Don Griego Managed Against Cosmic Stripes in the Pippermint, in a Thrilling Spectacle
- Turf Diario
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
The two colts hit the right note over the 1400 meters on turf, climbing to the forefront of a division that is always attractive
The field for the Clásico Pippermint (G2-1400 m, good turf), Saturday's other great race at San Isidro Racecourse, was packed with experienced horses boasting plenty of exposure at the highest level. However, when it came to the definition, the stage was seized by two colts that had been doing things almost perfectly in conditions races, gifting fans a thrilling, close finish.
In the closing stages, Don Griego proved to be more, making what could not have been a more auspicious debut on the turf by defeating Cosmic Stripes (Cosmic Trigger), while the more highly-regarded contenders finished well beaten, far from the definition.
By Long Island Sound, the representative of Stud Los Moure trained by Luis Ojeda had run 5 races and won 5, with his only defeat coming in the Clásico El Virtuoso (G3) when he finished fifth over the mile, which represented his only attempt outside of 1400 meters—a distance at which he remains unbeaten.
The Pippermint, contested around the elbow, was practically a match race between the top two finishers, with Cosmic Stripes showing the way from the jump and Don Griego tracking him closely.
Once in the straight, the winner gradually increased his pressure, drew level at the 300-meter mark, and from then on a vibrant head-to-head battle ensued, which ended up tipping in favor of the dark bay bred by Haras San Benito by just a neck.
A length and a half back, shaking off a prolonged absence, Bronx (Qué Vida Buena) closed in a promising third place, just ahead of El Gazpacho (Bodemeister) and the favorite Escape Room (Il Campione). Gardel Pass (Distinctiv Passion), the hero of the 2025 Polla de Potrillos (G1), finished just seventh, with Particulado (Mask) eighth. The winning time was 1m22s57/100, among the best of the day.
With Don Griego, but also with Cosmic Stripes, the category gains two young pieces with high potential, with the mile as an almost mandatory next step for both in the future if they aspire to shine at the top of the scale. Quality to do so, they have already proven they possess.
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