Romana Craf, a Happy Reunion with Victory and Lofty Dreams

Winner of the Handicap Acheron and runner-up in the most recent Copa de Plata, the Stud Tramo 20 mare is dreaming of regaining her place among the top

Romana Craf’s Strong Finish Earns Her First Stakes Victory / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The second half of the year started in the best possible way for Romana Craf, who on a sunny Sunday at San Isidro Racecourse returned to winning form with an authoritative success in the Clásico Espirita (L, 2000m), one of two stakes features on the card, contested over a yielding turf course.

It had been four starts without a win for the Stud Tramo 20 mare, who was a prominent player among stayers at the end of last season, highlighted by her victory in the Handicap Acheron and her strong runner-up finish in the Gran Premio Copa de Plata (G1). Indeed, her connections have once again set their sights on that year-end championship target after the daughter of Mastercraftsman delivered a resounding performance here, dominating her rivals with apparent ease.

Carrying top weight of 60 kilos, Romana Craf settled well off the pace as Playa Chopera (Treasure Beach, 53.5kg) went on a suicidal mission up front, opening a big margin while setting fractions of 24.60, 48.78, and 1:13.60 – unsustainable given the track conditions and the wide course setup.

Turning for home, the leader quickly gave way, and Romana Craf seized command almost effortlessly when Juan Cruz Villagra loosened his grip slightly. She powered clear to score by three lengths over the consistent Knows All (Le Blues, 55.5kg), who is bound to have her day soon. Another 2 1/2 lengths back in third was Argomasa (Lucullan, 54kg), making an encouraging stakes debut, while the imported Doña Twister (Constitution, 52.5kg) completed the superfecta. The final time was 2:03.81, with a mile split of 1:39.63.

Bred by Haras Firmamento and trained by Rubén Vivas, Romana Craf is out of Romana Top (Giant’s Causeway), herself a daughter of Linda Roma (Romanov), a G3 winner and a half-sister to champion Miss Taylor (Numerous) and G1 winner Mr. Redford (Numerous). This is the deep family developed by the now-defunct Haras El Candil, which continues to thrive under the stewardship of Juan Carlos Bagó at Firmamento.