Subsanador comes in hot to the Pacific Classic: "He couldn't be doing better"

The Argentine contender turned in a blistering 600-meter breeze in 36s40/100 on Wednesday, posting the fastest time of the morning at Del Mar, leaving Richard Mandella thrilled. Full Serrano, runner-up in the race a year ago, is also fully prepared for Saturday's ultimate test

By Diego H. Mitagstein

DEL MAR, California (Special for Turf Diario).— At this stage, there is not much left to do. The heavy lifting is complete, the engines have been tuned, and the remaining hours separating the contenders from Saturday's Pacific Classic (G1-2,000m, $1,000,000) are filled with easy gallops, paddock schooling, gate work, and the logical goal of keeping them calm and happy.

Though, naturally, Richard Mandella always keeps a few extra details up his sleeve. And this past Wednesday, it was Subsanador who received that final touch—a sharp 600-meter blow-out that left the Hall of Famer thoroughly delighted heading into one of Del Mar's centerpiece events of the season.

The son of Fortify covered 600 meters in 36s40/100, recording the fastest time among 12 horses working that distance during the morning session. It was by no means a demanding effort, but rather that quick movement Richard Mandellaconsiders ideal to sharpen him after a training regime that was not lacking in long, rigorous works.

"He's had long, hard workouts. A short breeze like this is a bit of a primer, something to get his spirit up," the conditioner explained regarding his decision to give him that final burst of speed just days before the main objective.

Subsanador's response was precisely what he anticipated, and when describing how the Argentine contender enters the Pacific Classic, Richard Mandella left no room for misinterpretation: "He couldn't be doing better going into this race."

Weighty words coming from one of the most respected trainers in North America—and specifically from a man who knows exactly what it takes to capture the Pacific Classic. Richard Mandella made history in the event back in 1996 with Dare and Go (Alydar), snapping the legendary 16-race winning streak of Cigar (Palace Music), before celebrating once more a year later with Argentine-bred Gentlemen (Robin des Bois), following a memorable duel over Brazilian star Siphon (Itajara).

Now, he will chase another major chapter with Subsanador, who has established himself as one of the standout runners in his stable since arriving in the United States and faces a top-tier test on Saturday.

The chestnut's preparation has proceeded without a hitch, making Wednesday's breeze more of a touch-up than a test. The heavy conditioning was already behind him, and Richard Mandella simply wanted to put a little speed in his legs before tackling the 2,000-meter distance of the Pacific Classic.

The Argentine contingent in the race will be completed by Full Serrano (Full Mast), who finished runner-up in the 2024 edition when falling just half a length short of Mixto (Good Magic) after a huge effort. For the John Sadlertrainee, Del Mar holds special significance.

It was there that he made his North American debut in August 2024, and where just a few months later he secured the signature victory of his career, capturing the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).

Following a solid Saturday workout in which he covered 1,200 meters in 1m11s, Full Serrano entered the final phase of his preparation.

"He had a good work on Saturday," noted John Sadler, who then detailed the scheduled routine for these final days: "Wednesday he schooled in the paddock and he'll go back Thursday and Friday. He also stood in the gate Thursday. Other than that, he's ready to run."

Thus, both Argentine-bred runners seeking to capture the 36th edition of the Pacific Classic navigate the final hours with highly encouraging signs. Full Serrano knows full well what it takes to compete and win at Del Mar, having come within inches of lifting this very trophy twelve months ago.

Subsanador, on the other hand, arrives with Richard Mandella firmly convinced his horse is right where he needs to be. On Wednesday he flew through those 600 meters, posted the bullet work of the morning, and returned to the barn with his trainer's complete seal of approval.

Come Saturday, the hour of truth will arrive. And among the 11 runners expected at the gates vying for the million-dollar purse, two Argentine-born contenders will bring plenty of credentials to dream big.