The Great Racing Embodies Juan Saldivia’s Dream of Winning His First Jockey Club

The trainer waits calmly—though with a touch of anticipation—for Saturday’s big race at San Isidro, his thoughts focused on the upcoming test

Juan Saldivia Has High Hopes for The Great Racing / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Juan Saldivia maintains calm and measured composure. No matter what has happened or what is about to come, the trainer rarely loses his poise or serenity. And so, as he does each day, he approaches the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1, 2000 meters, turf) this Saturday at Hipódromo de San Isidro, where he will carry the enormous responsibility of presenting The Great Racing (The Great Day), the favorite for nearly everyone.

They say the procession goes inward, and that may be true for the wiry trainer, who leads the national standings with 83 wins and rarely goes a meet without a victory—much less a stakes race without showing up. The second jewel of the Triple Crown remains one trophy he has yet to claim, despite celebrating many successes working with Roberto Pellegatta. That makes this challenge particularly special.

“We know we have the favorite, and the Jockey Club is still a dream I haven’t realized. But I’m calm, though a little anxious,” Saldivia said during a break from his morning duties while speaking with Turf Diario.

Asked about the colt’s current condition, he replied: “He’s very well, in perfect shape from the last race, completely sound. We gave him about 20 days off, with walks and trots, and then started preparing him the way I like, as Pelle taught me and always reminds me—taking the necessary time.”

“First, I gave him a schooling spin to see how he would handle the distance, and I liked it. From there he did a mile, another work between schooling and a full run, and he always responded. His last timed work was 2:10 and change, and at the finish I pushed him a bit, and he ran the final 800 meters in 48 seconds,” he added.

Several times during the interview, Saldivia emphasized that the colt is sound, which he considers vital. This was part of the reason for skipping the Ensayo, though there were others: “It didn’t make sense to run. It would have been dropping him in class, because he had just won a G1. We prioritized giving him recovery and rest, letting him relax.”

When asked if he had seen any recent improvements in the colt, Saldivia’s response left no doubt: “He has matured a lot, especially mentally. He was always a little green, which is why he lost his debut, but we changed the bit, and from there he began to improve—and kept improving.”

How does Saldivia view the race and its probable unfolding? “The Great Racing is a versatile colt with agility, which is why we chose gate 9, so he can break well and watch the pace comfortably. William Pereyra, the jockey, knows what to do. Forging (Forge) will likely show the way up front, and we’ll position accordingly. If it’s fast, we’ll stay a little back; if slow, closer to the pace.”

While awaiting the Jockey Club, Saldivia is also keeping an eye on Sarawak Rim (Remote) in the U.S., as she prepares for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) under Ignacio Correas (h.) at Keeneland, and studying the landscape for the Gran Premio Nacional, where Winston (Forge) and Butterfield (Angiolo) could be his top contenders.

As noted, it’s rare that a major race on the calendar doesn’t feature Juan Saldivia as a central figure. His immediate goal is the Jockey Club, which he approaches with high hopes, excitement, and a colt carrying all 10 points.