Juan Saldivia Shows Total Dominance Among Colts in the Big Leagues

The trainer is enjoying Amor de Contramano in Palermo, The Great Racing in San Isidro, and now Winston at La Plata

Juan Saldivia stands out—not just for his height.../ HLP

LA PLATA.- Juan Franco Saldivia is enjoying a very special moment these days: having in his stable three of the best colts of the season, each dominating their respective tracks. At Palermo, he revels in Amor de Contramano (Gouverneur Morris) alongside Drive Joy (Fortify), the top contenders there; The Great Racing (The Great Day) rules the turf at San Isidro after his victory in the Gran Premio 2000 Guineas (G1); and now he has added Winston (Forge), the standout in the opening leg of the Triple Crown at La Plata thanks to his comfortable win in the Clásico Polla de Potrillos (G3).

The list could easily expand with other names not yet on the general radar, which is no surprise given that the young trainer has been making waves for some time now, backed by Roberto Pellegatta.

After claiming his second Polla de Potrillos at La Plata—having previously won it in 2020 with Matrix Joy (Fortify)—Saldivia told Daniel Sinegub for the Southern circuit:“Winston has been doing very well, from his beginnings at San Isidro and now that we brought him to La Plata. We dared to run in these important races and it’s been very rewarding. Winning the Polla is fantastic.

“I believe stepping up in distance won’t hurt him at all. His soundness helps a lot, which is essential for races like these. He won the toughest race in the easiest way, and I think moving up in distance will favor him.

“He has his character in the mornings, but the groom is patient and understands him, and that’s helping him mature with each race. We’re seeing it on the track.”

He also added a bonus comment on Tuesday’s race, where Cálida Sonrisa finished third in the Polla de Potrancas...“We went with little experience and with the stress of travel… She did very well and I think she’ll improve over longer distances. The plan with Winston and the filly is to try to return for the next selective races.”

Meanwhile, Jorge Peralta, Winston’s jockey, added:“The colt did everything right, just as we planned. It was a very nice race; he kept improving and from the 800 meters on, when I asked him, he responded. We had agreed to wait a bit because we expected a fast pace, and then in the turn to start moving forward.”