Ronda de Ases Bounces Back with Convincing Win in the New Dandy

Returning to a mile on dirt, the distance where he had previously captured the Clásico Good Manners, he was the standout on Sunday

Ronda de Ases, an outsider, ran like the favorite / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The weather forecast proved accurate, with rain arriving early Sunday morning, prompting the Clásico New Dandy (1600 m, heavy dirt) to be moved from turf to the main track, completely changing the dynamics of the race.

Midnight Runner (Forge) and Bonificado (Daddy Long Legs) were quickly scratched, and shortly after, Storm Sound(Hi Happy) followed, leaving the field wide open. In the end, it was Ronda de Ases who made the most of the opportunity, returning to the winner’s circle with a commanding performance, adapting to the conditions, and taking full advantage of the open lead to prevail wire-to-wire.

Although the Stud Rodolfo Pedro colt had not been showing strong form recently, his past efforts in several group races and an 8-length victory over G1 Chanta Joy (Fortify) on the same distance and track could not be overlooked. On Sunday, he demonstrated that experience and current fitness mattered most.

Despite being considered an outsider in the wagering, Ronda de Ases ran like a top contender, pressing the pace from the break and asserting himself down the stretch as his rivals attempted to close.

The closest challenger was the mare Felicidad Compartida (Le Blues), finishing second, four lengths behind and 2½ ahead of the favorite Quebracho Joy (Fortify), who completed the trifecta. The final time for the winner was 1:37.27, after splits of :25.17, :48.28, and 1:12.24.

Trained by Edgardo Martucci and presented by his son, Edgardo Pablo Martucci, Ronda de Ases now boasts four wins in 16 starts. Despite a somewhat inconsistent career, he has always been a horse deserving of high regard.

Out of Leather Sale (Not for Sale) and from the notable Guardia Nueva (Gemini Six) family, Ronda de Ases again showed that a mile on dirt is his preferred domain, and running on the front end suits him best.

In a division dominated by El Exito (Il Campione), the Forge colt adds valuable points and keeps dreaming of bigger things ahead.