Hi Dolfi executed a masterclass from gate to wire, leaving Butterfing with no answers

With an flawless ride from Lautaro Balmaceda, the Omar Labanca trainee pulled off a major upset in the Clásico Irineo Leguisamo (L) at Palermo, holding off the favorite's late charge by a half-head. El Emporio finished third, 4 lengths back

The upset was monumental. While most expected Butterfing (Angiolo) or El Emporio (Il Campione) to decide the Clásico Irineo Leguisamo (L-2000m, dirt), Hi Dolfi had other plans—and executed them flawlessly. Driven by a mix of determination, tactical intelligence, and sheer grit, the son of Hi Happy became the unexpected protagonist of Friday’s feature at Palermo, capturing a victory few saw coming that was as thrillingly tight as it was deserved.

The key to the race unfolded in the opening strides. Lautaro Balmaceda had to work aggressively to establish the early lead, but once he cleared the field, the narrative tilted entirely in his favor. Undisputed on the front end, Balmacedarationed Hi Dolfi’s stamina masterfully, dictating a relaxed tempo that ultimately built a decisive buffer.

Favorable fractions of 26.19, 50.37, 1:13.92, and 1:38.69 told the story of his uncontested lead. No rival pressed the issue, and as they turned into the stretch, the representative of Stud La Birmania still held plenty in reserve to attempt the wire-to-wire heist.

Butterfing stalked his shadow throughout the journey and set out to assert his proven class in the lane. However, Hi Dolfi met the challenge with remarkable tenacity. He opened up a two-length cushion inside the final 200 meters, and though the favorite closed the gap relentlessly in the final strides, the wire arrived just in time to preserve a half-head margin for the leader.

El Emporio (Il Campione), another major market contender, failed to make a serious impact in the final stretch and settled for third, four lengths adrift—well below pre-race expectations. The final time for the 2000 meters was stopped at 2:04.76.

Balmaceda’s performance proved paramount, both for his urgency out of the gate and the tactical composure he exhibited thereafter. He judged his mount’s energy output to perfection, nursing his stamina on the lead before saving enough for the desperate late duel against a far more heralded rival.

The victory also marked a significant triumph for trainer Omar Labanca, who brought his charge into the feature off form lines that gave little hint of such a display. Hi Dolfi had finished fifth in a allowance test at San Isidro in his previous start, though he had earlier offered a glimpse of his staying capabilities when finishing second in the Clásico Domingo Faustino Sarmiento (L).

Crucially, in neither of those previous outings had he enjoyed the uncontested lead he secured on Friday—a tactical difference that proved decisive.

As a juvenile, Hi Dolfi showed early promise, running second in the Clásico Crespo (G3) and fourth in the Clásico Miguel F. Martínez (G2) alongside several solid performances in graded company. Though consistency eluded him in subsequent campaigns, alternating strong efforts with disappointing ones, his core stamina reemerged at its absolute peak on Friday.

Friday's feature stood as a masterclass in how race pace and trip can tip the scales, even against superior paper credentials. Butterfing possessed the Group 1 resume, and El Emporio carried the classic form, but Hi Dolfi got the trip, an inspired ride, and the courage to defend his lead down to the final jump.

On Palermo’s lone fixture of the week—following Monday’s cancellation—the Leguisamo delivered a script that nobody saw coming.