Full Serrano Turns Up the Heat With the Breeders’ Cup Classic in Sight
- Turf Diario
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Argentine Champion Set for Del Mar Return Following Commanding Dirt Mile Victory
DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).- The last time Argentine-bred Full Serrano (Full Mast) set foot on a racetrack was on an unforgettable Nov. 2, 2024, when he authored one of the biggest upsets of that year’s Breeders’ Cup by capturing the GI Dirt Mile at Del Mar at odds of 13-1. The dark bay homebred from Haras Gran Muñeca hasn’t raced since, but his return is drawing near and promises to be one of the highlights of the California summer.
According to a report by Thoroughbred Daily News, the talented runner—who also shined in his native Argentina under the care of Diego Peña—is in the final stages of preparation for a possible comeback during the current Del Mar meet. Kosta Hronis, who campaigns the horse in partnership with his brother Pete, shared the update. Together, the Hronis brothers have been among the most successful owners in American racing over the past decade.
“We’re hoping to see him at Del Mar,” said Hronis. “If a suitable race opens up for him during this meet, we’ll target that. We just want to see how he responds, and then take it from there. The big goal is the Breeders’ Cup. If he proves he can get the Classic distance, that’s the dream.”
Under the guidance of John Sadler, who trained him to Breeders’ Cup glory, Full Serrano has logged four official workouts since returning to the track. The most recent came July 28, when he went a half-mile in :48.40 over the Del Mar main track, ranking 17th of 51 at the distance.
“He had some minor issues, nothing serious,” Hronis explained. “For his own wellbeing, we thought it was the right time of year to give him a proper break—especially with the Breeders’ Cup as our focus. He never left the barn, never had to go anywhere. He’s been under John’s care the entire time.”
Full Serrano began his U.S. campaign last Aug. 3 with a convincing allowance optional claiming win going two turns over a mile at Del Mar. He followed that effort with a stellar runner-up finish to Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo) in the GI Pacific Classic on Aug. 31, stretching out to 1 1/4 miles for the first time. He was forced to skip a scheduled start in the GI California Crown at Santa Anita due to a mild fever, and the team opted to cut back in distance for the Dirt Mile rather than go forward with the Classic.
“John has a great relationship with the people in Argentina, and when Full Serrano became available, we didn’t hesitate,” said Hronis. “He was purchased at a reasonable price, and we felt it was a chance worth taking. He’s turned out to be a top-class racehorse. After that minor setback before the California Crown, we decided to shorten up for the Dirt Mile instead of stretching him out again. He delivered and proved to everyone he’s a real runner. Now we’ll probably follow a similar roadmap, with the Classic as the ultimate goal.”
A stakes winner and Group-placed performer in Argentina, Full Serrano showed flashes of brilliance every time he stepped onto the track. His transition to the U.S. racing system was seamless—a feat not always guaranteed—and his 2024 campaign vaulted him into the upper echelon of American racing.
Now five years old, with a resume that blends talent, durability, and untapped potential, Full Serrano is poised to tackle the toughest stretch of the season with renewed ambition. The Del Mar summer meet and, down the road, the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic, stand as major targets for a horse who has already made history—and isn’t done yet.
