Obataye Strikes Again with Victory in the Matías Machline
- Turf Diario
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
The winner of the 2024 Brasil once again shone at Cidade Jardim, capturing the main event of the Copa dos Criadoresunder a masterful ride from João Moreira
SAN PABLO, Brasil (Special for Turf Diario).- His name has become synonymous with the biggest races in Brazilian racing—and not by chance. Winner of the 2024 Grande Prêmio Brasil (G1), Obataye once again rose to the occasion, capturing Saturday's Grande Prêmio Matias Machline – ABCPCC Clássica (G1), the centerpiece of the 2025 Copa dos Criadores at Cidade Jardim. Run over 2000 meters on turf rated good, the race offered a purse of over R$400,000 and confirmed Obataye’s status as one of the country’s elite.
Now five and as solid as they come, the Courtier colt out of Surfi’N USA (by Crimson Tide) was bred by Haras Palmerini and carries the colors of Haras Rio Iguassu. He delivered a powerful performance under a perfectly timed ride by world-class jockey João Moreira, who bided his time and struck at just the right moment.
There was no shortage of pace early, with Lord Alpha (Alpha) setting a lively tempo and Sugar Daddy (Wild Event) tracking closely. Sitting just off the speed were Seiquevouteamar (Verrazano), For Export (Drosselmeyer), and a poised Obataye, saving ground along the rail in fifth.
Turning for home, many shifted to the center of the track seeking better footing, but Moreira stayed inside. With 300 meters to run, a seam opened between Lord Alpha and Seiquevouteamar, and Obataye surged through decisively, taking command and holding firm to win by 1 3/4 lengths.
From well back, To Sir With Love (My Cherie Amour) closed fast to grab second, while Mc Arrocha (Arrocha) ran on gamely for third. Osten (Hofburg) and Seiquevouteamar rounded out the top five, followed by For Export, Valparaíso(Ay Caramba), Lord Alpha, Night of Rose (Drosselmeyer), Dream Alliance (Alpha), Sugar Daddy, and Go Camelot(Camelot Kitten).
Final time for the 2000 meters was 1:58.70. The victory marked the eighth in 16 starts for Obataye and his fifth stakes score, all under the careful management of veteran trainer Antônio Marcos Oldoni, who has kept the colt in peak condition across three seasons.
When the lights are brightest, Obataye delivers—and that makes him, without question, one of Brazil’s premier racehorses.
