Sensational! Herd Immunity Romps in Clásico México by 17 Lengths

Daughter of Forge Wires the Field at La Plata, Signals Readiness for Bigger Challenges

Herd Immunity Returns to the Winner’s Circle After Blowing Away the Competition / HLP

LA PLATA.- What a performance from Herd Immunity. The filly from Stud Volver Al Futuro turned the Clásico México—the Tuesday feature at La Plata—into a one-horse show, dominating the 2000-meter test on a slow main track from gate to wire.

Fresh off an emphatic victory at Palermo over a rival who came right back to score in her next start—Risible (Orpen)—Herd Immunity was sent off as the heavy favorite. But while her credentials were strong, few could have anticipated the devastating margin of victory: 17 lengths, in a race she controlled from start to finish.

By Forge, and always held in high regard, Herd Immunity appears to be taking a major leap forward. With her latest effort, she’s now a serious player among the country’s top middle-distance females—a division deep in talent, albeit without a clear-cut leader.

Tuesday’s race was never in doubt. After a sharp break, Franco Menéndez allowed the bay to settle on the lead, with Shericka (Seize) offering mild pressure through the backstretch. But as the field rounded the final turn, Herd Immunity opened up with ease and left her rivals reeling, cruising home well clear of Shericka, who was second best.

Another 1 1/2 lengths back came Flavie (Seahenge), followed by Rebecca Hi (Hi Happy), Santa Se (Security Risk) and La Más Pura (Aspire), who crossed the wire in that order. The final time was a solid 2:05.47, with splits of :26.76, :51.56, 1:16.48 and 1:41.29.

The only eyebrow-raising moment came late, when Menéndez administered four whips—including one with a long lead in the final furlong.

Bred by Triple Alliance and raised at Haras Carampangue, Herd Immunity is trained by Ángel Piana and may now be pointed to the G1 Gran Premio Estrellas Distaff at Palermo in late June—a track where she has already proven highly effective.

The rising star of the La Plata oval is the first foal out of Ecologist (Star Dabbler), herself a half-sister to G1 winner Ecólogo (Easing Along) and the brilliant sprinter In the Shot (Easing Along), a dual top-level victor and multiple graded-placed runner.