Gran Premio San Isidro finalizes field: seven top contenders set for premier mile contest

Bronx and Autorretrato were not ratified for Saturday’s engagement; Colifato Novo will renew rivalries with Vundu, while What A Man seeks to defend his 2025 crown

The mile has its own great story to tell on the day of the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1). With the ratification process completed, seven names remain for the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1) – Copa Dr. Melchor Ángel Posse, which this Saturday, October 3, will offer, as its main attraction, a new clash between champion Colifato Novo (Lenovo) and Vundu (Suggestive Boy). The former comes off a victorious performance in the Clásico Ecuador (G2); the latter will look to change the outcome of that afternoon.

The news came with the withdrawals of Bronx and Autorretrato, two absences that trimmed the original field of nine nominees. Winner of the Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1), the son of Que Vida Buena was one of the four top-level victors appearing on the initial list. Meanwhile, the colt had a double entry in the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1) and ultimately was not confirmed in either of the two races.

Thus, the San Isidro remained reserved for older horses, featuring three G1 winners and enough arguments to maintain its appeal. Because, although the rematch occupies center stage, What A Man (Mastercraftsman) will also be present, ready to defend the crown he claimed in 2025.

For Colifato Novo, the opportunity comes over a distance he knows to perfection. The son of Lenovo won the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1) and the Gran Premio Dos Mil Guineas (G1) there, before extending his dominance against older horses with victories in the Clásico Bustillo (G2) and Clásico Ecuador. His nine victories came at San Isidro, a venue where he knew how to convert his speed into a decisive tool.

The recent victory over Vundu allows him to face the commitment with a favorable reference, although his rival has more than enough class to test him once again. The son of Suggestive Boy has won nine of his fifteen starts and reached his peak in the Gran Premio Estrellas Classic (G1). Much of his best results were built over longer distances, but his second-place finish in the Ecuador made it clear that he can also perform strongly at the mile.

Much of the charm of the matchup lies in that difference of characteristics. Colifato Novo has the speed and affinity with the trip; Vundu, the stamina and a proven ability to sustain major efforts. The race execution will once again prove crucial when both must settle their differences on the turf.

What A Man, meanwhile, boasts credentials that demand his own place in the discussion. The son of Mastercraftsman has just returned with a second-place finish in the Clásico New Dandy over the Palermo turf, where he crossed the line first but was disqualified for interference. In addition to his victory in this event last year, he was runner-up in another edition and also in the Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1). With such backing, his title defense deserves close attention.

Among the remaining ratifications appears Don Griego, showing remarkable efficiency with six victories in nine starts. The son of Long Island Sound, winner of the Clásico Pippermint (G2), will attempt to regain prominence after finishing sixth in the Ecuador. Capitan Kid, by Daniel Boone, is coming off a third-place finish in that same race and will aim to take another step forward against the field's main contenders.

Completing the lineup are Full Keynote, a stakes winner and son of Full Mast, and Real World, a Cityscape who arrives on the rise. His three victories came over the San Isidro mile, including two consecutive wins achieved in his most recent outings. Now, the step up in class will put that growth to the test.

With the runners confirmed, expectations begin to center on the track. Colifato Novo will seek to reaffirm his superiority, Vundu will get his desired rematch, and What A Man will attempt to retain the title. Seven ratifications and a mile that promises to deliver on the big afternoon of the Jockey Club.