Hugo Pérez Stays Hot as Operístico Shines in Handicap Full Sail

The Nueva Victoria homebred asserted his dominance with authority, giving the Uruguayan trainer his 18th win of the season

Operístico Closes Strong at San Isidro / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Dropping in both class and distance proved the perfect formula for Operístico, who delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday to capture the Handicap Full Sail, the feature race at San Isidro Racecourse. Run over 1800 meters on the dirt auxiliary track, the test saw the son of Daddy Long Legs return to the winner’s circle in style.

After contesting five consecutive stakes races—two of them at the G1 level—Operístico looked right at home carrying a manageable 56 kilos, settling into a rhythm early before seizing command with ease. The Nueva Victoria runner added to the spectacular run of Uruguayan trainer Hugo Pérez, who now boasts 18 victories in 2025 with an impressive 23.1% win rate.

It was a standout effort from the chestnut, who took on a field loaded with potential threats and made light work of them. Sitting just off the early pace set by Demonio Risk (Security Risk, 55.5kg), closely followed by El Despertar (Il Campione, 58.5kg), jockey Wilson Moreyra allowed Operístico to find his stride naturally. As they rounded the final bend, Moreyra let his mount roll, and from there the outcome was never in doubt.

Once in the clear, Operístico surged to the lead, angled to the rail, and widened his margin with every stride, sealing a dominant win. The Gladiator’s Hat (Hat Ninja, 55kg) ran on gamely but could only manage second, finishing two lengths back, with another three lengths to Treasure Runner (Treasure Beach, 56kg) in third, the latter boxed in along the rail for much of the stretch. The final time was a sharp 1:47.51.

It marked the fourth career victory for Operístico from 15 starts, and his third since joining Pérez’s barn, with career earnings now totaling 26,001,550 pesos.

Bred by Haras Los Turfistas, Operístico is the fourth foal out of Operativa (Easing Along), a half-sister to stakes-placed runners Gran Optima (Grand Reward), Overlord (Endorsement), and Optimizada (Archipenko). The family traces back to Opera (Leury), an influential Uruguayan matron whose Argentine descendants include top performers such as La Valkiria (Logical), Venusberg (Southern Halo), Epityrum (Portal del Alto), and Opportune (Southern Halo).