Portal Maya lands her biggest win yet for a partnership off to a flying start

Carrying the colors of Stud As de Picas and trained by Franco and Gustavo Scarpello, she captured the G2 Apertura over 2200 meters on the turf at Palermo

Portal Maya Confirms Her Stamina at the Trip / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

In racing, things don’t always unfold the way one hopes—or plans. Partnerships don’t always click; professionals adapt differently; some find better fortune with one set of silks than another. Trainers and jockeys are discussed endlessly.

How many stories begin with excitement only to unravel shortly after the gates open? Hundreds, thousands—countless. That’s the nature of this wonderful sport. If everything were easy and linear, there would be no magic at all.

When Gustavo and Franco Scarpello took over the Stud As de Picas string a few months ago, they did so with the same optimism and expectation that always accompanies a new chapter. The operation sought change and found the right fit in the Pampean horseman and his son. Fortunately for all involved, the weeks that followed brought results—and at a remarkably high strike rate.

This Saturday at Palermo, the partnership reached a high point thanks to the generous Portal Maya, who justified the confidence of these pages with a brave, forward-looking victory that only reinforced the steady progress she had been showing. Carrying the As de Picas colors, the daughter of Portal del Alto thrived under the Scarpellos, posting four wins from seven starts for the barn and building gradually from a mile to shine again at 2200 meters—this time capturing the significant G2 Clásico Apertura on turf, following her Handicap Ráfaga success on dirt and underscoring her versatility.

Beyond the joy for the partnership, it was a special milestone for apprentice Martín Montoya, the most advanced of his class, who celebrated his first graded victory and lifted his career tally to 83 wins—well along the path to full jockey status.

The race saw Foggy of Song (Sixties Song) set the tempo in front, carving fractions of :24.84, :48.27 and 1:11.42, while Montoya kept Portal Maya alternating between fifth and sixth. Moves began on the turn; the apprentice asked a touch early to avoid traffic, tipped wide, and Portal Maya quickened decisively. Once in front, Montoya rode with maturity, saving enough to hold Miss Kalima (Seahenge) by half a length, with Doña Lucila (Equal Talent) third and Lysva (Gouverneur Morris) fourth. Favorite Invocación (Treasure Beach) was never a factor. Final time: 2:14.80.

Bred by Haras El Wing, Portal Maya is the sixth—and best—produce to date of Improvista (Editor’s Note), herself a half-sister to the multiple champion Il Mercato (Not for Sale), from the unmistakable “E” family.

Now a six-time winner from just 17 starts with earnings north of ARS 41 million, Portal Maya has established herself among the staying mares—a division without a clear leader—and will head confidently toward the Palermo de Oro Championship for her sex.

The Scarpellos and Stud As de Picas know more joy than disappointment. The chemistry was immediate, and they are making the most of it. Portal Maya stands as the flagship of that partnership.