Teobaldo on the rise, and Banegas looks further ahead: “The distance won’t bother him”

The jockey reflected on the victory of the son of Uncle Chuck in the Clásico José Pedro Ramírez (G3) at La Plata, highlighting his ability to relax and his immense galloping power. Fresh off a Monday victory at Palermo aboard Zaatar, Kevin Banegas is riding a wave of momentum and already envisions his mount tackling bigger challenges ahead

LA PLATA.— Kevin Banegas is riding a wave of momentum where everything seems to be falling into place. On Monday, he celebrated at Hipódromo de Palermo aboard Zaatar (Hurricane Cat) in the Handicap Potrillazo, and just 24 hours later, he was right back in the spotlight at El Bosque, guiding Teobaldo to a convincing victory in the Clásico José Pedro Ramírez (G3-1,700 m).

The win by Nicolás Martín Ferro's pupil left a lasting impression, not just because of the result, but also because of the way he handled a race that posed a few tactical questions. Banegas played a key role in that, executing the plan previously discussed with the trainer to perfection.

“We had decided with the trainer to ride him a bit more relaxed, because the other day he got a little aggressive. Fortunately, two horses went out front, and he settled nicely. When I asked him to run for real, he responded,” explained the jockey, pleased to see Teobaldo manage his energy much better.

That detail is no small matter looking ahead. The winner proved he can travel relaxed, bide his time, and then unleash his stretch run when it matters most. For Banegas, stepping up in distance shouldn't pose any issue either.

“He has a lot of class, a huge stride, so I don't think more distance will bother him at all. I have no doubt he will do well,” he asserted, opening the door directly to even bigger assignments.

The racing calendar is starting to offer tempting avenues for Teobaldo, with one appearing on the horizon very soon: the 2,000 meters of the Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (G2). It will be a matter of waiting to see which path his team chooses, but the impression left in the Ramírez suggests that stepping up is well within his reach.

“Now we have to see what Nicolás and the whole team decide for his future, but at first glance, I don't think he'll have any problems,” added Banegas, already glancing toward that potential next target.

Teobaldo seems to possess all the key attributes to keep progressing: class, stamina, and, above all, a galloping stride that suggests the further he goes, the more comfortable he will feel. Getting him to relax without fighting his jockey this time around was another hugely encouraging sign.

For Banegas, meanwhile, the victory continued a perfect week. Zaatar (Hurricane Cat) gave him reason to celebrate on Monday at Palermo in the Handicap Potrillazo, and Teobaldo extended the hot streak the very next day in La Plata.

Two tracks, two major victories, and just a few hours apart. Kevin Banegas is in top form, and judging by his post-race comments after the Ramírez, he is convinced that Teobaldo still has plenty of upside ahead of him.