Gran Premio Jockey Club: The Great Racing Seeks His Place in History

The colt from Stud Patria Blanca is a standout for the second leg of the Triple Crown, headlining a major Saturday card on the turf at Hipódromo de San Isidro

The Great Racing crossing the wire first in the 2000 Guineas last August / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

The wait is over. The day has arrived for the 2025 edition of the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1–2000 m, turf), the second jewel of Argentina’s Triple Crown and the country’s oldest Classic. Soon, the cup will have an owner, a name, and a round of applause will seal the moment.

This generation comes to the race somewhat depleted, with many of its stars sidelined. Amor de Contramano(Gouverneur Morris) missed the Polla de Potrillos (G1) due to injury, while Gardel Pass (Distinctiv Passion) and Drive Joy (Fortify), who finished 1-2 that day in Palermo, are also out of action for the time being.

No three-year-old will claim the Triple Crown this year, continuing a streak since 1996, when Refinado Tom (Shy Tom) pulled off the feat—a triumph initially underestimated, but one that time has shown to be significant.

With the reigning king gone, The Great Racing looks to rise to the top of the generation, at least on the turf of the Jockey Club. The Stud Patria Blanca colt, owned by Uruguayan Francisco Gallinal, has earned his credentials on the track: first breaking his maiden by a length in a spectacular performance, then confirming those impressions with a commanding victory in the Gran Premio 2000 Guineas (G1).

It won’t be all smooth sailing for the The Great Day-sired chestnut, bred at Firmamento and conditioned by Juan Saldivia in Palermo. He hasn’t raced in 70 days and will stretch from a mile to 2000 meters—a significant test.

“First I gave him a work to see how he would handle the distance, and I liked what I saw. From there, he did a mile, another work somewhere between schooling and a serious run, and he always responded. His time in that last move was 2:10-something, and in the final gallop I pushed him a bit and he ran 48 seconds for the last 800 meters,” Saldivia told Turf Diario, highlighting The Great Racing’s fitness and stamina.

Among his challengers is the up-and-coming Forging (Forge), fourth in the 2000 Guineas but then a gutsy winner of the Ensayo (G3), always showing speed on the front end. Trainer Pablo Sahagián reported that his colt is in peak condition and steadily improving. Drawing the rail, his tactics will likely hinge on controlling the pace—if unchallenged, it could become a highly tactical affair, as letting him settle could be risky.

Ardiendo (Remote), winner of the Gran Criterium (G1), was second in the Guineas and third in the Ensayo, reaffirming his class. Real Rim (Remote), runner-up in both recent outings, will also demand respect.

Las Monjitas fields a strong team, with Todo Cambia (Mootasadir) seeking the Jockey Club victory that eluded his brother El Musical (Il Campione) on that chaotic night, and Natan (Señor Candy), carrying the stable’s colors with Camilo Bautista. Their other hope, Señor Sandro (Cityscape), has two wins from three starts, plenty of potential, and a suitable pedigree.

It shapes up as a race to savor, full of talent, strategy, and high stakes for the 2025 edition of Argentina’s historic Classic.