Speedmaster makes the leap and begins running to the full measure of his physique
The favorite won the Handicap Copa Regimiento de Infantería 1 de Patricios, notched his fifth victory in nine starts, and extended the stellar form of Guillermo Frenkel Santillán and Juan Cruz Villagra
Speedmaster’s (57 1/2 kg.) 600-kilo frame has always demanded patience. It was necessary to accommodate the development of such a massive physique, allowing him time to gain strength and waiting for maturity to bring his talent into focus. At 4 years old, Guillermo Frenkel Santillán's diligent management is yielding an increasingly convincing response: this Wednesday, the favorite captured his first victory outside conditional ranks in the Handicap Copa Regimiento de Infantería 1 de Patricios, the feature race on the program at Hipódromo de San Isidro.
Covering the 1,600 meters on the dirt while carrying 57 1/2 kilograms, the chestnut bred by Haras Vacación resolved the commitment with authority, boosting his record to five wins from just nine lifetime appearances. He also extended the winning momentum of the trainer-jockey partnership between Frenkel Santillán and Juan Cruz Villagra, once again teaming up for a key triumph.
Speedmaster built his effort from back to front. Early on the backstretch, he settled into third as Nevado Catedral(Gouverneur Morris, 57) controlled the pace upfront. The leader covered the opening 400 meters in 25.48 and reached the 800-meter mark in 47.67, noticeably quickening the tempo and forcing his pursuers to match the acceleration.
Villagra allowed the favorite to find his stride in progressive fashion. Entering the final 400 meters, he began making his move on the outside of the leader, rapidly narrowing the gap between them. By the 200-meter pole, Speedmasterstruck the lead and asserted his dominance from there, maintaining enough in reserve to hit the wire a length and a half clear.
Kavac (Cityscape, 54) finished full of run to claim second, edging Nevado Catedral by a neck, with the latter paying late for his early pacesetting duties. Sabiyano (Fortify, 61) ended up fourth, another six lengths adrift, while Mannarino (Cosmic Trigger, 58) and Memin Penguin (Strategos, 54 1/2) completed the order of finish. The clock stopped at 1:35.04.
The result validated the promising signs Speedmaster had displayed in his prior effort, when he finished third behind Drive Joy (Fortify) in the Clásico Perú (G2). That performance had already shown he could compete at a higher level; now he was able to translate that progress into the breakthrough win needed to broaden his horizon.
There is good reason to believe he still has room for improvement. His campaign remains brief, and the physical development of a horse of such massive proportions demands continuity and patience. Frenkel Santillán has been conditioning him with that long-term view, and his present form suggests the best version of the winner is only just beginning to emerge.
His pedigree adds further appeal. He is a full brother to Stay Tune (Fortify), one of the prime contenders for Saturday's Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1), following a runner-up effort in the Gran Criterium (G1) and third-place finishes in both the Carreras de las Estrellas Juvenile (G1) and the Dos Mil Guineas (G1). Both are out of Stay in Glory(Roman Ruler), a half-sister to G2 winner Stay Calm (Dynamix).
Through that maternal line extends one of the iconic families of Haras Tres Jotas, featuring representatives such as Souriante (Lyphmas), Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione), Madonna Benois (Angiolo), Irina (Ringaro), and Angiolo(Grand Reward). Speedmaster provided yet another compelling reason on Wednesday to keep close tabs on this bloodline.
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