Honest Boy solidifies his credentials and sets his sights on Carlos Pellegrini glory

Powered by a spectacular late rally, the son of Heliostatic captured the Gran Premio Copa de Oro (G1) to confirm his top form. Haras El Ángel de Venecia, winner of the Carlos Pellegrini in 2021 and 2022, dares to dream once again of South America's ultimate racing prize

Honest Boy served a serious warning ahead of the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1). In the final prep for older stayers before December's marquee fixture, the son of Heliostatic proved once again that he is enjoying the finest form of his career, capturing the Gran Premio Copa de Oro (G1-2400m, turf)—one of the key highlights during a stellar Saturday card at San Isidro. He accomplished the feat with a formidable stretch drive that brought the grandstand to its feet, establishing himself among the main contenders for the most anticipated race on the Argentine calendar.

The victory also held special significance for Haras El Ángel de Venecia, the outfit owned by Carlos Felice, which knows the thrill of Pellegrini glory all too well. His silks carried the day in 2021 with Village King (Campanologist) and repeated the feat the following season with The Punisher (Cityscape)—a rare back-to-back achievement. Now, the prospect of a third crown emerges, this time via a horse who has been brought along patiently and appears to have reached his peak.

Honest Boy was not always straightforward. Trainer Carlos Daniel Etchechoury had to space out his runs, overcome setbacks to bring him to peak fitness, and find the right balance to unlock his full potential. That patience is now paying rich dividends. Winner of the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo (G1) in 2025 and the Clásico Porteño (G3) last April, he returned to the spotlight just over a month ago by taking the Clásico Yatasto (G3). The Copa de Oro merely validated that progression, adding a second top-level success to an increasingly impressive resume.

The trip required equal patience from jockey Eduardo Ortega Pavón. As Neat Colt (Treasure Beach) and Acento Final (Treasure Beach) dueled for the lead through fractions of :26.56, :50.63, 1:14.58, and 1:37.33, Honest Boysettled near the rear, well back of a pace battle that still had plenty to resolve. The race turned increasingly grueling, but his rider refused to alter the plan: conserve energy and wait for the precise moment to launch his run.

Finding room, however, proved challenging. Turning into the straight, Ortega Pavón first angled outward without success. He then elected to push through inside, until Equal Mostaza (Equal Stripes) shifted into his path, forcing another course correction. Once shifted out a path further with daylight ahead, Honest Boy unleashed his signature sustained acceleration. Neat Colt had just put away Acento Final when the threat materialized from behind. There was no holding him off.

Inside the final furlong, Honest Boy collared Neat Colt to win by a half-length, with Acento Final—winner of this same event in 2025—finishing third another 1 1/2 lengths back. Equal Mostaza and Cazador de Areco (Long Island Sound) rounded out the top five. The winning time was stopped in 2:25.46 for the 2400 meters on good turf, just two-hundredths of a second faster than the 2:25.48 posted by Aki (Cima de Triomphe) in the Clásico Provincia de Buenos Aires (G3) immediately prior over the identical distance and surface.

With five wins from 14 starts and two Group 1 triumphs, the chestnut bred by Haras Santa María de Araras has fully established his position among the nation's premier stayers. Sired by Heliostatic out of Honey Happy (Lode), he is a full-brother to Gran Premio San Isidro (G1) hero Hole in One and a half-brother to top performer Hush Girl(Aerosol). His deeper page features the extraordinary Blessings (Floribunda) family, which also produced Sings(Utópico), Honey Rose (Lode), and Big Board (Lode).

One month out from the Carlos Pellegrini, the older horse division boasts a candidate with concrete credentials:proven class, distance aptitude, an ideal riding partnership, and a trainer who has brought him to his absolute peak. For El Ángel de Venecia, the dream of reclaiming the ultimate prize is no longer a distant hope—Honest Boy has made it a fully tangible ambition.