From Turf to Dirt, Moon Frank Proves His Talent Is the Real Deal

The daughter of Gidu cruised to an easy victory in the G2 Clásico General Luis María Campos, inserting herself squarely into the mix of top contenders for the upcoming G1 Polla de Potrancas

Moon Frank Goes Gate-to-Wire in Palermo Romp / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The leaderboard among Argentina’s top 3-year-old fillies welcomed a new and compelling name Saturday at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, as Moon Frank delivered a powerful front-running performance to capture the G2 Clásico General Luis María Campos (1600m, heavy dirt), the final local prep for next month’s G1 Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas.

A homebred for Haras Gran Muñeca, the daughter of Gidu made a successful transition from turf to dirt and from shorter distances, having won on debut over the grass at San Isidro. Under a confident ride from Eduardo Ortega Pavón, and trained by Diego Peña, the filly dictated terms from the outset, repelled a brief early challenge from Citadelle(Fortify), and kicked clear at the top of the stretch to score by 4 lengths over the favored Queen Elinor (Señor Candy).

Well in behind, The Great Village (The Great Day) finished third, 7 lengths back, earning valuable black type, while My Pride (Daddy Long Legs) checked in fourth. Citadelle, once again disappointing, faded to a distant fifth. The final time of 1:36.69 was notably slower than the mark set earlier in the afternoon by Amor de Contramano (Gouverneur Morris) in the G2 Clásico Miguel Cané.

Out of the accomplished mare Moon Sale (Not for Sale), a multiple graded stakes winner herself, Moon Frank hails from a deep pedigree that includes the likes of Tapatío (Candy Stripes) and the high-class Liz for Sale (Not for Sale). Saturday’s victory marked the fourth G3 win on dirt for the first crop of Gidu (Frankel), whose early results suggest an affinity for the surface and plenty of upside as a sire.

Moon Frank delivered when it mattered most and now heads toward the Polla de Potrancas with serious credentials, poised to challenge the likes of Charm (Strategos) and Roshita (Gouverneur Morris) in what’s shaping up to be a highly competitive renewal of the first leg of the Argentine Filly Triple Crown.