Don Pichi prevailed in the head-to-head battle against Fantasy Rim

Following a wire-to-wire duel, the son of Qué Vida Buena held on by a half-length to take the Handicap Academia Nacional de Agronomía y Veterinaria at San Isidro

In a thrilling head-to-head duel that unfolded from the moment the gates opened, Don Pichi (Qué Vida Buena, 54 1/2) found just a bit more to edge past Fantasy Rim (Remote, 54 1/2), earning the biggest victory of his career in the Handicap Academia Nacional de Agronomía y Veterinaria, run over 1,200 meters on the dirt track at San Isidro Racecourse as the feature of Wednesday's mediocre program.

The key to victory for the Stud El Barrial colorbearer was forging a slight advantage over his rival upon entering the home stretch. From that point on, Fantasy Rim launched a determined rally, but it wasn't enough, falling just a half-length short in a rapid 1m8s68/100, following blistering fractions of 23s6/100 and 45s15/100.

Don Pichi was coming off a last-place effort, 21 lengths adrift, in the Handicap Candy Stripes, a race won by Flaminius (Hi Happy, 55). However, Flaminius proved to be a shadow of his former self this time around, managing only a fifth-place finish 8 lengths behind the winner as the 2-1 favorite.

Trained by Eduardo Accosano, Don Pichi found a perfect partner in jockey Iván Monasterolo, who has regained the top form he displayed early in the season that established him among the circuit's winningest riders prior to his injury.

Eduardo Accosano conditions the bay colt bred by Fabio Mentucci—the driving force behind Stud El Barrial. Out of Venial Inc (Include), he traces back to the stakes winner South Vagancia (Southern Halo) from the illustrious Vacaciónmaternal line. Don Pichi now boasts five wins from 12 career starts and, having just turned 5, looks well-positioned to remain a major force at this level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rV5LJcB3HvU