Forgging Returns to Add Class Distinction to Stakes-Flavored Handicap

The winner of the 2025 Gran Premio Ensayo returns after a 310-day layoff in the Clásico Alan Breck, contesting the grass mile at San Isidro against a star-studded field boasting deep stakes credentials

SAN ISIDRO (Special for Turf Diario).— The Handicap Alan Breck, the feature event of a very strong Friday card at Hipódromo de San Isidro, carries a distinctly classic flair well beyond that of a standard handicap. A field of ten contenders will clash over the grass mile, featuring multiple stakes winners and high-profile performers setting the stage for a top-tier finish.

Much of the spotlight will fall on Forgging, who makes his long-awaited return following a 310-day layoff while assigned top weight of 58.5 kilos. The son of Forge, trained by Pablo Sahagián and to be ridden by Pablo Carrizo, was last seen capturing the Clásico Tresiete (L) over 2000 meters by 2 lengths over a field that included G1 winners Neat Colt (Treasure Beach) and Unico Happy (Hi Happy). A serious injury halted his campaign just as he seemed poised to reach the division's upper echelon.

It should not be forgotten that a few months prior, he conquered the Clásico Ensayo (G3), topping Real Rim (Remote)—subsequent winner of the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1)—and Ardiendo (Remote), while also defeating Piñazo(John F Kennedy) and Neat Colt. While his talent is beyond question, the main uncertainty remains how the extended period of inactivity will impact his performance against such seasoned rivals.

Pace strategy will also prove decisive. Forgging prefers to assert himself early, but he faces two front-running foes in Yak Sport (Glory Seattle, 57 kg) and Midnight Runner (Forge, 52 kg), both accustomed to setting the tempo, albeit primarily over shorter distances. How Carrizo manages the favorite's energy early on could ultimately dictate the outcome.

Breaking from post 1 is Chaplin (57 kg), another contender demanding serious respect. The son of Nicholas finished second to Storm Sound (Hi Happy) in the Clásico Joaquín V. González (G2) at La Plata and, after several months on the sidelines, returned victorious in a San Isidro condition race on August 16. He subsequently finished third at Palermo behind Moderno (Fortify) and Lochness (Le Ken), the same duo that recently fought out the finish of the Handicap Domingo Elías Pascual. His steady progress makes him a major threat.

Tryman (Safety Check, 58 kg) brings strong credentials of his own, having defeated El Ernesto (Señor Candy), Sabiyano (Fortify), and Storm Sound in the Clásico General José de San Martín (G3) at La Plata, though he was unable to replicate that effort next time out when finishing fifth behind Don Zahir (Daddy Long Legs). Meanwhile, Viejo Varieté (Qué Vida Buena) returns after nearly four months off. His seventh-place effort in the Clásico 9 de Julio was a far cry from his brilliant performance in the Clásico Forli (G2), where he missed by just half a head to Vundu (Suggestive Boy).

Kavac (Cityscape, 54.5 kg), coming off a solid second-place finish behind Speedmaster (Fortify) in the Handicap Copa Regimiento de Infantería 1 de Patricios, looks to capitalize on his light assignment. Folie Ninja (Hat Ninja), winner of the 2024 Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1), will try to rediscover his top form at age 6 carrying 55.5 kilos.

Yak Sport enters off a runner-up effort to El Ernesto in the Clásico Orange (L), while Midnight Runner recently finished second to Mezzopiano (Daddy Long Legs) in condition company. As noted, both are expected to force the early tempo.

Orpen Again (Seek Again, 55 kg) and Capital Boss (Daniel Boone, 55.5 kg) round out a competitive field that promises an intense, captivating, and wide-open mile.