Gran Celestial Returned After 193 Days and Captured the Handicap Jerry Honor
The daughter of Il Mercato returned in great shape at San Isidro, defeating Espouse by half a length while leaving heavy favorite Forever Rim back in fourth. It was her sixth victory and her third black-type success
Nearly seven months away from competition proved no obstacle for Gran Celestial, who returned to the track in shining form to capture the Handicap Jerry Honor (1000 m, dirt), the feature race of an entertaining card offered this Saturday at Hipódromo de San Isidro, alongside several high-quality allowance events featuring promising prospects.
Exactly 193 days had passed since her previous outing, but the daughter of Il Mercato proved the wait was well worth it. Carrying 57 1/2 kilos—the second-highest weight assigned in the field—and guided by an impeccable ride from Juan Pablo Paoloni, she turned a fiercely competitive race in her favor, leaving a highly encouraging impression for her immediate future.
The story unfolded with Espouse (Il Campione, 55 1/2) dictating terms upfront, though never managing to open up a significant break on her pursuers. Margins remained tight and the outcome hung in the balance through much of the running, until Gran Celestial began building her winning bid.
Angled wide to find clear racing room and launch her stretch run, the Stud Tinta Roja colorbearer unleashed her challenge with about 200 meters remaining. From there, she methodically chipped away at the advantage held by Espouse, taking control inside the final sixteenth to score by half a length, stopping the clock in 57s53/100.
Another two lengths back, Máxima Risk (Security Risk, 51) made the most of her featherweight assignment of 51 kilos to secure a commendable third-place finish, running well above pre-race expectations. Fourth, 3 1/2 lengths adrift of the winner, was heavy favorite Forever Rim (Remote), who was burdened with the top weight of 59 kilos and never managed to make her back class count.
The victory marked the sixth win in 19 career starts for Gran Celestial, as well as her third black-type triumph, boosting her career earnings past 33 million pesos. To top it off, she rewarded her faithful backers with a generous payout of $9.60.
Trained by Martín and Carlos Domingo, the chestnut filly carries a rather unique backstory. Her original name was Voltania, but, as is customary with runners owned by Stud Tinta Roja, owner Jorge Brunasco chose to rename her—a long-standing habit of selecting names more suited to his personal tastes than those assigned at registration.
Bred by Hortensia Kraupa Tuskany at Haras Avourneen, Gran Celestial is the third foal out of Volkova (Easing Along), a mare who earned placings at Palermo and brings a damline of exceptional quality.
Indeed, Volkova is a daughter of Vlytava (Southern Halo), a group-placed mare and full sister to the unforgettable Pryka, one of the undisputed legends of Argentine sprinting—crowned Champion Sprinter, Champion Older Mare, and Horse of the Year—tracing back to an American-bred foundation.
Pedigree, patience, and precise conditioning aligned to bring Gran Celestial back at the highest level. After 193 days away, she required no prep run to find her rhythm: she returned straight to the winner's circle, proving she still has plenty to offer in the demanding sprint ranks.
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