Mr Peggy Maintained His Undefeated Record on a Day of Four Crown Events at Monterrico
The son of Tiz the Law secured his fourth consecutive victory by capturing the Clásico Ricardo Ortiz de Zevallos (G2), the feature event of a spectacular Sunday in Peru. Muchova, Tierra Derecha, and Sir Drake—the latter benefiting from a disqualification—were the other major protagonists of the afternoon
LIMA, Peru (Special for Turf Diario).— Monterrico experienced on Sunday one of those race meetings that set the rhythm of a season. Four group stakes, as many second-leg crowns on the line, and a select field of colts and fillies seeking to take a decisive step in their respective generations. The anticipation found its answers on the track, featuring key triumphs, tight finishes, and even a controversial stewards' decision. Above all, however, stood the figure of Mr Peggy, who defended his unbeaten status and proved once again that he is one of the premier names in current Peruvian racing.
The son of Tiz the Law and Misia Peggy (Yes It's True) captured the Clásico Ricardo Ortiz de Zevallos (G2), contested over 2000 meters on the dirt, securing his fourth victory in as many starts and consolidating an ever-growing campaign.
Bred at Haras Paso Nevado in Chile and carrying the colors of Stud Doña Licha, the brown colt met fierce resistance from his own stablemate Mr Sabelon (Tacitus), whom he ultimately edged out by a mere half-head. It was a thrilling finish that added extra luster to a high-value victory, especially as it allowed him to maintain a perfect record through the select sophomore process.
With Rito Almanza in the irons for trainer Raphael Herrera, Mr Peggy once again lived up to expectations, boosting his career bankroll to 118,793 soles. Finishing 4 lengths back in third was Viejo Lindo (Muwaary), while Los Pergaminos (Ocho Ocho Ocho) rounded out the top four, 8 1/2 lengths off the winner.
With two crown victories under his belt and still untouched by defeat, Mr Peggy cements his place as one of his generation's benchmark runners. The upcoming challenge will be sustaining this level of excellence as the distance and class demands continue to rise.
The second leg of the filly crown on dirt, the Clásico Enrique Ayulo Pardo (G2), also over 2000 meters, went to Muchova, who unleashed a powerful late drive to prevail by a half-length over Shotra (Newfoundland).
A daughter of Yazamaan and Brown Sugar (Pure Prize), bred by Haras Gina-Santa Rosa, the bay filly thus notched her third victory in five starts, confirming her steady development and joining the division's elite group of fillies.
Her victory featured a special story in jockey Rey Romario Melgarejo, who capped off an unforgettable afternoon: he officially earned his professional jockey status and celebrated the milestone by winning a G2 event. A hard-to-script moment for a rider traversing a pivotal juncture in his career.
Trained by Gonzalo Rojas, the filly now boasts earnings of 104,575.80 soles. Following Muchova and Shotra were Maravilla Kimby (Bay of Plenty), 5 lengths back in third, and Myriad (Flameaway), another 1 1/2 lengths behind in fourth.
The stakes action also delivered compelling drama on the turf, hosting the other two second-leg crown events, both over 2000 meters.
Among the colts, the Clásico Gustavo Prado Heudebert (G3) ultimately fell to Sir Drake, though the official resolution arrived long after the field had crossed the finish line.
In fact, A Cobrar (Ocho Ocho Ocho) was first past the post, but an objection raised by Érick Arévalo, rider of General Danny (Tiz the Law), prompted a Stewards' inquiry that drastically altered the placings: the original winner was demoted from first to fourth, placing Sir Drake in the winner's circle.
A son of Southdale and Catalina de Savoya (Mongoose), bred at Haras Rancho Sur and racing for Stud Negrito, the Juan Humberto Suárez trainee thus secured his second career win in five starts, guided by jockey Esvin Requejo.
Dr. Aguilar (Tacitus) was promoted to second ahead of General Danny, while A Cobrar was placed fourth. The official time was 2m3s42/100, following fractional splits of 23s75/100, 48s76/100, 1m13s43/100, and 1m38s7/100. Sir Drake saw his earnings rise to 55,384 soles.
Finally, the Clásico Oscar Berckemeyer Pazos (G3), reserved for 3-year-old fillies over the same distance and surface, crowned Tierra Derecha, another standout figure from the card.
The daughter of Muwaary and Salama (Desert Party), bred at Haras Los Azahares and racing for Stud Jet Set, ratified her upward trajectory with a convincing victory, defeating Argentine-bred Okuni (Sovereign) by one length.
Ridden by Carlos Trujillo and also trained by Juan Humberto Suárez, Tierra Derecha picked up her fourth win in just six outings, a strike rate that speaks volumes of her quality and promise. Her total earnings reached 64,406.60 soles.
For trainer Juan Humberto Suárez, it was an exceptionally lucrative card, collecting two group victories on the grass, while Melgarejo experienced an afternoon he will scarcely forget.
Four classic crowns awarded, new stars solidifying their status, and a classic generation starting to establish its hierarchy. That was the tally of a compelling Sunday at Monterrico, though the day's defining image belonged to Mr Peggy. Four starts, four wins, and an ambition that continues to grow with every step forward. For now, no one has been able to stop him.
