Gardel Pass and a Brave Victory in a Polla de Potrillos to Remember

The El Alfalfar Colt Edged Out Favorite Drive Joy by a Neck to Claim the First Step of the Triple Crown at Palermo

Gardel Pass (outside) Held Command Over Drive Joy Through Nearly the Entire Stretch / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1-1600 m, dirt), which kicked off Argentina’s Triple Crown at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo on Saturday, delivered a thrilling stretch duel—an epic showdown between Gardel Pass(Distinctiv Passion) and Drive Joy (Fortify)—that ended with the chestnut colt prevailing and establishing himself as the leader of his generation.

The contest was so electrifying it almost made fans forget the absence of the injured Amor de Contramano(Gouverneur Morris), who had previously defeated the day’s hero in the Clásico Miguel Cané (G2) over the same Palermo mile.

Trained by María F. Alvarez and Wálter Suárez, the striking chestnut brought El Alfalfar, the stud of Alfredo Camogli and family, their first win in this iconic event. The Camogli family had previously claimed the Polla de Potrancas (G1) in 2015 with Amy B Key (Key Deputy), though then carrying the colors of Stud Clara Manuel.

Gonzalo Borda played a crucial role in Gardel Pass’ victory, keeping him poised along the rail, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Once the stretch arrived and Drive Joy began showing his hand, Borda made a decisive move.

Martín Valle, aboard Drive Joy, tried to hold the rail, but Borda quickly angled Gardel Pass to the outside and surged for the win, drawing just enough clear to hold off his rival, despite a fierce battle to the wire.

In the photo finish, only a neck separated the two, with the rest of the field well behind. Nevado Catedral (Gouverneur Morris) ran a solid third, six lengths back, overcoming a poor start where he was boxed in and last. Es Por Amor(Strategos) finished fourth by half a neck, In the Island (In the Dark) was fifth by a neck, and Marruecos (Leofric) closed out the order. The final time was 1:34.46, 1.26 seconds faster than Moon Frank (Gidu) had run earlier to take the Polla de Potrancas (G1).

Gardel Pass had always been highly regarded by his connections, taking a strategic prep to La Plata to win the Clásico Pedro Goenaga (G2) and avoid facing Amor de Contramano in the Estrellas series. The tactical move paid off, preserving his energy for the race where he was expected to give his all.

The chestnut, weighing 516 kilos, also secured the first G1 victory for his strikingly generous sire, Distinctiv Passion(With Distinction), whose efficiency statistics are remarkable.

Pedigree-wise, Gardel Pass is well-supported by El Alfalfar’s flagship family, descending from Sugary (World Cup). He is a full brother to G2 winner Papusa Pass, while his dam, La Cumparsita Key (Key Deputy), was a graded stakes placer. The pedigree features several G1 performers, including Todo Tango Key (Key Deputy), Villero Cat(Easing Along), Compasivo Cat (Easing Along), Llorón Cat (Easing Along), the unforgettable Tristeza Cat (Easing Along), and current stars Sarzana Pass (Distinctiv Passion) and Bolero Frank (Gidu).

The 2025 Polla de Potrillos belongs to Gardel Pass, whose development suggests his best may still be ahead. Will he step up to 2000 meters on San Isidro’s turf to continue the Triple Crown trail in the Gran Premio Jockey Club?

For now, celebrations are in order for a hard-earned, well-deserved victory. The turquoise and black silks were the stars of Palermo on a day to remember.