Don Zahir loomed large at the front and brought his opponents' hopes down to zero

The colt from Stud El Basti took the risk, led the way, and ended up winning by 5 lengths in the Clásico Good Manners; Comando Secreto was second following the serious injury to El Estimado

Don Zahir and a convincing victory on the Palermo dirt / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Running on the lead in a short field, especially when the top candidate plays his cards from behind, can offer dividends as good as those collected this Friday by Don Zahir, winning the Clásico Good Manners very solidly and leaving behind an experienced rival with good current form like Comando Secreto (War Command), who had recently beaten him by a wide margin in the Clásico Buenos Aires (G3).

Back on the dirt mile, the son of Daddy Long Legs built the best victory of his career step by step, with the seal of Juan Carlos and Juan Sebastián Maldotti in the preparation and appealing to the tactic that always worked for Juanca, like in that unforgettable era when, teaming up with Pablo Falero, his horses were hard to catch.

The chestnut from Stud El Basti brought those times to the present with a powerful stride that now positions him as a reference in the category ahead of the major challenges to come: the Clásico Benito Villanueva (G2) or the Gran Premio de las Américas (G1).

Kevin Banegas perfectly interpreted from the winner's reins what the race development and the trainers' instructions demanded, immediately placing him in front and always maintaining a prudent distance over El Estimado (Il Campione), who pursued him unsuccessfully.

Under partials of 25s45/100, 48s94/100, and 1m12s44/100, Don Zahir reached the decisive part with wide leads and a firm step, minimizing risks to the limit. El Estimado was going to be the runner-up, but he suffered a serious leg injury in the final stretches and was eased by his jockey, Juan C. Villagra, eventually finishing fourth.

The sad situation allowed Comando Secreto to finish second, 5 lengths behind the winner, with Indicado (Seek Again) also passing El Estimado to take third another 6 lengths back, all after a total time of 1m37s22/100 on a track that remains tough.

Bred by San Benito, Don Zahir became a stakes winner, and now the bet is on him establishing himself.