Gidu, a Frankel Son Making a Strong Impression in Argentine Breeding with His First Crop

The Haras Gran Muñeca stallion is emerging as one of the leading sires among the new generation of studs in Argentina, and the best may still be ahead for him

The striking Gidu, whose first crop has been showing strong promise on the racetrack / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Not every day does a direct son of Frankel arrive on the Argentine breeding scene. Even rarer is one that, with just its first crop of racing age, sets the standard with authority. Gidu, from Haras Gran Muñeca, is doing precisely that: with only 18 runners to date, he already boasts 9 winners—a remarkable 50% strike rate—and no fewer than 4 of them already have black-type victories, a feat unmatched by any other first-crop sire in Argentina in 2025.

The stats are impressive, but the names speak volumes: Alado Frank, Bolero Frank, Takeshi Frank (exported to the United States), and Moon Frank, still unbeaten in two starts and a recent winner of the Clásico General Luis María Campos (G2), now aiming for the Polla de Potrancas (G1).

Last Saturday brought more good news in San Isidro, with daughters Tartana Frank and Sunny Frank both breaking their maidens on the turf sprint course.

All of these runners have shown talent on dirt—a curious detail considering their sire excelled on turf sprinting—but the explanation lies in the maternal line: Gidu is out of Manerbe, by Unbridled’s Song, a dam line known for producing top-class dirt runners.

Gidu’s own career in the U.S. included highlights at three, with wins in the Paradise Creek Stakes (L) and Columbia Stakes (L), a second in the Dania Beach Stakes (G3), and fourth in the Hall of Fame Stakes (G2). At five, he returned to the winner’s circle with a runner-up effort in the Tropical Turf Stakes (G3). A horse with speed, consistency, and competitiveness over intermediate distances, he now appears to pass on precocity and versatility to his progeny.

Among his freshman peers are Gouverneur Morris (Constitution), Strategos (Zensational), Roman Joy (Fortify), The Great Day (Harlan's Holiday), Leofric (Candy Ride), and Springdom (Sebi Halo). While all have shown promise, the difference with Frankel’s son lies in the number of winners he has produced at stakes level.

Of 16 Gidu runners that have debuted in Argentina, 8 are winners and 4 have already captured black-type races—all on dirt

It’s worth noting that this powerful start carries additional merit: Gidu began almost exclusively as a stallion for Haras Gran Muñeca, with very limited access to mares from other breeders. In this context, his figures are even more impressive. And here lies the key to what’s ahead: with the showcase provided by his first crop, his book for 2025 will be broader and more diverse.

Globally, Frankel’s progeny are just beginning to make their mark in the breeding world. Cracksman, at Darley, is already sire of G1 winners such as French champion Ace Impact, while Cunco, also gaining traction in South America, has classic performers. Gidu joins this trend as an early standout, proving that his genetics adapt perfectly to Argentine conditions and can produce both precocious sprinters and potential classic-distance runners.

The impression left by this debut season is that the best is yet to come. Moon Frank will be the spearhead in the upcoming Triple Crown season, but other promising names are already emerging. If such an impact was achieved with a limited base, the future with wider access to high-quality mares could be even more ambitious.

In a crop of debut sires where it’s often hard to stand out, Gidu made his mark quickly and with authority. A Frankel in Argentina who has arrived with a clear footprint, ready to gallop straight toward a privileged place among the country’s stallions. Time will tell, but judging by what we’ve seen so far… the horizon looks very bright.

Gidu in one of his victories in the United States / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA