Third Time’s the Charm for Fantastic Woman at the superior Level

The daughter of In the Dark broke through in the Jardy Handicap, defeating Aiyanna by a length, while Hello Candy disappointed and could do no better than sixth

Racing wide, Fantastic Woman swept past her rivals to take the Jardy Handicap / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Fantastic Woman (In the Dark), carrying 56 kilos, made the most of her third try at the superior level and captured Wednesday’s Handicap Jardy—the feature event of the week at San Isidro—with a late-running performance over 1200 meters on the main track.

It was also the third encounter between Fantastic Woman and Aiyanna (Santillano, 57), and this time the outcome flipped. Previously second to that rival in the Handicap Ante Diem and finishing just behind her again in the Handicp Guatán—when both chased home Hello Candy (Señor Candy, 57.5)—Fantastic Woman finally had her day, while Hello Candy faltered and wound up sixth.

Off a less-than-ideal break, the chestnut trailed the field early as Alta Key (Portal del Alto, 54) showed the way, tracked by Hello Candy, Joy Antumalal (Il Campione, 54), and U.S.-bred Bajan Creole (Into Mischief, 54).

Confidently handled by jockey Luciano Recuero, Fantastic Woman began her rally midway around the far turn, angling out to the clear. With daylight ahead of her turning for home, the filly from Stud El Pasteurense quickened strongly and collared the leaders in the final furlong to win going away.

Also finishing from midpack, Aiyanna was second, a length adrift, while Candy Gloriosa (Señor Candy, 53) reported home third, another length back. Alta Key tired late but held on for fourth in a game effort. The final time was a sharp 1:10.44, following fractions of :24.60 and :46.82.

Bred by Haras Vacación and trained by Aníbal M. Constantino, Fantastic Woman now owns 5 wins from just 10 starts. She’s never finished worse than fourth and has earned over 15 million pesos to date.

Out of Flandegam (Easing Along), a full-sister to champion Touareg, Fantastic Woman is a half-sister to G3-placed Flavie (Seahenge), and hails from the family of the legendary Chaldee (Banner Sport).(Banner Sport).