Forti Leaf Remains Undefeated, While Winston Wins to Set Sights on Bigger Targets

There were five 2-year-old races on Saturday at San Isidro, with Copilot, Niña Regi, and Amour D'Ete also making headlines

In his first start at San Isidro, Forti Leaf was dominant / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

In what has been a challenging season for grass racing, with the turf course often affected, the decision was made on Saturday to move all the conditional races to the dirt to preserve the main track.

Among the 2-year-olds, the highlight was Forti Leaf, who continued her undefeated streak on the dirt. The Stud El Rey S.A.O. filly dominated the Premio Violeta M (1200m) with just three competitors, as two of the five entries were absent. A winner just a few weeks ago on debut at La Plata, the daughter of Fortify and Red Leaf (Grand Reward) delivered a strong performance on her first visit to San Isidro. Ridden by Juan Cruz Rivarola, Forti Leaf contested the lead with Jeanette (Remote), took control in the stretch, and then easily held off Anitta Fric (Leofric), who finished 3 1/2 lengths behind in a time of 1:10.22.

In addition, there were several maiden races over 1400 meters, with Winston (Forge x Wally Nut, by Luhuk, Haras La Manija) standing out. The heavily favored colt responded well in the opening race of the Premio Whiscolita, taking the lead in the stretch to win by a comfortable six lengths over Jazzy Frank (Gidu), with a time of 1:23.77. Trained by Juan Saldivia and ridden by William Pereyra, Winston showed impressive speed to claim victory.

Not long after, in the next division, Copilot (Equal Stripes x Cecil Aspen, by Exchange Rate, Haras Abolengo) earned his much-awaited victory, defeating Convertido (Conversor) by 2 1/2 lengths in a time of 1:24.10. Trained by Omar Labanca, the colt was ridden by Lautaro Balmaceda.

In the fillies' races, the winners of both divisions of the Premio Stormy Sexology were Niña Regi (Southern Cat x Piuke, by Sebi Halo, Haras Los Olivos) and Amour D'Ete (Sixties Song x Miss Ette, by Numerous, Haras Firmamento). Niña Regi won by one length over The Great Connie (The Great Day), clocking 1:25.74, while Amour D'Ete defeated Kinky Boots (The Great Day) by three lengths, with a time of 1:24.43. Niña Regi, trained by José Lofiego and ridden by Ramiro Barrueco, and Amour D'Ete, trained by Candela Carretto and ridden by Leopoldo Armoha, both showed promising performances.

The 2-year-olds continue to make a mark, seeking their place in the spotlight and aiming for the upcoming select races, with the most important stage of the season still ahead.