El Ernesto Unleashes an Early Rally to Put His Rivals Away with Authority

The Señor Candy son swept past his rivals in the stretch to capture the Clásico Orange (L), securing the most significant victory of his impressive career

El Ernesto Proved Unstoppable Once He Hit His Stride / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Carrying the top weight of 59 kilos proved no obstacle for El Ernesto, whose powerful late rally was simply irresistible in the Clásico Orange (L), Wednesday’s feature at the Hipódromo de San Isidro, contested over 1400 meters on the dirt auxiliary track.

Dropping down in class after a sharp runner-up finish in the República de Brasil (G3) and a below-par fourth in the New Dandy, both at Palermo, the Señor Candy son rediscovered his best form to notch his third stakes victory—and his first outside La Plata, where he had previously captured the Ondine and Talavera conditionals.

Ridden confidently by Kévin Méndez, the dark bay from Stud El Tata Viejo (Neuquén) settled at the rear of the field early as Mr Drake (Victor Security, 55½) set a lively pace through fractions of :24.70 and :47.68.

Relaxed but well within range, El Ernesto began to advance wide around the turn and, upon straightening, smoothly changed leads before launching his trademark surge. Méndez asked, and the response was explosive—the winner collared the leader by the 400-meter mark and quickly drew away, crossing the wire with 2½ lengths to spare over Mario’s Rim (Remote, 54½), while Louis CK (Daddy Long Legs, 52) closed late for third.

A weary Mr Drake held fourth, another length behind, in front of Flying to the Sky (Señor Candy, 58) and Giant Rimout (Remote, 56½), both of whom failed to threaten. The final time was an excellent 1:22.78.

Trained by Víctor F. Villanueva and bred by Haras La Pasión, El Ernesto is out of Es Bonita (Dynaformer), herself a daughter of Esther Rose (Seeking the Gold)—a half-sister to the outstanding sire Orpen (Lure).

Now an eight-time winner from 22 starts, El Ernesto reaffirmed that when he’s at his best, he’s one of the toughest competitors around.