Melancólica was alert, made her move at the right time, and Guadilu was never able to catch her

The mare from Stud-Haras Doña Pancha took the Clásico Luis Monteverde (L), dominating early after stalking the bold pacesetter Vida Bohemia from the start

Melancólica built an advantage and then had no trouble holding off the favorite's late charge / HLP

LA PLATA.— Although she was bet as the second choice, the victory achieved by Melancólica in the Clásico Luis Monteverde (L-1,400m, normal dirt)—the featured event of Tuesday's program at this city's racetrack—came as somewhat of a surprise.

The Stud-Haras Doña Pancha homebred was coming off a lackluster sixth-place finish in the Clásico Lucio Taborda (G3), but this time she performed to her full potential to hold off the favorite Guadilu (Señor Candy) by a half-length. In doing so, she added significant black-type to her name in the pedigrees, a detail of immense importance for her future in breeding.

Juan Cruz Villagra played a crucial role in the happy ending for the daughter of the highly prolific Grand Reward. Without panicking, he began to move the bay closer early on, after the filly Vida Bohemia (Winning Prize) set a blistering pace, opening up several lengths on the field.

The jockey's proactive decision to go after the leader early capitalized on the best qualities of the Guillermo Frenkel Santillán trainee. She took the lead halfway down the homestretch and built a margin that proved impossible for Guadiluto overcome.

While it is true that the public's favorite closed in significantly during the final stages, Melancólica's victory was never in jeopardy; in fact, Villagra even had the luxury of easing up on the pressure before the wire.

Regarding the runner-up, it must be noted that she sprawled a bit during a section of the turn, and it was at that precise moment that the winner got away from her. Her lack of experience on the southern track might have played against her.

The trifecta was completed by Vida Bohemia, 1 1/2 lengths back, with the clock stopping at 1m23s73/100—a very strong mark considering that the lack of rain is complicating the condition of the dirt tracks.

Melancólica, who now boasts 5 wins in 12 starts, is the best foal to date out of Majolica (Mutakddim), a full sister to the graded stakes winner Major Leader, from the pedigree of G1 winner Magic Corner (Rainbow Corner), the memorable Musical Comedy (Southern Halo), and the more recent Guest Rimout (Remote).