Garboso Frank Prevails Over Beauty Sea Again in a Potential Race of the Year Candidate

In a formidable head-to-head battle from the gates to the wire, the son of Gidu defeated his rival by three-quarters of a length.

Garboso Frank managed to draw clear only in the final furlong / HSI

SAN ISIDRO, Argentina – It is early in the season, admittedly. However, the spectacle delivered by Garboso Frank (Gidu) and Beauty Sea (Seahenge) in Friday’s Clásico Río de La Plata (L-1,200m, diagonal turf) at San Isidro is already positioning itself as a "Race of the Year" contender.

As was the case a few weeks ago when they faced off in the Clásico Intendente Melchor Posse (L) on the Palermo turf, the victory went to Garboso Frank. It followed a formidable duel that started at the break and lasted nearly to the wire; it wasn't until the final furlong that the colt managed to separate himself from his rival.

On that previous occasion, the margin between the two was 1 1/2 lengths, a gap that has now been cut in half. The winner stopped the clock in a blistering 1:08.36 after setting fractions of :23.62 and :45.28.

The win also continued a remarkable hot streak for Stud Pauli, jockey Gonzalo Borda, and trainer Marcelo Sueldo, who have started the year in the winner’s circle. Only a day earlier at La Plata, the trio enjoyed success with the 2-year-old filly Gota Clara Sos (Made You Look) in the Clásico Amilcar A. Mercader (L).

As with the chestnut filly, there was also a connection here to Haras Gran Muñeca, where Garboso Frank was bred. He remains one of the top representatives from the notable first crop of the sire Gidu (Frankel).

For Gonzalo Borda in particular, the week has been nothing short of spectacular. He also secured the Clásico Juan Shaw (G2) aboard Miss Talento (Equal Talent); the Clásico Miguel Angel y Tomás Juárez Celman (G2) riding Stormy Summer (Nicholas); and the Especial Perrier with Lost Beach (Treasure Beach). An impressive run of form.

This marked the fifth career victory for Garboso Frank and his third consecutive win—all at the stakes level—adding the Río de la Plata and the Posse to his previous score in the Clásico Estrellas Enterrianas on the dirt at Gualeguay.

A special mention must go to Stud Pauli: in 2026, the stable has sent out 24 runners for 14 wins (including four stakes), with only two of their representatives failing to finish in the money.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSmsQI6v6m8