Vieja Amiga Mask, the mare of the changed name that just keeps winning

Originally named La Saona, she picked up her third consecutive handicap victory this Sunday, taking the Handicap Royon the dirt at San Isidro

Jockey William Pereyra had almost nowhere left to place extra lead weights to make the assigned 62 1/2 kilos carried by Vieja Amiga Mask in Sunday's feature, the Handicap Roy (1,400 m, fast dirt), at Hipódromo de San Isidro.

However, offering yet another display of her current outstanding form, the gray mare responded brilliantly to the demanding assignment, grinding out a brave and hard-fought victory—her third consecutive handicap triumph.

Few may know that the daughter of Mask did not carry her current name when acquired by Stud Tinta Roja. Born at Haras La Valkiria, she was originally named La Saona before being renamed by owner Jorge Brunasco, keeping with his personal tradition. While many in racing view renaming a horse as bad luck, the owner seems entirely unbothered by the superstition, having frequented the winner's enclosure with numerous horses given the same treatment.

As anticipated with such a heavy weight package, victory did not come easily for Vieja Amiga Mask. She got an assist from Mis Locuras (Manipulator, 57 kg), who set the early pace from the front.

The La Valkiria-bred mare bided her time wide in mid-pack before launching a long drive as they reached the home stretch. She took some time to pick up momentum, but once fully in stride, she took command inside the final 200 meters and held off Love Sound (Long Island Sound, 54 kg) by half a neck at the wire, stopping the clock in 1m22s37/100.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEJ7H3iTIz4