Regalo del Sol Displayed Grit in Debut and Promises More

El Gruñón's Representative Impresses in the Especial Patria at La Plata

Regalo del Sol Finishes Comfortably at La Plata / HLP

LA PLATA.- There was simply no contest in Tuesday’s running of the Especial Patria (1500m, heavy), the traditional feature for debuting 2-year-old colts at La Plata. On a track turned testing by rain, Regalo del Sol dominated in a fashion that left little room for doubt.

The Stud El Gruñón representative, trained by Luis H. Domínguez, drew off by a commanding 8 lengths over favored Kuccini (Manipulator), with another 39 1/4 lengths separating the winner from the second-to-last finisher—not counting Splendid Scape (Cityscape), who was virtually eased across the wire.

Ridden by Franco Menéndez, the Lucullan colt was unhurried early as Home Treasure (Treasure Beach) and Gatao(Daddy Long Legs) set the pace. But as the field rounded the turn, Regalo del Sol circled rivals effortlessly and asserted clear command into the stretch, widening with authority and capitalizing on the fatigue of his peers to stop the clock in 1:34.78.

Bred by Haras Tres Jotas, Regalo del Sol is out of Jackie O (Easing Along), a half-sister to G2 winner Jasminka(Mutakddim) and part of the influential female line of Jungle Queen (Claro), a name of notable weight both nationally and internationally thanks to her impact at Haras La Quebrada.

With such a resounding debut under his belt, Regalo del Sol now figures to play a role in the upcoming juvenile stakes at La Plata, where he’ll look to validate this performance against more seasoned company.