Sargento Morris spoiled the afternoon for El Fortín in the Clásico Haras Ojo de Agua

The colt defeated the winner of the latest Unzué by 1 1/2 lengths, who was stepping up from the kilometer to 1400 meters

Sargento Morris finished with power from the 200-meter mark to the wire / HSI

The 2 and 3-year-olds that show promise but fail to consolidate during their first campaign often begin to take off in their second season. This seems to be the case for Sargento Morris (54 kg.), who this Sunday on the Hipódromo de San Isidro turf decisively dispatched a high-class field in the 1,400 meters of the Clásico Haras Ojo de Agua (L).

Following his disappointing run in the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1), the son of Gouverneur Morris had returned with a crushing conditional victory. Now, back on the big stage, he confirmed everything that had always been expected of him by defeating the favorite El Fortín (Il Campione, 57)—who was well-weighted—by 1 1/2 lengths. The latter was taking a significant step up in distance after his brilliant victory in the kilometer of the Gran Premio Félix de Alzaga Unzué (G1) in mid-December.

Entrusted to the hands of Juan P. Paoloni, Sargento Morris travelled somewhat uncomfortably during the early meters of the race, while Mr Mitre (Reride) set a fast pace several lengths clear, acting as a pacemaker for his stablemate El Fortín.

The leader moved through fractions of 22s97/100 and 46s91/100, emerging into the home straight already spent, with his jockey Tomás Bisbal looking back for his partner.

At that stage, the inexplicably assigned topweight Yak Sport (Glory Seattle, 58 1/2), El Fortín, and Sargento Morris all charged down the center of the track. The latter took command from the 250-meter mark, without the G1 sprinter offering much resistance.

The finish was quite comfortable for the winner, who put the aforementioned length and a half between himself and his rival, while Yak Sport finished third by a flank in a brave effort. The winning time was 1m19s75/100 over a firm course.

Bred by Haras La Pasión and defending the colors of Stud El Barrilito, Sargento Morris is trained by Pablo Sahagiánand is out of Saratogian, a Candy Ride mare who has already produced three other winners.

The chestnut has a bright future and can now begin to target the mile, with the Clásicos Bustillo (G2) and América (G2)appearing soon on the calendar.