Melancólica keeps improving and proved untouchable in the feature

The Stud–Haras Doña Pancha mare made light work of it, scoring by two lengths over Tac-Tac in the Empress Jackie

Melancólica dominated and drew clear / HLP

LA PLATA.- The upward spiral in Melancólica’s career found another ideal moment on Thursday at the local track, as the daughter of Grand Reward captured the Especial Empress Jackie (1400m, fast dirt), the feature of the card.

Following a lengthy layoff after her disappointing effort in last season’s Clásico Francisco J. Beazley (G2), the Stud–Haras Doña Pancha homebred took a few months to regain full fitness. Once she did, however, she did nothing but move forward.

After back-to-back conditions wins at Palermo—where she had also broken her maiden—she now added her first success at stakes level, taking full advantage of the light impost of 52.5kg under the conditions of the race.

With Jorge Peralta aboard, the betting favorite tracked the early leader Jalimba (Señor Candy, 56kg), who carved out sharp fractions of :23.73 and :46.64 for the first 400 and 800 meters. Melancólica ranged up on the turn and took over shortly thereafter.

Once in the stretch, the winner drew clear with authority and was barely troubled by the late attempt of Tac-Tac(Manipulator, 52kg). At the wire, there were two lengths between them, with Jalimba laboring home a distant third, beaten another six lengths in a very flat performance. The final time was 1:23.33, in line with recent standards over a track in good condition.

Prepared at Campo 2, San Isidro by Guillermo Frenkel Santillán, Melancólica is out of Majolica (Mutakddim), a mare who has now produced three winners and is a full sister to G2 winner Major Leader and G3-placed Majadora. Her female line also traces to top performers such as G1 winner Magic Corner (Rainbow Corner), G3 winner Musical Comedy (Southern Halo) and stakes performer Guest Rimout (Remote).

Now four and with a light overall campaign, Melancólica has taken a meaningful step forward, opening the door to a return to graded company in the near future—a division that once dealt her a tough blow, and to which she now seeks her long-awaited revenge.