Encantador Pass is going for more, with Despacito and Coraje Gaucho in his path

They face off over the 1200 meters of the Clasico Lord At War (L), the centerpiece of this Wednesday at San Isidro

Encantador Pass will try to establish himself in a very competitive division / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

When a list is made of the best Argentine horses of all time, the name Lord At War is usually among the first to appear. This is not only because of what he did in our country, remaining undefeated, but also because of everything he achieved beyond our borders, both on the track and in breeding.

Diane Perkins’ star broke all molds with an infernal racing power, but he also shone later when he entered the stud as a notable stallion and a formidable broodmare sire, despite never having very large crops.

To this day, 40 years since his time, the chestnut continues to appear in the pedigrees of major race winners, reminding everyone that his figure transcended limits. Therefore, it is more than a fair tribute that San Isidro honors him season after season with a stakes race in his name, which will enjoy a new edition this afternoon.

A Listed event contested over 1,200 meters on the dirt track under handicap conditions, it has recruited 8 participants on this occasion, among whom the colt Encantador Pass (Distinctiv Passion, 59 1/2) stands out as he attempts to continue climbing the ranks in the turning sprints.

Winner of the Clasico Jockey Club de Azul (L) and Clasico Benito Lynch (L), both at La Plata, he is coming off a victory over Principe Soñado (Fragotero) under the same conditions he will face now in the Handicap Phoenix.

In his path stands one of the specialists in the division: Despacito (Sabayon), who will carry 61 kilos. With 17 victories under his belt, he has just finished second to Bluclette Rim (Remote) by 3 lengths in the Clasico Asociacion Argentina de Fomento Equino (L), confirming his relevance at nearly 9 years old.

After 248 days, Coraje Gaucho (Lenovo, 61 1/2) returns to action as the debatable highweight. A graded stakes winner as a two-year-old and runner-up in both the Unzue (G1) and the Suipacha (G1) of 2024, he failed in his two most recent efforts, which raises doubts about his current level. If he performs as he did in his prime, he will be right there at the finish.