Full Serrano Returns to Action with a Brilliant Performance; Now It’s Time to Dream...

The Argentine champion scored a front-running demolition at Del Mar, carving out scorching fractions and finishing with style

Full Serrano Was a Steamroller at Del Mar / BENOIT PHOTO

The immense anticipation surrounding Full Serrano’s return to the races was answered in spectacular fashion by the Argentine star, who shook off 10 months on the sidelines with a commanding victory in Monday’s second race at Del Mar, an optional claiming allowance for $100,000 with $82,000 to the winner.

Over the same mile on the main track where he had bid farewell in early November 2024, lifting the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) trophy in breathtaking fashion, the Full Mast colt asserted total control over the four rivals who ultimately challenged him, rekindling dreams of more high-profile achievements.

Although he didn’t face a lineup of superstars, a couple of solid contenders tested him—but what stood out most was the way the dark bay, bred by Haras Gran Muñeca, executed his performance. Sent off as the heavy favorite, he took a few strides to find his rhythm, assumed the lead along the rail, and then dictated the race.

Relentless from start to finish, he covered the opening 400 meters in 22.14 seconds, the 800 in a blistering 45.30, and 1,200 meters in 1:09.71, establishing early on that the win would not slip away.

Turning into the stretch, jockey Juan Hernández gauged his response and gradually eased him into a finishing gear, cruising the final furlong and a half to an emphatic 7¼-length victory in a sensational 1:35.11, with a complementary fraction for the 1,400 meters of 1:22.19.

American Admiral (American Pharoah) finished second, with Packs a Wahlop (Creative Cause) a neck back in third; Two Rivers Over (Tamarkuz) was fourth, 20 lengths further back, while Il Bellator (Shackleford) broke down in the stretch, prompting a lengthy inquiry before stewards ruled the incident was caused by interference. Ghazaaly (Curlin) did not start.

Full Serrano, who returned $2.20 to win, earned $49,200, and according to trainer John Sadler, he is likely to race once more—at Santa Anita Park—before tackling a new challenge in the Breeders’ Cup, health permitting. The Classic (G1, 1¼ miles) remains the primary target, though a repeat bid in the Dirt Mile (G1) is also on the table.

Owned by Hronis Racing, Full Serrano debuted in the U.S. just over a year ago with a conditional victory, then stepped up to the Pacific Classic (G1), finishing a close second to Mixto (Good Magic).

A minor physical setback delayed his next start until the Dirt Mile, where he delivered a front-running triumph, only to be sidelined again by a more serious injury—until now.

Winner of the Clásico Tresiete (L) on the turf at Hipódromo de San Isidro, Full Serrano returned in the best possible way, sending a surge of excitement through South American racing fans eager to see him wear the Breeders’ Cupcolors again.

The champion returned like a champion, and South American—and particularly Argentine—turf fans are already dreaming of seeing him shine once more in the violet silks of the Breeders’ Cup. Full Serrano is a great horse. With health on his side, there is no limit to what he can achieve.