head separated them a month ago. Just enough to crown the courage of one and leave the other envisioning a rematch. Colifato Novo (Lenovo) and Vundú (Suggestive Boy) will cross paths once again this Saturday in the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1), over 1,600 meters on the turf, in one of the most eagerly anticipated spectacles on the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1) program. With What a Man (Mastercraftsman) primed to defend his crown, the mile feature boasts more than enough firepower to thrill.

Few racehorses currently generate as much affection as Colifato Novo. Through his story, his recovery, and that fearless front-running style of laying it on the line early, the champion has secured a special place in the hearts of racing fans. Every appearance of his generates excitement, and this time he faces a challenge fitting for his massive fan base.

Crowned Champion 2-Year-Old Colt of his generation following victories in the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1) and later the Gran Premio 2000 Guineas (G1), he knows every inch of the course where he will seek another major triumph. After weathering a patch of form, he rediscovered his peak condition and rebuilt a record of remarkable consistency.

Victories in the Clásico Pedro Chapar (G3), Clásico Invasor (G3), Clásico Bustillo (G2), Clásico Southern Halo(G3), and Clásico Ecuador (G2) highlighted that return to prominence, with a seventh-place effort in the Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1) standing as the sole misstep in an otherwise stellar streak.

His latest victory came on September 6 in the Ecuador, where he dug in gamely to hold off the late charge of Vundúby half a head. It was a display of pure grit—the kind that explains why his name always resonates so loudly.

For Vundú, that narrow loss served as a major confirmation. At 6 years old, and having overcome injuries that forced long layoffs, he continues to provide proof of a high-class ability that time has failed to dim. Winner of the 2024 Gran Premio Estrellas Classic (G1), he added the Clásico Forli (G2) to his ledger this season and is now attempting to establish his dominance among top-tier milers.

After finishing fourth behind Neat Colt (Treasure Beach) in the latest Classic, he cut back in distance and came within a whisper of catching Colifato Novo. His late stretch drive was one of the defining images of the Ecuador and left the debate wide open. If he manages to launch his attack just a moment earlier, he could very well reverse the outcome.

Yet this marquee duel features a major thorn in the side: What a Man. He won this race a year ago and finished second to Earth God (Cosmic Trigger) in the previous renewal. It was also to that same rival that he lost on the wire in the Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1) last December before embarking on a layoff of over nine months.

His recent comeback presented a paradoxical scene: he crossed the wire first in the Clásico New Dandy at Palermo, only to be disqualified for interference in favor of his stablemate Grand Canyon (Long Island Sound). With that prep run under his belt, combined with his class and proven track record in this event, he possesses every tool needed to make his presence felt.

Capitán Kid (Daniel Boone), representing Stud Las Monjitas, comes off a third-place finish behind the top two favorites in the Ecuador, beaten 3 lengths. Fourth in the 2025 Gran Premio Copa de Oro (G1), he returned from a layoff with two allowance victories prior to that third-place effort and can reasonably dream of narrowing the gap.

Full Keynote (Full Mast) will seek to make that subtle jump in class that has eluded him so far. Don Griego (Long Island Sound), winner of the Clásico Pippermint (G2) and runner-up in the Clásico 9 de Julio (G2), will attempt to build upon his sixth-place finish in the Ecuador. Rounding out the lineup is Real World (Cityscape), who arrives riding back-to-back allowance wins, the latest by 2 1/2 lengths over this very same mile distance.

There are scores to settle, a title to defend, and class in abundance. The San Isidro promises an outstanding race.