La Bella Otero returned in full force and captured the General Lavalle

fter more than 3 months away from competition, the daughter of Daddy Long Legs showed authority and edged out Antiguo Secreto by a nose in a thrilling and tightly contested finish

Racing on the outside, La Bella Otero nailed Antiguo Secreto right at the wire / HAPSA

The G3 General Lavalle Stakes (1000 meters, fast dirt) promised to be a tightly contested affair from start to finish, with six juveniles—Exclamación Pass (Distinctiv Passion) scratched—looking to capitalize on the absence of divisional leader Sarzana Pass (Distinctiv Passion) at Palermo.

When the gates opened, expectations met reality in thrilling fashion, as La Bella Otero reaffirmed her credentials as a serious young sprinter, overcoming a layoff of more than three months to deliver a gutsy win.

The daughter of Daddy Long Legs, who had defeated Sarzana Pass in their mutual debut, had finished third behind that same rival in the G3 Carlos Casares back in February. Freshened and brought back to the races in peak condition by José Luis Intra, she tracked the pace with precision under William Pereyra, proving both game and determined to get up right at the wire and edge out Antiguo Secreto (Angiolo) by a nose. The entire field was covered by just 4 3/4 lengths at the finish.

Making a comeback is never easy, but La Bella Otero handled it like a pro, staying focused and fluid throughout. She stopped the clock in 54.80, a slightly faster time than what older horse En Un Rincón (Manipulator) would later post in taking the G3 Coronel Pringles over the same distance.

Racing for C.R.M. of Venado Tuerto and bred by Haras El Chañar, La Bella Otero became the 14th individual black-type winner in Argentina for her sire Daddy Long Legs.

On the dam's side, she descends from the storied bloodlines of Haras La Quebrada. Her third dam is none other than champion Serenita (Southern Halo), a standout runner in Argentina who also made her mark in the U.S., and part of a female family that includes stars such as Didia (Orpen), Tetaze (Equal Stripes), Puerto Escondido (Hurricane Cat), Sei Mi (Potrillazo), and Calidoscopio (Luhuk).