Subsanador and a classy return, to once again dream of seeing him shine
- Turf Diario
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The Argentine champion finished fourth in the San Carlos Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita Park, fulfilling Richard Mandella’s plan
ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).— When a horse is good, they don't forget. This sentiment perfectly fits the Argentine champion Subsanador, who this Sunday at Santa Anita Park completed a comeback that fuels dreams of seeing him once again contend among the top older horses in the United States.
After a year and a half away from the track and overcoming a highly complicated injury, the son of Fortify fulfilled the established plan and, in the first instance, left everyone smiling with his fourth-place finish in the San Carlos Stakes(G3-1,400m, dirt, US$ 100,000 in purses).
The challenge was not only the inactivity but also the distance and the rivals. However, Richard Mandella set the goal of simply getting him back in the ring, regardless of the result, and observing Mike Smith’s handling of the reins, that intention was crystal clear.
Carrying 124 pounds—one of the high weights and giving a 4-pound advantage to most of his opponents—Subsanador quickly settled into last place. Meanwhile, Bartholdy (Mendelssohn) set a blistering pace with scorching fractions of 22.16 and 44.03, pressured closely by Listenupshance (Shancelot) and the heavy favorite Cornucopian(Into Mischief).
Smith allowed Subsanador to find his stride, never hurrying him at any point; there was no sense in doing so. In that patient action by the experienced professional, the seeds were sown for what would later be a very strong final 500 meters for the Argentine.
As Cornucopian took command in the stretch after passing the six furlongs in 1:07.93, Subsanador began to make up ground without his rider demanding maximum effort. Only in the final 200 meters did Smith urge him slightly with a couple of left-handed reminders to see if he could improve his position.
At the wire, the Wathnan Racing horse finished fourth, 8 lengths behind the winner, who stopped the clock in a massive 1:20.71—just over a second off the fantastic record held by Twirling Candy (Candy Ride).
Cornucopian, trained by Bob Baffert, cost $1,100,000 as a yearling at Keeneland and runs for the partnership of SF Racing, LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, LLC, Stonestreet Stables, LLC, Bashor Racing, LLC, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital, LLC, Catherine Donovan, and Hill 'n' Dale Equine Holdings-Lessee. Beyond class, he certainly has no shortage of owners.
Always highly regarded, he was fourth in the 2025 Arkansas Derby (G1) and was coming off a winning return on this same Santa Anita Park dirt. Now, without a doubt, he seems destined to become one of the top sprinters on this side of the United States.
Returning to Subsanador, he made a great comeback, and now it remains to be seen how he emerges from the race to begin working toward new objectives. If his health holds up, good news will surely not be long in coming.
