Lautaro Balmaceda: “Che Banquero Is in the Form of His Life”

The jockey expressed his delight with the performance of the Greenspring colt in the G3 Clásico Antonio Cané, calling it his most complete effort to date

Lautaro Balmaceda Takes Center Stage / HLP

LA PLATA.- There were plenty of smiles to go around following Che Banquero’s convincing victory in the G3 Clásico Antonio Cané, Thursday’s main event at La Plata and an important stepping stone toward the G1 Gran Premio Dardo Rocha, the most prestigious race of the year on the local calendar.

At the heart of the triumph was jockey Lautaro Balmaceda, who continues to establish himself as a major player in the southern circuit. Riding regularly for winning barns and gaining more opportunities in both allowance and stakes company, the Córdoba native has positioned himself among the top dozen riders in the 2025 standings, already boasting 37 wins this year.

Speaking with Daniel Sinegub after the race, Balmaceda shared his satisfaction: “I’m really happy for everyone involved with the stable and for the horse, who truly deserved a Group win,” he began.

Breaking down the race, he added: “The race unfolded pretty much how we expected. He settled nicely, and from the 1000-meter mark I started looking for open ground, which is how he likes to run. He’s very comfortable on a wet track, and he responded perfectly today.”

Now firmly positioned among La Plata’s top distance runners, Che Banquero seems to be peaking at the right time. “Most of his wins have come over this kind of surface,” Balmaceda noted. “And at five, I think he’s at his absolute best. He’s always been a horse that showed potential, but now he’s truly coming into his own. Hopefully he keeps making headlines—he’s sound, and that’s been a big help. I believe the trainer will now aim for something bigger.”

In a more personal moment, Balmaceda reflected on the victory: “This one stays close to home—we’re all from Córdoba. Fabio (Mentucci, the trainer) has known me since I was born. He knows how much effort I put into this, and I know how hard he’s worked. He started with just one small horse and now has a quality stable. He really deserves all this.”

The afternoon would get even better for the connections, as Balmaceda, Mentucci, and Stud El Barrial returned to the winner’s circle shortly after, celebrating a memorable double with Freyland (Endorsement) in the Premio The Last Ilusion.