"I’ve got a good colt..." And Gardel Pass made good on the promise in the Clásico Goenaga

The son of Distinctiv Passion shined at La Plata, justifying the confidence of María Fernanda Álvarez and Walter Suárez with a decisive victory that firmly places him in the big leagues

Gardel Pass Prevailed in a Fierce Renewal of the Clásico Pedro Goenaga / HLP

LA PLATA.- The conversation took place a couple of months ago, over a casual barbecue at the Palermo barn of María Fernanda Álvarez and Walter Suárez. “I have a good colt that’s going to make some noise—his name is Gardel Pass, and he can really run,” María boldly predicted, much more willing to go out on a limb than Walter—one of the many reasons their longtime partnership works so well.

A prohibited treatment briefly delayed the debut of El Alfalfar’s homebred, but when the time finally came, Gardel Passvindicated the early faith placed in him. The son of Distinctiv Passion stepped up in a big way with a strong performance to win Sunday’s Clásico Pedro Goenaga (G2, 1500m, dirt), the feature race on a stakes-packed card at La Plata.

In a top-tier edition of the season’s final major test for juvenile males at the venue, Gardel Pass was prominent from the start, stalking early fractions of :24.60 and :47.69 set by Piñazo (John F Kennedy). He moved into contention turning for home, ranged up alongside the leader and Winston (Forge), and took control by the 200-meter mark. From there, he drew off smartly under Kevin Banegas to win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:31.90.

Winston held second by a neck over a game Piñazo, while Bolero Frank (Gidu) rounded out the superfecta in a spaced-out finish.

Trained by Suárez, Gardel Pass is a full brother to Papusa Pass, a dual stakes winner at Palermo last season with victories in the G3 Carlos Casares and G2 Saturnino J. Unzué. Both are out of La Cumparsita Key (Key Deputy), a stakes-placed mare and sister to multiple graded stakes winner Todo Tango Key, as well as to graded performers Tanguito Cat, Amarrete Bay, and Tango Viejo Cat.

With options wide open, Gardel Pass could remain at La Plata for the local stakes circuit or be aimed toward the G1 Polla de Potrillos at Palermo. Either way, he’s earned his place among the top colts of his generation.