Colifato Novo, the intact soul of a champion who shined once again
- Turf Diario
- Feb 22
- 3 min read
In his return to the mile and facing the best of the moment, the son of Lenovo confirmed that his recovery continues; with loose reins, he remains different
There are horses that win and there are horses that move us. Colifato Novo belongs to the second category. His victory in the Clásico Horacio Bustillo (G2-1600 m, turf) was not just another one in his campaign; it was the confirmation that his recovery has reached a high point and that the soul of a champion—the one that led him to be the best 2-year-old of his generation—remains intact.
On the always demanding turf of San Isidro Racecourse, and against several of the best current exponents of the mile, the bay showed himself in full form once again. It was not a simple test. The category was loaded with strong names, rivals on the rise, and others who had been knocking on the door to become great. But when a champion feels comfortable, when he is allowed to be himself, the rest fades into the background.
The return to the mile was key. In the 1600 meters, he found his axis, his rhythm, his perfect stride. Colifato Novo is one of those who need to run free, without ties, with loose reins and without arguing with his jockey; the clock does not matter. When one tries to corset him, he loses his spark; when he is allowed to gallop naturally, his best version emerges. And that is exactly what happened in the Bustillo.
Behind this victory, there was a silent, deep, and conscientious work. Joaquín Cano understood that the horse needed time, patience, and a different approach. The effort of every morning was worth it, even with some disappointment along the way. Moreover, the gesture of having decided to stop riding him to concentrate exclusively on his training and yielding the saddle to Iván Monasterolo enhances his figure. It is not easy to step away from the center of the stage when it comes to one's own horse of the stature of Colifato Novo, but Cano prioritized the well-being and the future of his star.
Monasterolo interpreted the script to perfection. He did not fight him; he did not rush him ahead of time. He settled into his stride and let Colifato Novo himself set the pace (solid fractions of 24s71/100, 46s58/100, and 1m9s23/100). In the straight, when rivals tried to advance, he responded with the authority that only the "different" ones possess. He changed pace decisively and held the advantage firmly, making it clear that class is never lost—it only hides when the body or the mind does not cooperate.
At the finish line, there were 2 lengths over Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione), who improved compared to his recent outings. And another 2 lengths to Earth God (Cosmic Trigger), the leader of the division until now, who lacked fire. The time of 1m32s63/100 speaks to the demand and the value of the conquest.
Champion 2-Year-Old Colt of his generation, owner of a campaign that already has two golden chapters at the highest level, Colifato Novo showed that he still has pages to write. The mile was once again his territory and the San Isidroturf his ideal stage. That combo suits him perfectly, better than any other.
With horses like Colifato Novo, sometimes the secret is simple: let them run, let them gain faith by making themselves strong in front. Trust their instinct. Loose reins and a firm step. Thus, the horse from Stud El Ranquel found the way again. And Argentine racing, grateful, recovered one of those horses that give meaning to the great afternoons. Those that draw a crowd, that people follow, those that must be made the most of. And enjoyed, of course.
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