Viejo Cuchara capitalized on his experience to prevail in the Clásico Club Hípico de Tandil

With 11 starts under his belt, the Arnaldo Vigil trainee returned to top form to secure his first major victory

iejo Cuchara surged at the top of the stretch and the race was over / HLP

LA PLATA.- One of the most seasoned juveniles of the season, Viejo Cuchara (Il Campione) earned his stakes credentials on Tuesday at La Plata, producing a convincing victory in the Clásico Club Hípico de Tandil (L-1100m, dirt).

In what was already his 11th career start – a number surpassed only by El Angus (Nicholas), who has raced 12 times – the Stud Tinta Roja representative showcased the benefits of his experience to confirm the improvement he has been displaying.

After a strong fourth-place finish in the Clásico Estrellas Junior Sprint (G3) down the Palermo straight, the chestnut virtually sealed the outcome at the break, jumping alertly to immediately put daylight between himself and his only four rivals, forcing them to quicken early to keep within striking distance.

Jockey Walter Aguirre made a decisive second move as they turned for home, letting Viejo Cuchara loose to open a gap that proved insurmountable. Although Andrin (Manipulator) and the hot favorite Richardisong (Emperor Richard) closed late, they could only share second place, finishing 1 1/2 lengths behind the winner, who stopped the clock in 1:05.85, with quick splits of 22.95 and 46.98.

Bred by Triple Alliance SA, Viejo Cuchara provided trainer Arnaldo Vigil with another stakes success just a day after he scored at Palermo with El Resero Con Capa in the Domingo Torterolo. Both are by Il Campione (Scat Daddy), who now boasts 38 stakes winners in Argentina.

Out of Stormy Sky (Mutakddim) and a half-brother to three other winners, Viejo Cuchara hails from an American-imported family that produced modest results locally, though it includes the stakes winner Smokeado (Missionary) and Romp (Incurable Optimist), who was graded-placed in the US and contested the Breeders’ Cup Marathon (G2).

As the juvenile sprint division at La Plata begins to take shape ahead of the expected clash with older horses in the upcoming Clásico Ciudad de La Plata (G2), Viejo Cuchara has firmly established himself as a name to watch.