Gran Oriente, a Chilean triumph in the Mr. Steele Stakes at Gulfstream Park

Bred by Haras Paso Nevado, he unleashed a powerful late rally to continue enjoying the best form of his career in the United States

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (Special to Turf Diario).- The outstanding run of form enjoyed by Chilean-bred Gran Oriente added another brilliant chapter Saturday in the United States when he unleashed a powerful late rally to capture the Mr. Steele Stakes (L) contested over 1700 meters on the turf course at Gulfstream Park.

Bred by Haras Paso Nevado, the 5-year-old bay son of Classic Empire and Oresteia (Verrazano) confirmed that he is currently performing at the highest level of his career, recording his sixth victory overall and his third from just four starts during the current season.

Now trained by the ever-dangerous Saffie Joseph Jr. and ridden by Rasheed Hughes, who replaced Micah Husbands, Gran Oriente successfully carried the colors of Epic Horses LLC, WSS Racing LLC, A M A Stables, BAG Racing Stables, and Paul Braverman.

The race developed at a strong pace from the outset, with Indecisiveness (Decisive Moment) and Irish-bred War Bomber (War Front) engaging in a fierce battle for the lead. Both horses set demanding fractions and maintained the pressure through much of the journey, setting the race up perfectly for the closers.

Turning for home, Indecisiveness managed to shake clear of War Bomber and appeared headed for victory, but that was when Gran Oriente began to unleash his decisive move.

Advancing steadily and powerfully down the outside, the Chilean-bred swept past in the closing stages to score with authority, fully validating the impressive form he has displayed since joining the barn of Joseph Jr.

Behind the winner, Missed the Cut (Quality Road) rallied to claim second late, relegating Indecisiveness to third, while Tank (Adios Charlie) completed the superfecta after racing along the rail for much of the contest.

The fractions were :23.78 for the opening quarter, :47.33 for the half-mile, 1:10.27 for six furlongs, and 1:33.53 for the mile, with a final time of 1:39.44.