Payucano returned to sprinting and rediscovered his finest form
he heavy favorite delivered on expectations with a dominant 4-length victory in the Especial Arrayán over a heavy track at Hipódromo de La Plata, carrying 58 kilos. The son of Mask once again found the 1200 meters to be the ideal stage to showcase his full potential
LA PLATA.- Sprinting is his domain, and Payucano made that abundantly clear once again. Following an outing over the mile in which he acquitted himself well, the son of Mask returned to the 1200 meters and rediscovered his most dominant form, prevailing with absolute authority in Thursday’s feature event at the local track, the Especial Arrayán.
Neither the top burden of 58 kilos—a mark he shared as co-highweight alongside Noni Letal (Don Letal)—nor the heavy going posed any obstacle for the heavy favorite. He dispatched the field with striking ease, reasserting that when it comes to raw speed, he possesses more than enough quality to make his presence felt.
Backed by a formidable team enjoying a standout campaign—comprising trainer Marcelo Sueldo, jockey Gonzalo Borda, and Stud Pauli—the bay delivered a masterclass of superiority that left virtually no room for debate.
Far from becoming embroiled in an early speed duel, Payucano secured a comfortable tracking position off the pace while Liefmans (Fortify, 56) assumed the responsibility of setting the fractions. His rider felt no urge to rush him, biding his time for the ideal moment to unleash his mount, fully aware he held plenty of horse beneath him when the time came to accelerate.
And accelerate he did. Upon straightening into the home stretch, Payucano immediately set his sights on the leader, ranged up alongside without major effort, and quickly put him away. From that point on, the contest was reduced to a matter of measuring the winning margin, as none of his rivals could muster a meaningful challenge.
With a powerful and sustained stride, the favorite drew off to establish a commanding 4-length margin over the runner-up, while Sebi Torres (Orpen, 56) filled out the top spots on the board. The clock stopped at 1m12s98/100, a highly respectable time given the demanding condition of the track, which required extra effort from every runner.
The victory also validated that his recent foray into longer distances had done nothing to dull his natural brilliance. While Payucano can handle himself when stretched out, his maximum potential shines in short sprints, where he can fully exploit his acceleration and his ability to sustain an intense tempo without yielding.
Bred by Haras La Valkiria, the winner secured his seventh career victory in 22 starts, pushing his earnings past 44 million pesos. Those numbers reflect a remarkably consistent career, highlighted by major performances and a growing status among the top sprinters on the La Plata circuit.
In stakes company, the bay had already etched his name on the trophies of the Handicap Hipódromo de San Isidroand the Especial Mangangá, both contested over this same surface. The Especial Arrayán now joins that collection, solidifying his profile as a force to be reckoned with whenever conditions suit his strengths.
His pedigree is equally compelling. He is by Mask out of Wildcat Kelly (Wildcat Heir), an imported American mare who had previously produced two other winners in Argentina. Payucano has easily proven to be her standout performer on local soil, adding significant black-type quality to her produce record.
For Sueldo and his team, the triumph provided another major milestone achieved with a horse they know intimately—one who, when placed at his optimal distance, possesses all the tools to keep building on his winning tally. The decision to shorten him back up yielded a response as immediate as it was convincing.
Payucano required neither a cozy trip nor weight concessions to assert his class. Returning to his preferred terrain, adjusting to a testing surface, and unleashing his power at the decisive moment was all it took. Over 1200 meters, he was once again at his absolute best.
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