Igual No Soy gamely held off Charm to continue her rise among the turf mares
- Turf Diario
- 59 minutes ago
- 2 min read
In her first attempt over 2,000 meters, she outdueled champion Charm to take the Clásico La Mission (G2)
The division for long-distance turf mares at Hipódromo de San Isidro is undergoing a complete reshuffle. Following the sale of Indiana Candy (Señor Candy), winner of both the Copa Diamante (G1) and the Carreras de las Estrellas Distaff (G1), the division mantle was left vacant, and Saturday’s Clásico La Mission (G2-2,000 m) offered the perfect opportunity to bring clarity to the division.
Charm (Strategos), a three-time champion last season, had an opportunity to redeem herself following two unexpected defeats. While she showed signs of improvement, she ran into the ascending Igual No Soy, who confirmed her impressive current form with a courageous victory.
The daughter of John F Kennedy was coming off a brilliant performance over the mile in the Clásico Eudoro J. Balsa(G3). However, this presented a far greater test: stepping up an additional 400 meters in distance against a formidable lineup. Nothing could stop her as she put on another stellar display.
A fast pace was expected in the La Mission, but it failed to materialize. Out of the three potential pacesetters, only Igual No Soy broke with determination, while Soy La Líder (Manipulator) and Tía Corazón (Besitos) abandoned the front-running tactics that had secured their recent stakes wins.
From there, jockey Juan Pablo Paoloni managed the pace as the smooth race scenario allowed, controlling the backstretch unchallenged. However, rounding the far turn, Martín Valle launched Charm to apply heavy pressure on the leader.
They turned into the stretch almost on equal terms, with the favorite traveling, at least visually, with better momentum. Yet Igual No Soy dug in gamely along the rail, holding her rival at bay throughout the length of the 600-meter stretch to score by 3/4 of a length, even finishing with a measure of comfort.
A length and a half back, Noche Alta (Hi Happy) finished third, though without displaying over the 2,000 meters the explosive turn of foot that earned her stakes victories over the mile. Finishing a neck behind her, Tía Corazóncompleted the superfecta.
Disappointing efforts came from Romana Craf (Mastercraftsman) and Portal Maya (Portal del Alto), who crossed the wire fifth and sixth, respectively, well beaten out of contention. The winning time was 2m01s86/100, respectable, though hardly exceptional on a fast turf course.
Carrying the colors of Stud Bucéfalo, Igual No Soy remains undefeated since returning to the barn of the Sahagiánfamily, who handled her early training before she transferred to Juan Saldivia at Palermo, with whom she also achieved strong results—hinting at the talent that has now fully materialized.
Bred by Haras Abolengo, the heroine of the La Mission is the best offspring to date out of G2-placed Igualitariamente (Asiatic Boy), belonging to a branch of the famed "I" family that consistently produces high-caliber runners.
As the final stretch of the season approaches, Igual No Soy emerges as a primary contender on the road to the Gran Premio Copa de Plata (G1). Charm offered positive signs, showing real fight despite lacking her usual finishing punch.
A few more prep races lie ahead before the division collides with the 3-year-old fillies in December, within a division frequently thinned out by private sales—often to Japanese interests—of its top performers.
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