Equal Mostaza Headed a Complete Dominance for Dany in the Clásico Comparación

In a spectacular finish, he prevailed by a head and a neck over Out of the Blue and The Gladiator's Hat, completing a 1-2-3 sweep for the trainer

Long-distance races continue to deliver wonderful spectacles while showcasing exclusive dominance by horses trained by Carlos D. Etchechoury. Following his clean sweep in the 25 de Mayo (G1) and a 1-3 finish in the Clásico Chacabuco(G2), the conditioner achieved a tremendous 1-2-3 sweep in the Clásico Comparación (G2-2,400 m, heavy turf), the second leg of the Campeonato Palermo de Oro Verde and one of the top-level features on a tremendous Saturday card at Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego.

Equal Mostaza (Equal Stripes) had surrendered by a head and a head to Out of the Blue (Brz-Drosselmeyer) and Acento Final (Treasure Beach)—a late scratch on this occasion—a month ago. However, the Las Monjitas runner, bred by Haras La Nora, turned the tables this time around to prevail by a head over the Brazilian, with The Gladiator's Hat(Hat Ninja) completing Dany's trifecta just a neck back.

The Comparación was a phenomenal race where Full Keynote (Full Mast) acted as the leader, traveling at a comfortable tempo. The major moves began around the far turn. The Gladiator's Hat took control early and tried to open up, with favorite Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja) launching his challenge through the center.

His intentions proved futile as he quickly ceased to be a threat to the leader, who soon had to defend himself against a dual attack from Equal Mostaza—striking down the middle—and Out of the Blue, who closed widest of all. It was a fierce battle down the lane, and at the wire, the courageous chestnut ridden by Kevin Banegas claimed the top prize in a final time of 2m36s78/100.

Need You Tonight finished sixth, 3 1/2 lengths adrift, in his worst performance in the country, appearing uncomfortable under the prevailing track conditions. It reinforces the notion that he is much effective on dirt.

The Campeonato Palermo de Oro Verde is heating up, and the championship will now be decided in the Gran Premio General San Martín (G1) on the 5th of next month. It promises another unmissable, remarkable contest where long-distance specialists will leave everything on the track in pursuit of victory.