Drive Joy discovered 2000 meters with a magnificent victory
The homebred for Haras Firmamento confirmed his progression in the Clásico Italia (G3), defeating Don Machete by 3 lengths to seal a 1-2 finish for trainer Carlos Daniel Etchechoury; Martín Valle completed a graded stakes double; favorite Need You Tonight finished fourth, exhibiting apparent physical distress
Every new challenge seems to enhance the status of Drive Joy, who took another major step forward in his campaign on Monday with a remarkably authoritative victory in the Clásico Italia (G3-2000m, dirt), one of two features on the card at Hipódromo Palermo.
The chestnut homebred for Haras Firmamento was coming off a narrow score in the Clásico Perú (G2) over 1800 meters, but in his first test over ten furlongs, he erased all doubts with a dominant performance. Propelled by a sustained, powerful stretch run, he drew off to defeat Don Machete (Daddy Long Legs) by 3 lengths, capping a 1-2 finish for trainer Carlos Daniel Etchechoury.
The victory also capped a flawless afternoon for jockey Martín Valle, who swept both graded events on the program after capturing the Clásico Chile (G2) earlier aboard Charm (Strategos). The rider delivered another textbook trip on Drive Joy, biding his time while Buen Escocés (Bodemeister) and Hop On (Endorsement) set a demanding tempo upfront.
,The son of Fortify settled in mid-pack, staying out of the early duel and conserving energy. Hop On eventually assumed command and continued to dictate brisk fractions, as the eventual winner gradually built up momentum and began eating into the lead.
By the turn, the pacesetters began showing signs of fatigue. Drive Joy, on the other hand, maintained his rhythm and made a sweeping move down the center of the track with total authority. As they entered the straight, Don Machete and Adorado Rim (Remote) battled for the lead, but the Firmamento colors burst onto the scene, overhauling both at the 300-meter mark.
From that point on, it was all over. Drive Joy pulled away with ease to hit the wire 3 lengths clear of Don Machete, with Adorado Rim crossing in third, another length and a half behind.
The story was vastly different for heavy favorite Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja), who performed well below expectations. Looking uncomfortable through much of the running, he was already under pressure from William Pereyra on the turn and offered no response in the stretch. Hanging inward and late to switch leads, he laboured home fourth, 8 1/2 lengths adrift. His jockey later reported the colt may have pulled up lame, though official veterinary confirmation remains pending.
Drive Joy stopped the clock in 2m3s67/100 to record the sixth victory of his campaign in just eleven starts, edging close to 150 million pesos in purse earnings. The Champion 2-Year-Old Colt of his crop cleared a major new hurdle with supreme confidence, proving the 2000 meters at Palermo are well within his wheelhouse.
His immediate future now offers intriguing options. He could continue to stretch out or launch a campaign targeting the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), scheduled for next year right here on the Palermo dirt. Sooner on the calendar, the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) enters the picture, albeit over 2400 meters on the turf.
The Italia presented a stern test, and Drive Joy aced it with room to spare. He is no longer just winning—he is convincing everyone that his best is still yet to come.
Comments