Nicolás Martín Ferro Dreams Big with Vundu in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano
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The Stud Gran Ascochinga runner arrives in top form and stands as one of the leading contenders in Gávea
By Diego H. MItagstein (Special Correspondent to Turf Diario in Río de Janeiro, Brasil)
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Special Correspondent).—Just one day remains before Hipódromo da Gávea opens its gates for the 41st Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), and Argentina arrives full of hope, with Vundu as one of its key cards—and one of the main contenders for glory. At the helm is Nicolás Martín Ferro, enjoying a stellar moment: leading the national statistics and, alongside Juan Saldivia, regarded as one of the country’s most solid young trainers. With his meticulous, passionate style, Ferro is preparing to shoulder the enormous responsibility of representing his nation in a race of such high caliber.
“I’m very happy and satisfied with how everything has gone so far, though there’s a bit of anxiety too, waiting for the day and living each moment. We’ve been treated wonderfully since we arrived,” the trainer said. Argentina, which has not won the Latino since 2020 with Tetaze (Equal Stripes) at San Isidro, is dreaming again of lifting the cup thanks to Vundu, a horse that seems nearly invincible.
The draw, always crucial in a race of this type, brought both nerves and excitement. “What happened there was very important. I was as nervous as if we were running the Pellegrini. Every ball they pulled, we wanted it to be ours. We were aiming for between 4 and 8, which we discussed with Martín Valle, the jockey, and also with Francisco Leandro, who advised me, and when number 6 came out, we were satisfied. He’s a horse that races close to the action, and Martín will decide where to position him,” Ferro explained.
He added: “We’ll probably move a bit before that first tough turn. I imagine him coming among the 4 or 5 at the front. We need to find a position to reach the curve in a good spot; some of the sharp horses are outside and will have to make an effort or change strategy. Vundu is in great shape, and we drew the position we wanted.”
Beyond the strategy, the experience of representing Argentina and participating in a continental event carries a special significance. “It’s a pride to be here representing Argentina and San Isidro, especially with a horse among the contenders. I’m happy and taking it very seriously. These trips excite all of us, being able to travel, share with colleagues and lifelong friends. Living the Latin experience, which you can feel and see,” Ferro emphasized, highlighting the cultural and emotional dimension of the Gran Premio Latinoamericano, which brings together fans, trainers, jockeys, and owners from across South America.
The owners’ presence at Gávea also reflects the event’s magnitude. “Today, five of the owners came, and four more arrived in the morning; I think there are about 35 in total, plus another 20 friends, so we’ll be quite a group,” the trainer said, while also noting Vundu’s adaptation to both the track and the travel: “We’re doing well. How he’d handle the trip and the new surroundings was uncertain, but that part went better than we imagined.”
With a combination of experience, talent, and careful planning, Vundu and Nicolás Martín Ferro represent one of Argentina’s two hopes in the 2025 Gran Premio Latinoamericano, alongside the powerful Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja). The strategy is set, confidence is high, and expectations are at their peak: many eyes across South American racing will be on the horse aiming to bring Argentina continental glory once again, in a race that each year confirms itself as the must-see event of Latin American turf.
