Galikovic beat them all and will travel for Uruguay to the Latinoamericano
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The colt from Stud Haras San Pedro achieved a superb victory in the Clásico Manuel Quintela (G3) at Maroñas
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (Special for Turf Diario).– What is the ceiling for Galikovic? No one knows yet, but the truth is that the colt shined this Sunday on the turf at Maroñas, winning a very tough edition of the Clásico Manuel Quintela (G2-2100m) to become the Uruguayan representative for the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) on the 26th of next month at Monterrico, Peru.
On a permanent rise, the Haras San Pedro color-bearer responded in the best way in his return to action—having not raced since late November—and punched his ticket to Lima by leaving behind the best horses of the moment, including Native Extreme (Emcee), hero of the most recent Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1), who finished fifth here.
Guided by Diogo González, the son of Goldikovic and Caderneta (Elusive Quality), bred in Brazil by Haras Belmont Ltda., tracked the leader Qué Guapo (Sultaodocascadura) throughout before moving to the front early in the homestretch.
Once in command, Galikovic gave a notable display of gameness, resisting all challenges to cross the wire with a half-length advantage over Ave Royale (Sloane Avenue). Just a half-head back in third was Zerovinteum (Verrazano), completing a 1-3 finish for Haras San Pedro and trainer Facundo Santesteban.
Regarding his horse's great achievement, the professional stated: "He is improving race by race and confirming everything he has always shown us. The day of the Reyles was a similar trip, but the uncertainty was facing the older horses because none were missing. He traveled a bit more relaxed now, and when they all came at him in the stretch, he made it clear he has plenty of heart."
After the trophy presentation, owner Roberto Faniel was decisive when asked if he would accept the nomination from Maroñas to run the Latinoamericano at Monterrico: "If Facundo says yes, that everything is going well, we will be there."
With 4 wins in 5 starts, 2 of them in stakes company, Galikovic is the number one turf horse at Maroñas and will now go for a greater challenge: facing many of the South American leaders in a race that is shaping up to be unmissable.
