Illa Alegre delivers a superb performance in the Clásico Otelo A. Orlandi

The Sabat Husson filly romped home by seven lengths over Poliziana at La Plata to record the biggest win of her career

Illa Alegre settled things early / HLP

LA PLATA.- Step by step, Illa Alegre continues to advance, climbing the ranks and establishing herself among the top middle-distance mares at La Plata. Following her victory a few weeks ago in the Handicap Haras de La Pomme, the Stud El Barrialrunner raised the bar once more with an emphatic performance to capture Thursday’s featured Clásico Otelo A. Orlandi (L-1600m, dirt) under the eucalyptus trees.

Despite not breaking sharply, the Sabat Husson filly quickly settled in third as Amiguita Diana (Todo Un Amiguito) took the lead, tracked by Poliziana (Fortify).

Midway around the far turn, as the pacesetter began to tire, Illa Alegre loomed up to Poliziana and swept past her effortlessly before reaching the home straight.

From there, it was child’s play for Illa Alegre, who drew off with authority to cross the wire seven lengths clear of Poliziana, while Al Fin del Mundo (Manipulator) earned valuable black-type in third, another four lengths back.

Una Bataclana (Dabster), making her first start back, failed to fire and trailed home last, 25 lengths behind, perhaps signaling that a return to her top juvenile form will be difficult. The final time was 1:38.96, almost a full second faster than Elenika (Winning Prize) would clock later in the day when taking the Miguel Luis Morales (G2).

Owned by Stud El Barrial, bred and trained by Fabio Mentucci, Illa Alegre was piloted by Iván Monasterolo, and the pair remain unbeaten in two starts together.