Lissette Island and a crushing display of dominance in the Clásico México

The daughter of Lizard Island captured her fourth graded stakes victory of the season and confirmed her status as the top female sprinter

The victory by Lissette Island in the Clásico México (G3-1,000m, normal dirt), Saturday's marquee event at Hipódromo Palermo, was a carbon copy of the one secured the previous Monday by Le Cornette (Emmanuel) in the Clásico Paraguay (G3), also down the capital straight.

The colt broke from post 1, carved out an early advantage, drifted toward the middle of the track, and coasted through from gate to wire. Now, the mare used the exact same tactic to defeat a tough group with tremendous authority—one of the trickiest assemblies to be found in the division these days.

A clockwork model of consistency, the daughter of Lizard Island was coming off two narrow defeats. Now, just two weeks after her most recent setback, she found a rapid and striking redemption with eye-catching ease, confirming her status as the premier female sprinter of the current era.

The Stud El Káiser flagbearer had closed out 2025 with several notable performances, but this season she continues to elevate her game, racking up four graded stakes victories so far on the calendar alongside three runner-up finishes. Stunning.

Ridden by Iván Monasterolo, Lissette Island never faced any serious danger, nor was she ever asked to give her absolute best by her rider; such was the commanding nature of her performance. Conditioned by Germán Knuttsen, she crossed the wire 2 1/2 lengths clear of La Gran Furtiva (South Kissing), who in turn edged Roshita (Gouverneur Morris) by a half-length for third.

Both of the latter were returning from lengthy layoffs while leaving excellent impressions. La Gran Furtiva's effort came as no surprise, given that she had amply demonstrated her class before stepping away. Meanwhile, the performance of Roshita, one of the top 2-year-olds of 2025, was deeply encouraging since it marked her first try down the straightaway, a course that traditionally takes time to master.

Lissette Island, bred by Haras La Fortaleza, stopped the clock in a noteworthy 56.68, and now appears ready to step up into top-tier company, with the Suipacha (G1), Maipú (G1), and Unzué (G1) looming ahead. She runs well on the turf, but on the dirt she appears to be even better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En5Oh9KjaHE