Encantador Pass and Valdobbio Head an Unmissable Benito Lynch

The colts who ran 1–2 in the Clásico Jockey Club de Azul (L) will clash again this Thursday, this time over 1200 meters

Encantador Pass Will Look to Recreate This Winning Moment / HLP

LA PLATA—Traditionally the final major prep for 3-year-olds heading toward the Clásico Ciudad de La Plata (G2), the Clásico Benito Lynch (L, 1200m, dirt) has in recent years slipped into a less influential spot on the calendar. It retains its underlying charm, but no longer functions as a true springboard. Even so, Thursday’s 2025 renewal—though featuring just five runners—offers quality over quantity.

The principals from October’s Clásico Jockey Club de Azul (L) will meet again. That afternoon, Encantador Pass(Distinctiv Passion) scored decisively, defeating Valdobbio (Hit It a Bomb) by 2 1/2 lengths, leaving the runner-up eager for revenge.

Since then, Encantador Pass suffered a surprising three-length defeat at the hands of Say It Fast (Cosmic Trigger) in the Clásico Ciudad de Berisso on Nov. 19, and now looks for a swift rebound.

As for Valdobbio, it’s worth recalling that before that setback he captured the Clásico José María Boquín (L), defeating Garboso Frank (Gidu) by 2 1/2 lengths, with Vendaval Joy (Roman Joy)—later the hero of the Clásico Ciudad de Ensenada—another 6 1/2 lengths behind.

But this is far from a two-horse race. Secreto a Voces (Springdom) aims to keep his perfect local record intact after arriving here 23 days ago to post a commanding allowance victory. Winner of the Islas Malvinas (L) down the San Isidro straight, he will be a formidable rival.

Walking Thunder (Dubai Thunder) needed three starts to break his maiden, but immediately followed up with a dominant seven-length win, suggesting real upside at sprint distances. This will be his stakes debut, and he meets far more seasoned opponents.

Rounding out the field is Richardisong (Emperor Richard), unbeaten in his first two starts before losing that status when finishing second—1 1/2 lengths behind Viejo Cuchara (Il Campione)—in the Clásico Jockey Club de Azul (L), dead-heating with Aldrin (Manipulator) and finishing ahead of Valdobbio. He returned from a four-month break to finish fourth in an allowance and now appears poised for a forward move.