Labanca and Balmaceda, a partnership that keeps delivering success

The trainer-jockey duo secured a remarkable win with Sono Perfetto in the G2 Clásico Provincia de Buenos Aires

Front and center, Balmaceda and Labanca, beaming with joy / HLP

LA PLATA.- Thoroughbred racing has a way of producing stories that seem destined to repeat themselves. Omar Labanca and Lautaro Balmaceda know each other by heart—they know when to act and when to let the horse do all the talking. As has been the case for some time, they teamed up once again for another standout result: Sono Perfetto’s triumph in the G2 Clásico Provincia de Buenos Aires, the final leg of La Plata’s Triple Crown.

On an electrifying afternoon in the Bosque, Sono Perfetto confirmed his class and courage, holding off Winston(Forge) to establish himself as the top three-year-old. With Balmaceda’s precise ride and Labanca’s meticulous preparation, the son of the outstanding Tetaze prevailed after a demanding contest where both strategy and grit proved just as crucial as raw talent.

“He helped me all the way, but down the stretch it got tough, because Kevin (Banegas) came after me early with Winston, who, along with Sono Perfetto, I consider the bravest of the bunch. Luckily, we managed to cross in front,” Balmaceda said, still riding the adrenaline of the duel, speaking to Daniel Sinegub for the local broadcast.

“They’re very evenly matched. Kevin made me work a bit with his rigor, but the colt gave heart, which he has plenty of. We had planned to race this way, and thankfully, everything went according to plan,” added the jockey, highlighting the bravery of his four-legged partner.

For his part, Omar Labanca didn’t hide his satisfaction. His smile is measured, that of someone who knows how hard it is to reach this level and how much it matters to stay there.

“I’m very happy with the result, because the horse deserved it, and so did we. He didn’t feel the effects of the previous race, which helps at this stage of the season with a colt. He came in superbly, with a good break. The idea was to race on the front end, and we were lucky things unfolded well. He’s brave by nature, but I confess he showed a bit more courage than I expected,” the trainer said.

The immediate future leaves little room for rest. Labanca is already looking ahead, though for now he prefers to savor the moment: “We have a demanding schedule coming up with the Dardo Rocha. We’ll enjoy this, talk with the owners, and probably stay here to target that race. We’ll see. We’ll also bring Storm Sound for the González, hoping both arrive in top form,” he revealed.

The Clásico Provincia de Buenos Aires once again crowned a colt of spirit and a team that, when united, leaves a lasting mark. Sono Perfetto reflected the work, trust, and passion of two insiders who understand racing from within, proving once more that strong partnerships in the sport really do work.