Deep Feeling makes strong return as Benvolio delivers on early promise

The 3-year-old filly returned following a break of over four months to score a convincing victory, while the Stud Rubio Bhomebred made a seamless transition to the turf, maintaining his unbeaten record and leaving a strong impression

Deep Feeling possessed solid previous form to build upon, while Benvolio brought just a single start that invited plenty of optimism. From those different backgrounds, both emerged among the standout performers on Saturday at Hipódromo de San Isidro, decisively capturing the 1,400-meter turf allowance conditions for 3-year-old winners of one.

First to take the stage was Deep Feeling, who capitalized on her return to less demanding conditions to reunite with victory in the Premio Viva al Sur. Following a layoff of just over four months, the bay filly responded with a performance that renews expectations and suggests she still has plenty left to offer.

She had broken her maiden early on, back in February, and immediately confirmed her quality by finishing second to Gota Clara Sos (Made You Look) in the Clásico Eliseo Ramírez (G2). Then came disappointments in the Gran Premio Jorge de Atucha (G1) and Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1), prior to a respite that, judging by Saturday's effort, served her exceptionally well.

Ridden by Urbano Chaves, the Ezequiel Sánchez trainee scored by 2 1/2 lengths over Doña Taquilla (Full Mast), with Carismática (Il Campione) finishing another length and a half back in third. The clock stopped at 1m22s99, rewarding her backers with an $8.15 payout.

Carrying the colors of Stud Color Tango and bred by Haras Vacación, the daughter of Seahenge and Día de Felicidad (Equal Stripes) secured her second victory in six career starts. Beyond the numbers, she left an encouraging impression, regaining the form shown during her earliest outings and positioning herself well for future growth.

Later on, Benvolio raised the bar in the Premio South Briole. The Stud Rubio B homebred was coming off a debut victory on the dirt at Palermo and faced multiple new variables at once: a different track, a surface change, 200 additional meters in distance, and opponents who had already tasted victory. He passed every test with flying colors.

Guided by Juan Pablo Paoloni for trainer Juan Carlos Etchechoury, the bay colt defeated Roy Rim (Remote) by 3 lengths, with Grikor (King Guillermo) finishing third another 5 lengths back. His time of 1m21s38 proved to be 1s61 faster than that recorded by Deep Feeling, further underscoring the formidable impression made by his performance.

Bred by Haras La Providencia, Benvolio is a son of King Guillermo and Bethania (Mr. Greeley), maintaining a perfect record after two career starts. Defeating fellow winners is often a crucial litmus test for any young colt; accomplishing it by such a margin while adapting seamlessly to new conditions only amplifies expectations.

He still has a long road ahead, but the Rubio B runner has earned a spot among the top 3-year-olds to watch. If he continues on this upward trajectory, opportunities to test himself at a higher level will surely come soon.