One Thing Caps a Stellar Afternoon at San Isidro With a Stunning Upset

After breaking his maiden over a heavy dirt track, the Brazilian-bred One Thing took a significant leap forward to capture the G2 Clásico Forli, as Vundu showed signs of needing the race off the layoff

One Thing and Martín La Palma, in a photo that caught most by surprise / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

A huge upset was in store Saturday at San Isidro, as One Thing spoiled the much-anticipated return of Vundu(Suggestive Boy) with a commanding performance in the Clásico Forli (G2, 1800m, turf), the centerpiece of a strong stakes tripleheader run over a rain-affected course.

It often feels like two different racecourses are managed by the Jockey Club Argentino. The Wednesday cards, painfully light on quality, stand in sharp contrast to the weekend programs, when stakes action takes center stage and is usually accompanied by rich condition races for promising types. The contrast is stark—and the way forward for the venue is obvious. Crowds respond, whether under summer sunshine or during chillier afternoons like this one.

After Legalized (Dabster) impressed in the Clásico Manuel Anasagasti (L) and Bronx (Qué Vida Buena) added another turf mile to his résumé in the Clásico Pippermint (G2), it was time for the Forli—and time for One Thing to go from maiden winner to major player in the blink of an eye.

Less than a month removed from finally breaking through in the slop over a mile, the son of Verrazano (More Than Ready) showed he was far more than a one-race wonder. To be fair, he had always hinted at ability over turf. His debut—second to G3 winner Llegó Bien (Señor Candy) and ahead of names like The Goat (Fortify) and Yak Sports (Glory Seattle)—came while racing for his breeder RDI in Brazil.

Now under the care of Rodrigo Baglietto and carrying the colors of Stud Rosa Mística, One Thing made a massive leap forward. Settled far off the pace early, he advanced smartly into contention around the turn and launched his bid in the stretch as the pace collapsed, thanks to a speed duel between Yak Sport and Ronda de Ases (Forge), the latter finishing tailed off.

Yak Sport opened up early in the stretch but had no answer once One Thing and Vundu loomed. In the final furlong, One Thing kicked away powerfully to win by two lengths, with the favorite—clearly in need of the race—settling for second. Yak Sport was a commendable third, another length back, with Comando Secreto (War Command) fourth, and Seek Wave (Seek Again), last year’s top juvenile at La Plata, running much better than his fifth-place finish might suggest.

Clocked in 1:52.44, the Forli also offered a form of redemption for jockey Martín La Palma, who had recently served a suspension for a controversial ride. Talented and still early in his career, La Palma continues to grow in confidence—and One Thing’s win could be a turning point.

As for Vundu, it’s worth noting that both of his career losses have come when returning from long layoffs. If he stays healthy, the rematch is likely—and eagerly awaited. In the meantime, One Thing has suddenly thrust himself into the conversation among Argentina’s elite middle-distance runners, putting the perfect stamp on a card that reminded racing fans why they never want these Saturday programs to end.