Shiawase Outduels Cadiz in a Thrilling Edition of the Clásico Benito Lynch
The son of Lucullan topped the premier speedster of the young local sprint division by 1 1/2 lengths after a relentless, head-to-head battle that was settled only in the final strides; both runners are now targeted toward the Gran Premio Ciudad de La Plata (G1)
LA PLATA.— The long-awaited showdown between Cádiz and Shiawase lived up to every bit of the hype. On a fast track, the two 3-year-old colts turned the Clásico Benito Lynch (L-1200m) into a premier spectacle, staging a high-voltage duel that extended through most of the stretch before swinging in favor of the visitor. In the end, Shiawase had the final say, digging deep to emerge victorious from a relentless battle.
The son of Lucullan arrived from San Isidro boasting three wins from four career starts and a clear specialty: 1200 meters. Over that distance he was undefeated, having captured two condition races and the Clásico Remigio González Moreno. His only defeat had come over 1400 meters at Palermo, where he finished third. The main question was how he would handle a proven top-class rival in his first career start on the dirt at La Plata. His answer was emphatic.
Opposing him was Cádiz, the grey son of Strategos who entered on a three-race winning streak and had established himself as the premier young sprinter at El Bosque. Victory in the Especial Velocistas Potrillos followed by back-to-back stakes scores in the Clásico Jockey Club de Azul (L) and Clásico José M. Boquín (L) made him the logical favorite. However, this time he faced a challenger who refused to give him an inch.
Cádiz broke intent on asserting his speed, while jockey Gonzalo Borda kept Shiawase well within striking distance. The head-to-head duel began taking shape before turning for home and was fully engaged as the Marcelo Sueldotrainee drew on terms with the favorite upon entering the lane. From that point on, it became a fierce test of wills with the race hanging in the balance until the final stages.
The resistance offered by Cádiz was formidable, but Shiawase found an extra gear in the final 50 meters, breaking his opponent's stride to pull clear by 1 1/2 lengths at the wire—a margin that underscores the authority of his finish, even if it hardly tells the full story of the struggle. Far behind the lead duo, Lobito de Mar (Il Mercato) completed the trifecta, 5 lengths off the winner, while the rest of the field arrived even further back in a separate race.
The clock stopped at 1:11.22 for the 1200 meters, a very sharp time on a fast track that validated the quality of both runners. For Shiawase, it marked his fourth victory in five career outings and confirmed that his affinity for the six-furlong trip is not track-dependent: four starts at the distance, four victories.
Carrying the colors of Stud Facundito and bred by Haras La Leyenda out of Solicit, by Wild Wonder, the winner once again highlighted the top-tier combination of trainer Marcelo Sueldo and jockey Gonzalo Borda, leaders in the standings who continue to deliver on the biggest stages.
This rivalry is far from over. All signs point to both Shiawase and Cádiz heading next toward the Clásico Ciudad de La Plata (G2) on November 19—also over 1200 meters—where they will face older horses for the first time. The Benito Lynch delivered a winner of huge potential and a runner-up whose reputation remains untarnished. If they lock horns again next month, another thrilling spectacle is guaranteed.
