El Fortín struck hard in the Ringaro Handicap and took a solid step forward among the sprinters

The son of Il Campione handled a demanding test with authority and continues to climb the sprinter rankings

Once he took command, El Fortín had plenty left to open up late / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Perfect skies and warm sunshine framed the victory of El Fortín in Friday’s Handicap Ringaro (1000m, turf) at San Isidro, the featured event on a card that paid tribute to the dapple-grey stallion who stood with such success at Haras Abolengo, sire of champions such as Spiny, Punk, Derby winners Cheerful and Berliner, Valenti, Irina and so many other high-class performers from the late ’80s through the ’90s.

At 3 and carrying 54.5 kilos, the son of Il Campione delivered a convincing performance, giving jockey Lucrecia Carabajal—the winningest rider in South American racing history—a stakes double on the afternoon. It was, indeed, a productive day for the ladies: apprentices Agustina Valdez and María E. Schneider also found the winner’s circle.

Coming off a sharp allowance victory, El Fortín settled early while The Great Cash (The Great Day, 57) set the pace with Señor de Salva (Sebi Halo, 56.5) and Contra Pronóstico (Daddy Long Legs, 54) in pursuit.

Carabajal angled her mount toward the outside and gradually improved, drawing on even terms at the 300-meter mark and taking over shortly after. From there, the favorite traveled comfortably through the final furlong to score by 1 1/2 lengths over a resurgent Señor de Salva.

Another 2 lengths back, Contra Pronóstico checked in third, with The Great Cash finishing fourth after giving up his unbeaten record in his first start since March, showing speed but understandably feeling the layoff late. The final time was an excellent :54.89, following spirited fractions of :22.29 and :44.16.

Bred by Haras El Paraíso and carrying the colors of Stud San José (Ecuador), El Fortín hails from Ansia Eterna(Angiolo), from the family of the stakes-winning Kirenia (Ahmad)—not the most prolific branch, but one that reliably produces quality when things align.

With another authoritative step forward at the short trip, El Fortín is clearly on the rise and has the potential to become one of the division’s leading figures in the coming months.