Argentine-Bred Daktari Captures the Clásico Municipal de Viña del Mar

The son of Daddy Long Legs claimed the G3 at Valparaíso Sporting via disqualification, after being hindered for much of the stretch by Kane, who had led from the break

Kane hindered Daktari along the rail, but the Argentine-bred would go on to secure the victory / JAIME CORTÉS P.

VALPARAÍSO, Viña del Mar (Special for Turf Diario) – The Argentine-bred Daktari returned to the winner’s circle this Wednesday at Valparaíso Sporting, claiming the Clásico Municipal de Viña del Mar (G3) by disqualification after being interfered with during the stretch run. The race, held over 1900 meters on the main turf track in fast condition, saw the son of Daddy Long Legs overcome a challenging period of form.

Daktari had been struggling in his previous two starts, finishing sixth in La Copa (G2) at Sporting and eighth in the Clásico Copa El Mercurio. However, today he showed signs of returning to the level that made him one of the best colts of his generation, though overshadowed by the brilliant Kay Army (Katmai).

The Stud Los Leones runner—who sports the same colors as Mufasa (Practical Joke), among others—found himself at an advantage when the stewards sided in his favor. The race unfolded with little variation, as Kane (Mendelssohn) set the pace from the start, with Daktari in hot pursuit.

As the field entered the stretch, Kane veered toward the inside rail, where Daktari was running, and in the final 150 meters, the interference became evident. Kane crossed the line first, but Daktari held off Lonwhite (Mendelssohn) for second, and the stewards took action, awarding the victory to the Argentine-bred. Under the guidance of Ximeno Urendaand ridden by the experienced Gonzalo Ulloa, Daktari stopped the clock in 1:54.19.

Another argentinian Los Leones entry, Beskar (Mastercraftsman), also competed in the Municipal, but his performance was much more subdued. He was always at the rear of the field and finished seventh, 6 3/4 lengths behind his stablemate.

Originally named Daddy Day, Daktari was bred by Haras Abolengo and is out of Desempeñada (Lizard Island), a granddaughter of G3-winning Decisiva (Propicio). Desempeñada had previously produced a dual winner and shares the same bloodline as the champion Different (Candy Stripes).

For Daktari, this was his fifth victory in 22 starts, and his third in stakes company. In 2024, he also captured the Valparaíso Sporting (G3) and the 173rd Anniversary Cuerpo de Bomberos de Valparaíso, in addition to finishing second in the Clásico Alfredo L. S. Jackson (G3) and the Clásico Carreras del 20 (L), and third in El Derby (G1) and last year’s Municipal.