Juan Saldivia: “She’s a small filly, but she gives you all her heart.”

Trainer Juan Saldivia praised Cálida Sonrisa after her victory in the Selección de Potrancas, noting that the daughter of Cosmic Trigger makes up for her small frame with plenty of heart.

Juan Saldivia Enjoys a Special Victory with Cálida Sonrisa / HLP

LA PLATA.- Another trip to La Plata, and another happy return for trainer Juan Saldivia and jockey William Pereyra, the tandem that shone Sunday with Cálida Sonrisa in the G1 Gran Premio Selección de Potrancas, the 2000-meter showpiece for 3-year-old fillies at the Eucalyptus oval.

The daughter of Cosmic Trigger once again brought them together in the winner’s enclosure, as has often been the case this season, in a scene they hope to repeat in just a few hours when they send out Winston (Forge) in the G2 Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires.

“We’re very happy because we hold her in such high regard. With her light weight, she always gives you everything, she’s got heart, and she allows you to prepare her to rise to the occasion. In the Polla she ran a terrific race and responded the way we expected—she really pleased me. We skipped the White and trained her up to 2000 meters,” Saldivia told Daniel Sinegub on La Plata TV.

The trainer continued: “The plan was to take advantage from the 800 meters on, and that’s what she did. The Cosmic Triggers show precocity early, but they also carry stamina. With Cálida Sonrisa we didn’t initially think she’d get this far, but they have a lot of quality and they help you.”

As for her campaign going forward, the picture is still uncertain: “I don’t know how it will continue. If you ask me right now, there’s the G1 Selección at Palermo on October 11. It’s only 20 days away, very close, but the calendar forces your hand. It will depend a lot on how she comes out of this race.”

Near the end, Juan recalled his southern beginnings and what it means to be part of the great occasions at a track close to his heart: “I have a lot of affection for La Plata, for the people, for my colleagues—I’ve left many friends here. Winning these races is important, and it’s a pleasure to be part of it.”

For his part, jockey William Pereyra offered some details on the victory with Cálida Sonrisa, which could prove to be one of his last big wins in the country, for now, before moving on to Dubai as reported in this same edition: “The race set up perfectly, because the filly was always there for me. Early, I went after the leader and she responded well. The track was demanding, but since she trains in Palermo, she’s used to it. She helped me every step of the way, and early on I already felt like a winner. The support from Juan and Roberto’s team is invaluable, and I’m grateful to all of them.”