The rapidly improving Nassau returned Rodrigo Blanco to the winner’s circle photos
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The jockey, who returned to riding just a few weeks ago, celebrated another victory aboard the son of Forge, who looked outstanding over the 2200 meters of the Premio Don Rocky
For Rodrigo Blanco, it was a special day. The feeling of winning once again, the first major step toward the dream that inspired his return to riding at a competitive level—to once more become a protagonist in major races, as he had been almost ever since beginning his career back in 1999.
The statistics will show that the victory achieved Sunday aboard the talented Nassau was his first since Sept. 28, 2023—an eternity for a rider with such a successful career.
Life forced him to pause his career for more than two years, but, as so often happens, passion proved stronger. Rodrigo began training again, mentally switched himself back into jockey mode, and little by little the results are beginning to appear. It took him only six mounts to return to the winner’s circle—with a pair of runner-up finishes along the way—and it is already clear that his talent remains entirely intact.
He even enjoyed the added satisfaction of winning in the colors of Stud El Basti, a stable with which he has long maintained a close connection.
The Córdoba native produced a perfect ride aboard the son of Forge in the demanding 2200 meters of the Premio Don Rocky, for 3-year-olds with one or two wins.
Straight to the lead from the break, Blanco expertly controlled the pace and then made things look simple in the stretch, guiding Nassau to a comfortable 2 1/2-length victory over Río Moro (Equal Stripes), while heavy favorite Cazador de Areco (Long Island Sound) finished another neck back in third after a final time of 2:15.57.
Bred by Haras Carampangue, Nassau had already shown quality during the 2025 La Plata selection process, narrowly losing the Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (G2).
Since joining the barn of Juan Carlos and Juan Sebastián Maldotti, however, the colt has remained undefeated, fully validating the strong reputation that had always surrounded him.
Another notable moment on the card came in the Premio Bonsoir (1600m, dirt) for maiden 2-year-old colts, which was ultimately decided in the stewards’ room.
Sarraceno (Daddy Long Legs) was awarded the victory after the disqualification of Titan Time (Annals of Time), who had crossed the wire a neck in front on the track.
Titan Time drifted inward in the final stages and interfered with his rival, prompting Kevin Banegas to lodge an objection against Rodrigo Bascuñán.
The stewards ruled correctly, and first place was awarded to the bay colt from Stud Victoria, who had also gone off favored.
