Monterrico hosts the Baldomero Aspillaga, with an eye on the Latino

This Sunday, the qualifier for the Gávea race takes place, featuring 13 hopefuls and nearly all of the top contenders of the moment

The gray Enforceable makes his first start on Monterrico’s turf / JCP

By Néstor Obregón Rossi

LIMA, Perú (Special for Turf Diario).- Practically no one will miss the call. Thirteen of the top horses in form will line up this Sunday at Monterrico for the Clásico Baldomero Aspíllaga (G3-2000 m, turf), the traditional grass feature that this year awards two direct berths—and potentially a couple more—for the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1-2000 m, turf), scheduled for October 18 at Hipódromo da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro.

In fact, there are no notable absences. With the exception of La Kika (Badge Of Silver), who is traveling, the best representatives have made it to this contest, including the leading mares on the turf circuit.

It is noteworthy that four G1 winners are entered, and more than half the field carries a rating of 105 or higher, which, hopefully, will help raise this particular classic’s international rating in the future.

The favoritism shown by the Chilean Happy Man (Mendelssohn) is far from overwhelming, adding another layer of intrigue to the race. His recent defeat in the Clásico Pedro García Miró (G3), following a streak of consecutive wins between 1500 and 2000 meters, may have raised some questions among racing media.

However, in favor of the Stud Doña Licha import, it should be noted that he dropped in distance to 1800 meters, and a troubled break prevented a fully effective start. In that light, his runner-up finish, 1¼ lengths behind compatriot Kanko(Chi-Newfoundland), was more than creditable. Prior to that defeat, the Jorge Salas trainee was certainly considered a major candidate to represent Peru in the Brazilian feature.

The presence of four G1 winners makes this a rare and highly competitive event in local racing.

Attention also turns to the mares aiming to upset the males. Boudica (The Lieutenant) and Mathilde (Galapiat) hope to join the privileged group who have competed in the continent’s top races, and both have a strong chance of doing so.

Boudica, winner of the 2024 Clásico Pamplona (G1), captured the Clásico Ernesto Ayulo Pardo (L) earlier this year and recently finished second to Jimmy Buttler (Unbridled Command) in the Clásico Santorín (G3), despite a race that did not fully play to her advantage. Sunday may bring a different scenario.

Meanwhile, Mathilde, victor of the 2023 Gran Premio Nacional Augusto B. Leguía (G1), recently captured the Clásico Mari July (G1), confirming she has reached peak form and could benefit from a fast early pace, as expected in this qualifier.

Magic Power (Power World) is aiming for more than just a Rio berth; the 2024 Derby winner seeks a quick rebound after falling in the Clásico Leoncio Prado (L), despite a troubled break that day. Conditions on turf suit him well, particularly at longer distances, provided he avoids another poor start.

Then there is Enforceable (USA-Tapit), a last-minute surprise in the lineup. Winner of the Clásico Jockey Club del Perú (G1) and recent runner-up to Gluck (Koko Mambo) in the Clásico Independencia (G2), he makes his Monterrico turf debut, although racing on grass is not new to him. In fact, his two turf outings in the U.S. were solid, both nearing victory.

Other contenders include King Mo (USA-Vancouver), recently recovered from a sesamoid injury, who has extended his winning streak this year and boasts 11 wins in 13 turf starts, placing him among the favorites.

Not far off are notable names such as Kanko, Furioso Hit (Arg-Hit It a Bomb), Jimmy Buttler, and Amazonka(USA-Mendelssohn), making this qualifier one of the most evenly matched races of the year—and thankfully so.