Contado Shows the Qualities to Dream Big About a Promising Future

The son of Winning Prize maintained his unbeaten record in Saturday's Clásico Manuel Anasagasti (L) at Hipódromo de San Isidro

Displaying a powerful turn of foot and overcoming every challenge presented by the Clásico Manuel Anasagasti (L)over 1400 meters on firm turf, Contado earned a highly promising victory at Hipódromo de San Isidro, stamping himself as a colt worth following through the next stages of the juvenile selection process.

Coming into the race with only a debut victory to his credit and stretching out from 1200 meters, the son of Winning Prize preserved his unbeaten record with a late rally, defeating Siete Lagos (Full Mast) by a half-length in a race where the first nine finishers were separated by just 2 1/2 lengths, a clear indication of how competitive the contest proved to be.

Trained by Gustavo Romero for Stud Reina Madre, Contado was kept in last place by jockey Rodrigo Bascuñán, who only began to ask his mount for an effort upon entering the stretch.

Up front, Arc Village (Angiolo) dictated the pace while being closely tracked by favorite Mask May (Mask) and The Great Ful (The Great Day).

Contado launched his run alongside Siete Lagos and ultimately wore him down inside the final 50 meters, stopping the clock in a solid 1:22.79.

Closing strongly from off the pace, Full Lujoso (Full Mast) finished fast to grab third, another half-length behind the runner-up.

Bred by Haras El Turf, Contado is the second foal out of Consta (Galicado) and traces back to Baroness (Liloy), one of the cornerstone families developed by the late Carlos Menditeguy.

Because he is not nominated to the Carreras de las Estrellas, Contado will need to pursue alternative routes moving forward, perhaps with the Clásico Old Man (G3) at Palermo emerging as a logical next target—though that would require a switch to dirt.

For now, however, the impression was highly favorable. With only two starts under his belt and a devastating late kick already in evidence, Contado appears to possess all the ingredients of a colt with a very bright future.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yep9vr1ERY