Unico Happy, on Form and Race Shape, Is the Horse to Beat in the González

Armed with experience and sharp current form, the Stud Haras El Ángel de Venecia runner goes for a back-to-back in the mile among the eucalyptus

Unico Happy Has Everything Lined Up to Win the González Again/ JUAN I. BOZZELLO

LA PLATA.— The mile of the G2 Clásico Joaquín V. González offers one of the deepest and most competitive fields of Dardo Rocha (G1) Day. With 15 confirmed starters, it stands out as one of the most evenly matched races on the program—one where nearly every hopeful has a realistic path to victory.

Selecting a single favorite is no easy task, especially given the variables that the race shape may produce. Several entrants are committed frontrunners, suggesting a scorching pace. But for those planning to rally from behind, the large fieldcould create significant traffic issues in the stretch.

Given all that, the logical play is to trust Unico Happy (Hi Happy), who returns to La Plata seeking to replicate the success he enjoyed here 12 months ago. He arrives in ascending form, highlighted most recently by a strong second-place finish, beaten just 3/4 of a length by the resurgent champion Colifato Novo (Lenovo) in the competitive G3 Clásico Pedro Chapar on the San Isidro turf—the same surface over which he captured the G1 Gran Criterium at two.

A horse fully capable of adapting to any scenario, Unico Happy will run into speed from Piñazo (John F Kennedy) and Storm Sound (Hi Happy).Piñazo enjoyed his moment of glory wiring the G2 Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires over a mile and returns to this trip after finishing third in the G2 Provincia de Buenos Aires.Storm Sound, a familiar name in the division, has collected various stakes honours throughout the year and is always dangerous when allowed to roll on the engine.

Firmamento will mount a two-pronged attack with Adorado Rim (Remote)—a narrow loser to Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione) in the G2 Clásico 9 de Julio—and Song Joy (Fortify), a recent winner at Palermo with plenty of upside.

Also deserving of strong consideration are Sabiyano (Fortify), who earned his place through a consistent 2025 season, and Silencio Dramático (Grand Reward), a horse very much on the rise who could take the whole thing without surprising anyone.