Indiana Candy shocked them all and captured the Copa Diamante

In a field of 19 runners, the daughter of Señor Candy took a major leap forward in her campaign, defeating Samba do Brazil

It had been said beforehand that the Gran Premio Copa Diamante (G1-1600m, firm turf) was one of those races where absolutely anything could happen.

And that proved entirely true, with Indiana Candy delivering a major upset to secure the most important victory of her still-young career.

The picture already appeared wide open beforehand, even if a small group dominated the betting, but with 19 fillies and mares in the field, race dynamics were always going to prove decisive—especially over a course that throughout the afternoon had offered little help to deep closers.

Unbeaten in allowance company but unsuccessful in her two previous stakes attempts, the daughter of Señor Candywas among those who committed early, eliminating the potential traffic issues that often come with rallying from behind.

Tracking pace-setter Igual No Soy (John F Kennedy), Indiana Candy alternated between third and fourth position, always saving ground along the rail while racing alongside Samba do Brazil (Springdom).

Turning for home, the pair angled away from the inside and swept toward the middle of the course, immediately becoming the central protagonists while engaging in a prolonged head-to-head battle that completely detached them from the rest of the field.

Showing tremendous courage and responding gamely to the urging of William Pereyra, Indiana Candy finally separated herself during the final furlong to defeat Samba do Brazil by 1 1/2 lengths.

That rival, in turn, held second by a head over the fast-closing Dream Serena (Forge), one of the leading contenders who did manage to deliver her expected performance.

Neowise (Brz-Agnes Gold) finished fifth; Orpen Rimout (Remote), uncomfortable throughout, wound up eleventh and lame; while Noche Alta (Hi Happy) could do no better than fourteenth after one of her poorest performances.

The final time of 1:35.18 turned out to be the fastest mile recorded among the three Group 1 races contested over the distance during the afternoon.

What followed afterward was the emotional celebration of owner Adrián Arougueti, who dropped to his knees on the racetrack while pointing both arms toward the sky.

Not for nothing is the stable called Crazy Adrián.

History will show that in the Copa Diamante nobody could stop Indiana Candy—providing trainer Juan Saldivia with yet another Group 1 victory—although she did appear somewhat uncomfortable in one of her limbs while returning toward the test barn and doping control area.

Hopefully it proves to be nothing serious.

After the joy she delivered, she deserves another chance to shine on the big stage.