Takeshi Frank Returns to La Plata Seeking to Cement His Leadership Among Juveniles

The son of Gidu looms as a strong contender for the Clásico Agustín B. Gambier (G3), stretching out from 1000 to 1200 meters

Takeshi Frank crossing the wire all alone in the Criadores Argentinos / HLP

LA PLATA, Argentina – A few days after Calle de Tierra (Strategos) asserted herself as the top juvenile filly at La Plata with a victory in the Clásico Derli A. Gómez (G3), Thursday’s Clásico Agustín B. Gambier (G3, 1200m, dirt) could confirm Takeshi Frank as the leader among the colts.

Seeking a stakes double for Haras Gran Muñeca—which just celebrated Churrullera’s (Fortify) success in the Clásico Vit Reina at San Isidro—the son of promising freshman sire Gidu has done everything right so far. His latest effort was a runaway victory in the rescheduled Clásico Criadores Argentinos del SPC (L), where he made a winning debut over this track, drawing clear by five lengths over Vendaval Joy (Fortify). If the extra furlong doesn’t slow him down, he will be tough to beat.

The step up from 1000 to 1200 meters stands as the biggest question mark for the Marcelo Sueldo trainee, who runs for Juan Pablo E. Díaz and Stud Pauli. He will face five rivals in his bid for supremacy.

Among them is Forgging (Forge), who dazzled on debut over San Isidro’s turf but then flopped badly when switching to Palermo’s dirt for the Clásico Guillermo Kemmis (G3), finishing far behind. Trained by Pablo Sahagián, he tries his luck at a third venue, looking for redemption.

Sueldo will also saddle Tricolor Pass (Distinctiv Passion), a promising runner who finished fifth in his debut at Palermobefore switching to La Plata, where he delivered a solid two-length victory, marking himself as one to watch.

Gryschin (Malenchini) finished third behind Takeshi Frank in the Criadores Argentinos, but he will need to step up significantly if he hopes to challenge the favorite. Lago Nahuel Huapi (Hurricane Cat) and Dom Rui (Storm Embrujado) both enter the stakes fray after breaking their maidens and will look to continue their upward trajectory.