Equal Mostaza Targets Another Step Toward Stayer Status in the Clásico Yatasto

The Son of Equal Stripes Eyes Third Straight Win as He Builds Toward the Pellegrini

Equal Mostaza Fresh Off Victory in the Clásico General Pueyrredón / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

With the season moving into its decisive stretch and the countdown quickening toward the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1)—South America’s most important race—the Clásico Yatasto (G3, 2400mT) this afternoon at San Isidro takes on added significance in a somewhat unsettled division.

With Vundu (Suggestive Boy) and Need You Tonight (Hat Trick) focused on their imminent start in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), Acento Final (Treasure Beach) and Crazy Talent (Equal Talent) resting after the San Martín (G1), and Honest Boy (Heliostatic) absent, the stage looks wide open for Equal Mostaza to take another step forward and consolidate his status as one of Argentina’s top stayers.

Bred by Haras La Nora and racing for Las Monjitas, Equal Mostaza announced himself with a runaway score in the Clásico Cocles (L) before powering home to capture the marathon Clásico General Pueyrredón (G3, 3000m), the longest test on the calendar. Dropping back in trip here, he’ll also debut a new rider, with Kevin Banegas taking over as the new first-call jockey for Camilo Bautista’s silks following Francisco Leandro’s departure to Dubai.

Looking to turn the tables are Ninguneando (Bodemeister), Soñador Spring (Greenspring), and El Darwin (Il Campione), who finished second, fourth, and fifth, respectively, behind Equal Mostaza in that 15f contest.

San Benito’s hopes rest with Don Champagne (Long Island Sound), who seeks to bounce back after a dull fifth in Palermo’s Clásico Comparación (G2). He had previously finished a close third behind the favorite in the Cocles.

Trainer Carlos D. Etchechoury will also saddle veteran Don Tigre (Cityscape), who exits a solid fourth in the Clásico Engrillado, four lengths behind Vundu.

Adding intrigue is the progressive Time to Think (Seahenge), stepping into graded company after strong efforts in the condition ranks.

Would you like me to also prepare a short headline-style version (like a TDN subhead) for this story, similar to the ones we’ve been doing for race previews?