Comando Secreto aims to show that time is just a number in the Clásico Benito Villanueva

The nearly 8-year-old veteran from the Stud Sixa barn appears as the horse to beat against Nevado Catedral

Comando Secreto is ready to keep closing strong / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

With the Gran Premio de las Américas - OSAF (G1) on the horizon, the Clásico Benito Villanueva (G2-1600 m, dirt)will offer a clear preview of what to expect on May 1st in the middle-distance division. While the category's top stars will not be in the starting gates, there is an interesting mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers aiming to break into the elite ranks.

Rejuvenated and looking like a colt despite approaching his 8th birthday, the Grade 1 winner Comando Secreto (War Command) is making the most of his closing kick. He now seeks a new major victory to reach 10 total career wins. His current form is excellent, having crossed the wire first in two of his last three outings, including the Clásico Buenos Aires (G3) and the Clásico El Virtuoso (G3), with a third-place finish in the Good Manners in between.

It will not be an easy task for the Stud Sixa representative, primarily due to the presence of Nevado Catedral (Gouverneur Morris), one of the top colts from last season who recently returned to action in spectacular fashion. The gray was third in the Estrellas Juvenile (G1) and the Polla de Potrillos (G1) before spending over six months on the sidelines. In his comeback 40 days ago, he defeated El Ocurrente (Fortify) by 7 lengths, confirming he is ready to be a protagonist once again.

A similar sentiment applies to Liberto (Hurricane Cat), winner of the 2025 Old Man (G3). He returns to the track where he has performed best following a disappointing run in the Horacio Bustillo (G2) at San Isidro. Also a runner-up in the Montevideo (G1) and the Cané (G2) behind Amor de Contramano (Gouverneur Morris), he cannot be overlooked.

Preston Boss and Majority Wins (Master of Hounds) both come off runner-up efforts behind Comando Secreto in the Clásico El Virtuoso, though the former was disqualified to third for interference. They now seek a rematch against the favorite, facing the obligation to move forward.