From San Isidro to Panama: Nux, a diamond seeking international brilliance

The colt that finished third in the Anchorena is already in Central America to embark on a joint venture between Stud La Buena Fe and Haras La Providencia

Nux winning in San Isidro; now with high hopes abroad / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

The route of great horses is usually marked by ambition and the search for new horizons. For Nux, the colt that dazzled on the turf at San Isidro Racecourse, that roadmap has just taken an exciting and strategic turn. The son of Cityscape is already in this city, marking the beginning of an international campaign that promises to carry the seal of Argentine quality first to the Caribbean and, subsequently, to the United States.

This is not an isolated move, but an alliance of heavy hitters on the Latin American racing board. Nux will compete under a partnership formed by the historic Stud Buena Fe, of the renowned Farrugia family, and the prestigious Haras La Providencia. This joining of forces combines the experience and knowledge of the Panamanian terrain with the excellence in breeding and production of elite runners that characterizes the Depieri family's stable.

Nux's time on Argentine tracks was brief but forceful, leaving the feeling that the best is yet to come. Bred by La Providencia, the bay is a son of Nuly (Orpen), in a combination that granted him European acceleration and notable efficiency. Under the guidance of the structure of Alfredo and Nicolás Gaitán Dassié, the colt showed a meteoric progression.

His farewell to local tracks was his most defining performance: a heroic third-place finish in the Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1) last December, won by Earth God (Cosmic Trigger). There, with only two starts under his belt and facing the best adult milers in the country, Nux finished just 1 3/4 lengths back. That afternoon, clocking 1m32s19/100, he confirmed that his ceiling was far from being reached and that his destiny was, inevitably, exportation.

Now in Panama, training will be handled by Luis Paz Rodríguez, a central figure to ensure a successful adaptation process ahead of the major engagements looming at Hipódromo Presidente Remón.

The presence of Stud Buena Fe in this project provides an unparalleled historical backing. The Farrugia family has been a protagonist for decades in local racing, with achievements that are part of local legend. Their record includes no fewer than seven victories in the Clásico Presidente de la República (G1), highlighted by the unforgettable feat of El Catedrático (Quadratic), a triple winner of the race between 1992 and 1994.

That is, precisely, one of the major objectives in Nux's sights. The sporting plan laid out is as demanding as it is prestigious. First, the Clásico Día Internacional del Trabajador (G1) on May 3, where the colt will seek his first stakes impact away from home. Then, the aforementioned Clásico Presidente de la República (G1) to be held on June 7—the most important race on the Panamanian calendar—where he will attempt to add his name to the Farrugiashowcase.

While the present is Panama, the final horizon of this partnership is the demanding circuit of the United States. The decision to take him first to the Caribbean responds to a strategy of seasoning and adaptation in a competitive racing scene with great tradition before making the definitive leap north.

Nux traveled with the reputation of being a diamond in the rough. His ability to perform at absolute elite levels while still a developing colt positions him as a luxury ambassador for South American turf. The alliance between Buena Feand La Providencia is not just a commercial agreement; it is a bet on a horse that has the class necessary to transcend borders.

The path is set. From the mornings at San Isidro to the heat of Panama, and from there to the lights of the United States, Nux begins an adventure that will keep fans across the region watching closely.