Since Vilas Light, No One Has Managed the Feat… Is It Winston’s Turn?

Winston Shows His Mettle in the Clásico Isidoro Aramburu (G3), Eyes La Plata Triple Crown

Winston Outduels Sono Perfetto in the Final Furlong / HLP

LA PLATA.- It was truth time in the selection process for La Plata’s 3-year-old colts, with the Clásico Isidoro Aramburu (G3-1600m, dirt) serving as the decisive prep before the Polla de Potrillos (G3) kicks off the Triple Crown in just two weeks.

On Tuesday, Winston took a major, promising step forward, capturing the 2025 Aramburu in determined fashion. No horse has swept the Bosque Triple Crown since Vilas Light (Light Cavalry) achieved the feat in 1992, 33 years ago, but the son of Forge now has his name firmly on the radar.

Returning to a surface where he had previously run an excellent second to Gardel Pass (Distinctiv Passion) in the Pedro Goenaga (G2), Winston faced a demanding field this time, with little rest following a fourth-place effort in the Clásico Old Man (G3) at Palermo.

The start brought immediate challenges when Winston veered into Regalo del Sol (Lucullan), finding himself further back as Sono Perfetto (Tetaze) seized an uncontested lead through an easy opening quarter in :24.71. Jockey Francisco Peralta guided Winston into second approaching the turn, clocking :47.92 for the half, as Sono Perfetto quickened.

In the stretch, Winston launched his attack. Lautaro Balmaceda, aboard Sono Perfetto, drifted out to hamper the favorite’s run, with the pair brushing in the heat of battle. But Winston’s class prevailed, edging clear by half a length at the wire. Vampiro Zen (Zensational), runner-up in the Old Man, closed to finish third, five lengths back, with Regalo del Sol fourth. Final time for the mile was a strong 1:37.79.

Bred by Haras La Manija, Winston is out of Wally Nut (Luhuk), a stakes-placed mare and producer of G3 winner Walnut Grove (Orpen) among five winners. The female family traces to Nut (Dancing Moss), source of major champions like Newmarket (Salt Marsh), Forty Licks (Not For Sale), Numeraria (Southern Halo), Alert (Southern Halo), and Pepe Joy (Fortify).

With the Aramburu reprogrammed after its initial cancellation, Winston has little time to rest before the Polla de Potrillos on August 7. But if Tuesday’s victory proved anything, it’s that the grey colt thrives in La Plata, and his march toward the Triple Crown remains alive and well.