Quemetomo pulls off a massive upset to spoil Tiffony Mo's parade
Following a nearly year-long layoff, the Stud El Cárcara representative captured the Handicap Mesa Alvear by half a head, paying $13.65; the runner-up put forth a courageous effort carrying 61 kilos
SAN ISIDRO, Buenos Aires (Special for Turf Diario).— The long layoff might have suggested caution, but Quemetomo returned determined to make up for lost time. Following a nearly year-long absence, he pulled off a surprise victory this Thursday in the Handicap Mesa Alvear, contested over 1300 meters on the dirt at Hipódromo de San Isidro, nipping Tiffony Mo (El Moisés) by a mere half-head to deny a rival who came agonizingly close to overcoming a top-weight package of 61 kilos.
Conditioned by Alfredo Benítez and ridden by Ramón Aguirre, the Stud El Cárcara defender found two critical allies in his own determination and the favorable 55 1/2 kilos assigned to him. The weight spread ultimately proved decisive in a thrilling finish, stopping the clock in a sharp 1:16.22.
There were ample reasons for bettors to overlook him. His previous outing dated back to last season's Gran Premio San Isidro (G1), where he finished a distant tenth, leaving significant question marks surrounding his return. The tote board reflected that caution: he was sent off as the fourth choice in the five-horse field, returning $13.65—just ten cents behind El Cobra Kai (Cosmic Trigger, 54).
The early running was set by Tiffony Mo and Don Pichi (Qué Vida Buena, 57), who locked horns in an intense duel. Early splits of :23.29 and :46.69 dictated a demanding pace in which the Turf Diario selection had to work early on, while the heavy favorite struggled to keep pace.
As the field straightened into the home stretch, Tiffony Mo took command and built a margin that appeared race-winning. Having repelled his early challenger, victory seemed well within his grasp. However, the toll of the early battle combined with the hefty weight assignment began to take its toll in the final furlong.
That was when Quemetomo launched his drive. Relentless in his pursuit, he chipped away at the leader's advantage, turning what had seemed a straightforward win into a wide-open battle. His final surge was timed to perfection, getting his nose down on the wire to prevail by half a head in an effort that reflected immense credit on both horses.
The son of Equal Talent improved his career record to five wins from 11 starts, earning his most significant victory outside non-winners conditions. Previously, his best black-type performance had been a fourth-place finish in the Clásico Reconquista (L) a year ago behind Talented Hit (Hit It a Bomb) and Garufa Mask (Mask).
For Tiffony Mo, the loss carried all the earmarks of a winning effort. He contested the early pace, opened up down the lane, and fought gamely right down to the wire while carrying a mountain of weight. Falling by the narrowest of margins, he reaffirmed his standing as a benchmark in the division.
Glorioso Rim (Remote) completed the trifecta, while Don Pichi trailed the field in last, failing to live up to his 1.35-1 favoritism. It was another subpar performance for a horse whose inconsistency is becoming a recurring theme. As previously reported, Garufa Mask was scratched due to a provisional suspension resulting from a positive drug test following his victory in the Clásico Refinado Tom (L).
The afternoon, however, belonged to the triumphant return of Quemetomo.
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