The Pellegrini’s Grandest Celebration, with Dettori and Two Brazilians Aiming to Take It All

Brazilian stars Obataye and Havana Cigar chase glory in the Carlos Pellegrini, but home hopes Acento Final and Real Rim loom as formidable opposition

Real Rim captured the Jockey Club Stakes and was specifically pointed to the Pellegrini / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

What does the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1–2400m, turf) truly represent? Ufff… trying to capture its magnitude in words risks falling short. It may have stronger or weaker editions; prize money may rise or fall. But if you asked most racing fans in Argentina—and across South America—there would be little hesitation: this is the ultimate dream.

Lifting the Pellegrini trophy is touching the sky with your hands. Its history, its gravitas, and its enduring relevance make it the most treasured prize on the continent, even above the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1), whose growing consistency has challenged for that status in recent years. The Pellegrini may be equaled, but it will never be surpassed.

This Saturday, its eternal home at Hipódromo de San Isidro will once again dress in its finest to host a new edition, rich in expectation, emotion, and—everyone hopes—a fitting backdrop.

The race will offer a staggering ARS 500,000,000 purse, the richest in many years, and as if that were not enough, the day will be elevated by the presence of legendary Italian jockey Lanfranco Dettori, who begins his South American farewell tour in Argentina. That journey will continue Jan. 6 in Uruguay for the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1) and conclude in early February at Gávea, in Rio de Janeiro.

Dettori is a show unto himself—arguably the most charismatic figure the sport has ever produced, and a once-in-a-generation talent whose record speaks louder than any introduction. He will ride El Pulque (Heliostatic) in the Pellegrini and take mounts in four additional races on the card. It will be a privilege simply to watch and enjoy one of his final acts on a racetrack.

As for the Pellegrini itself, the Argentine contingent will be tasked with holding off two formidable Brazilian raiders eager to take center stage: Obataye (Courtier) and Havana Cigar (Can the Man), both arriving with sparkling form.

Obataye’s résumé already included a victory in the Grande Prêmio Brasil (G1), but his authoritative success in October’s Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) at Gávea elevated him to another level. Should he prevail again, his claim as the best horse on the continent would be beyond dispute. He will be ridden by João Moreira.

Havana Cigar, meanwhile, will be partnered by Francisco Leandro, who makes a special trip from Dubai, where he is currently riding the season. Fresh off a victory in the Derby Paulista (G1), the colt brings legitimate menace.

Leading the home defense is Acento Final (Treasure Beach), who bypassed the Latinoamericano after capturing the Gran Premio General San Martín (G1), then added the Copa de Oro (G1) with a narrow victory over Vota Bien (Hi Happy) and Time to Think (Seahenge)—both of whom reoppose here.

Among the sophomores, Real Rim (Remote) heads the division, having been specifically aimed at this race following his triumph in the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1).

The Gladiator’s Hat (Hat Ninja) was a dominant force in the Gran Premio Dardo Rocha (G1) at La Plata and looks to repeat that performance on the biggest stage. Veteran Crazy Talent (Equal Talent), third in this race last year behind Intense for Me and El Kodigo, brings experience, while Ardiendo (Remote) offers youth and upside.

Finally, there is Vundu (Suggestive Boy), a colt of real class who endured a nightmare trip in the Latinoamericano. Stretching out to 12 furlongs for the first time, he seeks redemption.

This is the Pellegrini—history, prestige, and the highest of dreams, all meeting once again at San Isidro.