Vespaciano Returns to Winning Ways After 734 Days

Son of Daniel Boone, Hero of the 2021 Dos Mil Guineas (G1), Captures the Especial Dart

Vespaciano Secures Fifth Career Win, First at La Plata / HLP

LA PLATA.- It took an agonizing 734 days, but as a newly turned 7-year-old, Vespaciano (Daniel Boone) finally found his way back to the winner’s circle. When he last crossed the wire first, the talented bay was still racing in the silks of Las Monjitas, under which he captured the Gran Premio Dos Mil Guineas (G1) back in 2021. On Thursday, he delivered his first victory for Stud El Guaso of Córdoba, who purchased him in the second half of last season.

Favored in the Especial Dart (1200m, dirt) and carrying 56kg—two less than topweight Fancy Model (Lizard Island), who faded to seventh—Vespaciano traveled comfortably a couple of lengths behind pacesetter Normando Lu (Lunático Emperor, 54kg), who set early fractions of 24.8s and 47.76s.

Turning for home, jockey Aníbal Cabrera angled him towards the center of the track, where he swept to the lead with ease and kept clear of the late-running Buen Curuzucuteño (Buen Verso, 54kg), the youngest in the field, who finished second. Close behind came the remarkable 11-year-old Sally Ray (Russian Ray, 56kg), proving once again his enduring class, all in a solid final time of 1:12.13.

Bred by Haras Santa María de Araras, Vespaciano secured his fifth career win from 28 starts, finally returning to the winner’s enclosure after several placings in similar conditions over longer trips. While he may no longer run with the brilliance of his classic days, the seasoned bay continues to prove his generosity and heart each time he steps onto the track.