Colifato Novo poured his heart out to hold off a tremendous Vundu
- Turf Diario
- hace 11 horas
- 3 min de lectura
The champion held off the spectacular late charge of the son of Suggestive Boy by a half-head in the Clásico Ecuador(G2), delivering an unforgettable finish over San Isidro's turf mile
When top-class horses clash, spectacle is almost always guaranteed. And the Clásico Ecuador (G2-1600 m, turf) delivered one of those thrilling finishes capable of bringing everyone to their feet, with Colifato Novo and Vundu(Suggestive Boy) giving every last drop of energy in a magnificent duel worthy of two runners who have long operated among the elite.
Colifato Novo won by a mere half-head, defending with pure heart an advantage that for several strides seemed comfortable, but began to shrink dramatically under Vundu's fierce late surge. The wire arrived just in time for the son of Lenovo, who proved once again that when he runs unbothered and can capitalize on his natural speed, he is a formidable competitor.
Iván Monasterolo knew the roadmap clearly. Taking no chances, he placed the Stud El Ranquel representative on the lead early and let him dictate terms, leveraging the speed that has brought so much satisfaction since his juvenile days. Colifato Novo traveled fluently, controlled the tempo, and turned into the homestretch with fuel in the tank while his rivals behind began to launch their challenges.
As they straightened away, the champion broke clear. For a few moments it felt as though the race was settled, as he opened up daylight and responded generously every time his jockey asked. However, coming from further back was Vundu, who was cutting back to a distance he had not competed over in more than two years and had to overcome a race setup that heavily favored the pacesetter.
Gustavo Calvente set him into full drive, and the Estrellas Classic (G1) winner began eating up ground with giant strides. The margin shrank steadily. Two lengths, one, a half. In the final meters, Vundu was flying while Colifato Novo dug deep with remarkable courage. They hit the wire practically as one in a fantastic head-to-head, with the favorite hanging on by that tiny half-head margin over the Stud Gran Ascochinga runner.
Vundu galloped past him after the wire, leaving the impression that a couple more meters might have rewritten the outcome. But races end at the wire, and up to that point, Colifato Novo was the best. He played his hand, rationed his energy, and showed the grit required to hold on when challenged by a heavyweight opponent.
Three lengths behind, Capitán Kid (Daniel Boone) finished third, ahead of Talented Hit (Hit It a Bomb) and Bronx(Qué Vida Buena), in a field stacked with stakes winners and proven form. The 1600 meters were completed in a sharp 1m33s85/100, another testament to the intensity of the contest.
Trained by Joaquín Cano and bred by Maximiliano M. Conti, Colifato Novo is by Lenovo out of Baraca Nistel, by Van Nistelrooy, and added another signature victory to a career ledger that already boasts the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1) and Gran Premio Dos Mil Guineas (G1), along with multiple graded scores. The 2024 Champion 2-Year-Old Colt maintains his uncanny ability to set a strong early pace and sustain the run.
The Clásico Ecuador crowned a winner of immense merit, but also highlighted two superstars. Colifato Novoexecuted flawlessly and dug deep to cross the line first. Vundu confirmed that his class remains untouched, even when dropping below his ideal distance. Together, they produced a finish for the ages—the kind that reminds us why we go to the racetrack.
