Sono Perfetto was back to his best and now sets his sights on the Dardo Rocha
Lautaro Balmaceda and Omar Labanca both highlighted the ease with which the chestnut scored in the Clásico Organización Sudamericana de Fomento del Sangre Pura de Carrera (G3). Their sights are now firmly set on the major challenge coming up on November 19...
LA PLATA.— The resounding victory by Sono Perfetto in the Clásico Organización Sudamericana de Fomento del Sangre Pura de Carrera (G3) left a shared sentiment among his connections: the horse has regained his finest form and will enter the Gran Premio Internacional Dardo Rocha (G1) with more than enough credentials to become one of the headline contenders.
The display by Stud El Cárcara's chestnut, who controlled the race from wire to wire and drew off to win by 13 lengths, showed a level of ease that surprised even those who know him best. Both his jockey, Lautaro Balmaceda, and his trainer, Omar Labanca, highlighted the authority of his performance, especially considering the demanding condition of the Hipódromo de La Plata dirt surface.
"He had been working very well, but to be honest, the ease with which he won surprised us a bit," commented Balmaceda, delighted with the horse's response and the trip he engineered over the 2200 meters.
The track condition was a major concern before the break. The day's conditions had left a particularly testing surface, though Sono Perfetto never seemed uncomfortable. "The track was in very bad shape, extremely testing, and that was a little scary. But the horse made everything look very simple," explained the rider.
The strategy was as simple as it was effective: capitalize on the natural speed of the son of Tetaze to dictate his own pace, without allowing his rivals to press him. "He likes to run upfront and be allowed to float along for a bit. He's a very good horse who had bad luck in his last few starts. This time everything went smoothly, and when we hit the stretch, he pulled away with immense ease," Balmaceda analyzed.
The result also allowed them to put two previous setbacks behind them, where he had been unable to showcase his true capability. This time, with a favorable setup and no opponents capable of challenging his lead, he once again delivered the dominant image that had set him apart among the top stayers of his generation.
Looking ahead to the Dardo Rocha, the jockey saw no reason for concern regarding the additional 200 meters he will cover on November 19. "He won't have any issue with the distance. He already ran the Rocha as a 3-year-old, finished third, and put in a huge effort. I think he will arrive in peak condition," he assured.
Labanca was equally delighted, not only with the result, but with the way his charge handled a race that served as a major test for his future ambitions.
"I'm very happy and grateful to the entire team. The horse gave us a wonderful impression once again," expressed the trainer, who knows the chestnut's attributes inside out and never lost faith in him.
For Labanca, the race setup ultimately played into Sono Perfetto's hands, despite the challenges presented by the surface. "We know the quality of horse we have. Today he had the fortune of running on a track that suits him. The surface was extremely rough, but they let him coast upfront and he ended up winning much easier than we expected," he noted.
The trainer also recalled that this is not a runner who needs to prove his class. His record speaks for itself, particularly his victory in the Clásico General Belgrano (G2) at Palermo, where he provided a decisive display of his ability to handle top-flight demands.
"He's a true warrior. He proved that when he won the Belgrano in Buenos Aires and in other major events as well. He is always ready to fight," Labanca emphasized.
Now, the road ahead appears far clearer. The victory arrived right on time, in the final stepping stone before the Dardo Rocha, leaving ample time to fine-tune every detail of his preparation.
"The goal was to reach November 19 in the best possible shape. Now we have a month ahead to prepare him well and face that great challenge," the trainer concluded.
Sono Perfetto reclaimed his best form just when he needed it most. He returned to winning ways with absolute authority, making it clear that the talent that elevated him as a 3-year-old remains fully intact. The Dardo Rocha is still a little over a month away, but El Cárcara's flagbearer has already sent a strong signal that he intends to take center stage in La Plata's greatest celebration.
