n top form, the son of Il Campione returned to the winner's circle after nine months, capturing the Clásico Good Manners (1600m)
Argentina stands as one of the few countries in the world where horses seamlessly transition from turf to dirt, as if it were routine, as if both surfaces were the same. Yet, it’s well known that some horses excel more on one surface than the other, even if, as the saying goes, "they run on anything."
El Exito’s return to the dirt at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo clearly demonstrated that the son of Il Campioneis far more formidable on this surface compared to turf. While he has delivered solid performances and even victories on grass, he has never shone there quite like he does at “La Catedral.”
After nearly nine months, the runner from Stud F. Enrique reclaimed the winner’s circle, displaying the power that distinguished him during the first half of 2024. He scored an emphatic victory in the Clásico Good Manners (1600m), Saturday’s main event on a sweltering day that began at 2:30 p.m. and tested the endurance of horses, professionals, and fans alike. The heat even led to dramatic moments, with some horses collapsing on the track, utterly exhausted. Unfortunately, the leadership seems to ignore these dangers until something far worse happens, forcing us all to regret it.
Returning to the race honoring the unforgettable stallion from Haras Ojo de Agua, El Exito’s performance was one to excite connections ahead of his May 1 defense of his crown in the Gran Premio de las Américas - OSAF (G1). Early on, Martín Valle positioned him behind his paternal sibling, El Despertar. Upon entering the stretch, El Exito caught his rival and began to assert dominance, pulling away decisively as Fiolo Boss (Holy Boss) tried to mount a challenge.
At the wire, El Exito crossed five lengths clear of Fiolo Boss, followed by My Stormy Dark (In the Dark), Boyero Spring (Greenspring), and El Despertar, finishing in a neat single-file order. The final time was an impressive 1:34.80.
Trained by José C. Blanco and bred by Haras El Paraíso, El Exito has raced five times on Palermo’s dirt track, winning on four occasions and tasting defeat only on his debut. His preference for this surface is evident not just in his statistics but also in his action, his movement, and the way he closes his races—a trait that has always been his hallmark.
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