Gunakali stops promising and takes charge among turf fillies
The La Providencia homebred dictated terms from gate to wire to capture the Gran Premio Enrique Acebal (G1) by 4 lengths in a blazing 1:58.69, completing a top-level double for trainer Carlos Daniel Etchechoury
From a maiden with stakes aspirations to establishing herself as a headline reference of her generation: that is the course traversed by Gunakali (King Guillermo), reaching its pinnacle this Saturday at San Isidro with an authoritative gate-to-wire victory in the Gran Premio Enrique Acebal (G1-2000m, turf). The classic test serves as the premier championship event for 3-year-old fillies on the grass and the ultimate prep heading into the Gran Premio Copa de Plata (G1).
The La Providencia homebred saw no need to hide her tactics. Partnered for the first time by jockey Martín Valle—who took over from Eduardo Ortega Pavón—she broke sharply to control the lead, dictating a performance as commanding as it was visually impressive. She posted steady fractions of :24.95, :48.90, 1:12.30, and 1:35.95 while controlling the tempo. When her rivals attempted to mount a challenge turning into the straight, Gunakali responded with a devastating burst of acceleration to draw clear.
At the wire, she opened up a 4-length margin over Deep Feeling (Seahenge), who also turned in a commendable effort in her 2000-meter debut following a victory over older mares in the Clásico Carlos P. Rodríguez (G2). Justa Promesa (Fortify) finished another length back in third, while Aspen Beach (Gouverneur Morris) completed the superfecta in fourth. The clock added further substance to the performance, stopping in a scorching 1:58.69 for the 10 furlongs.
By contrast, favored Look At To Me (Dabster) delivered a disappointing effort. Winner of Palermo's Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas (G1) and recent runner-up to Róbate un Beso (Uncle Chuck) in the Gran Premio Selección (G1), she failed to travel comfortably in her grass debut, tailing off to finish eleventh, beaten more than 12 lengths.While the defeat does not erase her inherent class, it confirms that the turf transition fell short of expectations,reshaping the divisional hierarchy.
Gunakali's path to the top has been one of steady progression. She debuted second in the Clásico Juan Salvador Boucau, finished third in the Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1), and chased home Keratea (Hi Happy) in the Clásico Francisco J. Beazley (G2)—all while still a maiden. It was not until October 3 that she broke her maiden by 10 lengths over the local 2000-meter turf layout. Just over a month later, the filly that previously seemed destined for minor placings completed her ascension to the top tier.
The victory capped an extraordinary afternoon for trainer Carlos Daniel Etchechoury, who completed a Group 1 double on the card following Honest Boy's (Heliostatic) triumph in the Copa de Oro. His patient handling paid substantial dividends with a filly who bided her time to reach peak condition when it mattered most.
The result also marked a milestone at stud, as Gunakali became the first Group 1 winner for King Guillermo. The son of Uncle Mo, standing at Haras La Pasión, is currently representing his initial crop on the racetrack. Her dam,Guinness (Exchange Rate), had already produced Guiltless (Full Mast), winner of the Juan S. Boucau and Farnesiostakes alongside multiple graded placings.
Her maternal lineage boasts classic depth: fourth dam Griffe de Paris (Telescópico) stands as a foundational pillar for La Providencia, anchoring a line that produced Genereux (French Deputy), Global Hunter (Jade Hunter), Ollagua(Pure Prize), Grezzo (Hi Happy), and Greta G. (Exchange Rate). It is a pedigree accustomed to major international days, now adding another Group 1 heroine to its ledger. With the Copa de Plata on the horizon, Gunakali has laid down a clear marker.
