El Emporio Remains Unbeaten at Palermo, Where He Is Already One of the Top Stayers

n the slop and over 2500 meters, he added the Mineral (L), defeating Ninguneando by 1 1/2 lengths

Juan Cruz Villagra looks back with another victory already in hand / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

On a track made difficult by the heavy going and at a demanding distance he had never tried before, El Emporiodelivered another display of his strong moment on Sunday, further consolidating his profile among the top stayers on the dirt at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo.

After winning the Carlos Gardel (L) and Irineo Leguisamo (L), the son of Il Campione crossed the wire in front once again, this time capturing the Mineral (L) over 2,500 meters, the opening leg of the attractive staying races that highlight this part of the season in the capital.

Sent off as a heavy favorite ($1.65), the bay from Stud Juan Martín had to work throughout, racing mostly in a stalking position while Travel Pass (Fortify) took the initiative with a sizeable lead, setting fractions of :26.71, :52.72, 1:17.53 and 1:42.63.

Things became more interesting in the stretch. The leader tried to stay on, but soon enough both the winner and Ninguneando (Bodemeister) came charging on the outside, the latter appearing to travel slightly better.

However, as the meters went by and Travel Pass gave way, it was El Emporio who finished best, drawing clear in the final furlong to score by 1 1/2 lengths over Ninguneando, who in turn finished half a length ahead of the brave pacesetter. The clock stopped at 2:41.37, with additional splits of 2:08.91 and 2:34.71, and a final furlong in :14.70.

Bred by Haras El Paraíso and trained by Humberto Benesperi, El Emporio secured his seventh win—his third stakes success—in 12 starts, extending his unbeaten record on Palermo’s main track after having raced exclusively at La Plata earlier in his career.

A brother to the good winner Alpenglow (Angiolo) and from the family of La Gris (Farley), developed at Los Olivos, El Emporio continues to strengthen his profile with every appearance, proving his stamina and aiming for more within the division.