Obataye is set for the Pellegrini, with Joao Moreira to take the ride
- Turf Diario
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The latest Latinoamericano winner will spearhead a strong Brazilian contingent, with G1 hero Havana Cigar also targeting the continent’s biggest test
By Diego H. Mitagstein
The G1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (2400m, turf), to be run on December 13 at San Isidro Racecourse, will feature a visiting star of the highest order. Fresh off his coronation in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), the outstanding Brazilian champion Obataye will attempt to add South America’s most emblematic race to his résumé — and, in principle, he will do so with none other than João Moreira, who is expected to travel especially for the mount.
It would mark the reunion of a partnership that left a deep impression in October’s Latinoamericano at Gávea, now targeting another jewel of the continent’s racing crown. For Brazil, it would also signify a return to prominence in the Pellegrini with a seasoned, proven horse and a record that speaks for itself.
With over R$1.5 million in earnings — the only horse currently in training in Brazil to surpass that mark — Obataye(Courtier—Surfi’N USA, by Crimson Tide) stamped his credentials with his dominant victory in the Latino, a performance that confirmed everything he had already hinted at in Cidade Jardim.
Bred by Haras Palmerini and racing in the colors of Paulo and Luis Felipe Pelanda, the 5-year-old dark bay boasts nine career victories and arrives at the peak of his powers. He will travel accompanied by his trainer, Antônio Oldoni, who has already warned: “The horse is at his best and fully focused on a big target.”
Obataye will not travel alone. Also bound for Buenos Aires is the talented Q’Luz do Iguassu (Forestry—Redenção), who is being pointed toward the G1 Copa de Plata Roberto Vásquez Mansilla (2000m, turf), the major race for older fillies and mares on the same program.
A winner of four races at Cidade Jardim, including the G2 Grande Prêmio Presidente Hernani Azevedo Silva over a mile on turf, Q’Luz do Iguassu comes off a solid third in the G2 Grande Prêmio Marciano de Aguiar Moreira. The Haras Rio Iguassu homebred is another strong name in the delegation.
The Brazilian contingent could grow even larger. All signs point to the possible participation of Havana Cigar (Can the Man), recent winner of the G1 Grande Prêmio Derby Paulista and one of the most exciting 3-year-olds currently in Brazil.
Meanwhile, another Brazilian representative is being aimed at the G1 Gran Premio Félix de Álzaga Unzué (1000m, turf): the lightning-fast Lendario Brujo (Comandante Dodge), racing for Haras Nijú.
Already a winner of both the G3 GP ABCPCC – Velocidade and the G1 GP ABCPCC – Associação Brasileira de Criadores e Proprietários do Cavalo de Corrida, the bay sprinter will try to extend his dominance at San Isidro, a venue where Brazilian speedsters traditionally perform very well.
As for international participation, Peru is unlikely to field any representatives, nor is Uruguay expected to send runners. From Chile, however, Stud Los Leones continues working through logistical hurdles in hopes of getting Daktari(Daddy Long Legs) to the Pellegrini starting gate.
The presence of Obataye, along with Q’Luz do Iguassu, Havana Cigar and Lendario Brujo, shapes up to be one of the most ambitious and compelling Brazilian invasions in recent years for Argentina’s greatest race.
With the Latino champion headlining the group, the 2025 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (worth US$350,000) is already beginning to take on the colors of a true global racing event: international stars, elite competition, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a race that remains the ultimate reference point in South American racing.
Can Obataye add yet another historic chapter?On December 13, at San Isidro, we will have the answer.
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