Juan Sebastián Maldotti: “Nassau feels very comfortable at Palermo”

The trainer, who shares the conditioning of the winner of the Clásico Vicente L. Casares (G3) with his father, Juan Carlos, highlighted the horse's consistency, explained the strategy used to prevail gate-to-wire, and left several alternatives open for his future, including the Copa de Oro, the Pellegrini, and the Dardo Rocha

Nassau keeps growing, and his victory in the Clásico Vicente L. Casares (G3), run on Monday over 2500 meters on the dirt track at Hipódromo Palermo, ultimately confirmed that he has become one of the most intriguing stayers of the moment. Behind his evolution lies the joint effort of Juan Carlos and Juan Sebastián Maldotti, who found in the son of Forge a dependable horse capable of delivering every time he steps onto the track.

“It was a very sweet victory with a very consistent horse, who has been putting together a great campaign this year and proved it once again at Palermo,” commented Juan Sebastián, delighted with a performance that marked the defining win of the dark bay's career.

The triumph was forged from gate-to-wire, with Rodrigo Blanco rationing Nassau's energy and keeping Butterfing(Angiolo)—the heavy favorite—at bay throughout, never allowing him to break his resistance.

Regarding the decision to command the pace from the start, Maldotti explained: “He isn't forced to run on the lead, but he is a very even-paced horse. Since there weren't many dedicated front-runners in the field, we preferred to set our own rhythm.”

Reading the tactical layout proved decisive, particularly because Nassau was able to settle without expending unnecessary effort in the early stages. “The opening 400 meters weren't overly fast, and that allowed him to finish full of running,” analyzed the conditioner, pointing to one of the main keys to the result.

Another aspect Juan Sebastián considers fundamental is the horse's remarkable affinity for the Palermo strip. Since entering the Maldotti barn, Nassau found in Palermo an ideal surface to showcase his talent, compiling two allowance wins, the victory in the Casares, and a runner-up effort behind Sono Perfetto (Tetaze) in the Clásico General Belgrano (G2).

“The horse feels very comfortable at Palermo. The turn, being wider, allows him to run much smoother, which is crucial for a horse with his stride,” he explained.

His current form opens up an exciting outlook for the coming months. Nassau is now positioned to target top-tier tests, though no firm decision has been made regarding his next destination.

“There are several avenues open for the future. The Copa de Oro (G1) and the Pellegrini (G1) are options, but so is the Dardo Rocha. For now, it's time to enjoy the victory first,” noted Maldotti, in no rush to lock in the next target.

The prospect of remaining at Palermo, testing the turf at San Isidro, or returning to La Plata presents distinctly different yet equally compelling paths for a horse on a steady upward trajectory.

Nassau had already flashed talent during his time under trainer Luciano Cerutti, but it was with the Maldottis that he established himself among the division's stayers. At 4 years old, his present form suggests there is still room for continued progress.

For now, the Casares trophy belongs to him, giving Juan Sebastián Maldotti plenty of reason to celebrate. Time will tell how far Nassau can go, but his present already invites dreams of top-level challenges.