Mezzopiano continues regaining ground and dreams of returning to stakes company

The son of Daddy Long Legs exacted revenge on Ylucion Caus and captured his second victory in his last three starts; Lucrecia Carabajal celebrated a riding double, while a fall involving Lautaro Balmaceda sparked concern

Step by step, without rushing and leaving past setbacks behind, Mezzopiano is steadily recapturing his form. On Wednesday over the dirt track at San Isidro, the Stud Etoile colorbearer took another significant stride in his comeback, capturing the Premio Don Trueque, the fourth race on a card headlined by the Clásico Telescópico (L).

The son of Daddy Long Legs exacted revenge on Ylucion Caus (True Cause), who had edged him by half a neck in their previous meeting, turning the tables this time by 1 1/2 lengths, with Hale Bopp (Equal Stripes) completing the trifecta. Guided by Luciano Recuero and trained by Miguel Ángel Medina, he covered the 1600 meters in 1:35.93,posting one of the sharpest times of the afternoon.

It is worth recalling that Mezzopiano put together a standout campaign in 2024, stringing together victories in the Clásico Perú (G2), Clásico Italia (G3), and Clásico Malvinas Argentinas (L), while also falling by just a neck to El Kodigo (Equal Stripes) in the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1). Injuries subsequently halted his rise, forcing him to spend nearly two years on the sidelines.

He returned to action this past August and, although it initially took him time to shake off the rust, he now boasts two wins from his last three starts—both against seasoned multi-race winners. The hope of seeing him back in black-type company remains very much alive, though after so many physical hurdles, patience appears to be the wisest course.

Another noteworthy performance came from Me Haces Bien (Gouverneur Morris), who secured her third career victory in the ninth race by defeating Gentela (Señor Candy) by half a length. Brian Enrique rode the Stud La Norarepresentative, trained by María Fernanda Álvarez and Walter Suárez, who stopped the clock at 1:09.99 for the 1200 meters.

Among the riding ranks, Lucrecia Carabajal stood out following her recent return to action after recovering from a physical setback. The jockey celebrated a double: first in the second race aboard Potri Si (Silentio), and later in the tenth with Lady Kaya (Hi Happy). She was not the only female rider to visit the winner's circle, as Romina Villegasopened the program with first-time starter Emotion Teylor (Emotion Orpen), who delivered an encouraging debut score.

A moment of concern unfolded in the eleventh race when Lautaro Balmaceda took a spill from Bien Ahí (Treasure Beach). The rider was transported to Clínica Trinidad with multiple contusions to undergo medical evaluations.

According to initial reports, he avoided serious injury and could even return to the saddle as early as Thursday—reassuring news following a scary incident.