regained the "script" and now heads toward the Triple Crown with confidence

The son of Hurricane Cat scored convincingly in the G3 Clásico Old Man, rebounding after his setback in the Listed Manuel Anasagasti

Libreto took command early and finished up without a worry / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After struggling over the heavy turf at San Isidro in the Clásico Manuel Anasagasti (L), Libreto returned to his home base at Palermo’s dirt track, got back on track, and firmly inserted himself into the division’s top ranks on the road to the Triple Crown with a commanding victory in Saturday’s Clásico Old Man (G3-1400m), which closed out a superb graded-stakes lineup.

A son of the ever-reliable Hurricane Cat (Storm Cat), now virtually retired from stallion duty, the imposing colt weighing over 500kg also extended the dream run of trainer Omar Labanca and jockey Lautaro Balmaceda.

Always proactive in the run, Libreto tracked leader Sea (Daddy Long Legs) in a stalking second as that rival carved out splits of 24.40 and 47.53. Nearing the turn for home, Libreto increased the pressure and surged decisively at the top of the stretch, taking command with ease and quickly opening up daylight.

From the back, Vampiro Zen (Zensational) closed strongly down the outside to grab second, finishing 3 lengths behind the winner, with Piu (Daddy Long Legs) another nose back in third. Winston (Forge) checked in fourth after trailing early, while betting favorite Coro de Rojas (Daddy Long Legs) could manage only fifth. Second choice The Outsider (Roman Joy) disappointed badly, trailing in last nearly 18 lengths behind. The final time was 1:23.89, slightly faster than Forti Leaf (Fortify) posted in the preceding G3 Güiraldes for fillies.

Bred by Haras Vacación, Libreto had previously finished third in the G2 Chevalier and second to Amor de Contramano (Gouverneur Morris) in the G1 Montevideo, and now regains his top form just in time to aim confidently for his main goal: the G1 Polla de Potrillos later this season.