Obra de Arte Adds Another Argentine-Bred Stakes Win at Monterrico

The Fortify colt captured the Guillermo Noriega Ballester and now sets his sights on the prestigious Polla de Potrillos

Obra de Arte Finished Strong with Plenty in Hand / JULIO VILLANUEVA / JCP

LIMA, Perú (Special for Turf Diario).- It was a highly productive weekend for Stud Jet Set, and one of the highlights came courtesy of the Argentine-bred Obra de Arte, who kicked off his three-year-old campaign in the best possible way by capturing the Clásico Guillermo Noriega Ballester over 1600 meters, positioning himself firmly on the road to the Polla de Potrillos.

At Monterrico, just a week after breaking his maiden over 1000 meters, the son of the outstanding Fortify took the significant step up in distance in stride – he had run longer trips in his two prior starts – and delivered an emphatic victory.

Trained by Juan Suárez Villarroel and ridden by Víctor Salazar, the dark bay took command as soon as the gates opened and proved untouchable. Although his rivals tried to close the gap around the turn, there was nothing they could do once he straightened for home and accelerated down the center of the track.

At the wire, Obra de Arte was 3 1/2 lengths clear of Ocean World (Power World), with Black Panter (Power World) another half-length back in third, and Miami Vice (Draft Pick) completing the small field, seven lengths further adrift. The winning time was 1:43.20 on a fast dirt track.

Favored in the betting and bred by Haras Santa Inés, Obra de Arte is out of Queen's Gallery (Mutakddim), herself a full sister to G1 winner Arte Pop and half-sister to G1 scorer Art Show (Endorsement). It is the deep family of champions such as Gouache (Southern Halo), Guernika (Luhuk), and La Galerie (Southern Halo).

Obra de Arte made a bold statement with this easy win, and now all roads lead to the Polla de Potrillos.