The Experience of The Ocean, the Youth of Kuturu and Emperadora R

They were the standout names in the allowance ranks, on a card otherwise short of star power

Emperadora R Lived Up to Favoritism / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

As is often the case on Wednesdays, top-level quality was not the hallmark at San Isidro, though, it must be said, this time the story was not quite so weak. Beyond Don Mártir’s (Il Campione) victory in the Clásico Domingo F. Sarmiento (L), the standout performers in the allowance ranks were the veteran The Ocean (Endorsement–Gran Oceánica, by Grand Reward, Haras La Quebrada), the colt Kuturu (Seek Again–Krica, by Southern Halo, Manuel E. Portela), and the filly Emperadora R (Emperor Richard–Heartless, by Bahiaro, Mercedes Bracco).

At the top of the list, The Ocean lived up to heavy favoritism (paid $1.80) in the Premio Heat Miami, for older multiple winners over 1400 meters, carrying a hefty 60 kilos without showing any strain. Under Francisco Leandro, the Gustavo Romero-trained runner outfinished American Warrior (Easing Along) by a length, receiving a generous 10-kilo advantage.

Racing for Stud Pilo and now seven years old, the chestnut notched his eighth career win in 25 starts, pushing his earnings to ARS 21,504,600—a tidy return on investment.

In the optional-claiming ranks (not “alternatives,” always worth clarifying), it was fourth time lucky for Kuturu, who took the Premio Passeggio, a 1300-meter test for three-year-old maidens, with authority. Benefiting from apprentice Maximiliano Machado’s lightweight allowance, the colt won by 1½ lengths over Perfect Circle (Macho Fabuloso), rewarding supporters with a $14.45 payout. His final time for the 1300 meters was 1:18.32, slightly faster than the 1:18.96 it took Emperadora R to secure her breakthrough in the Premio Pete the Tiger, also over 1300 meters of dirt in optional-claiming company.

Trained in Palermo by Juan Saldivia and ridden by Lucas González, the bay filly from Stud El Hornerito went clear in the stretch to score by 1½ lengths over the Rosarian Victoria Rye (Seahenge), living up to the majority of the betting support. It was the fourth start for Emperadora R, who now joins the ranks of winners.