Votá Bien took the Gardel by disqualification, after a tremendous homestretch run
Actualizado: hace 20 minutos
Adorado Rim had crossed the finish line three-quarters of a length ahead after a thrilling stretch duel, but caused interference and was subsequently disqualified
Following a thrilling, wire-to-wire battle through almost the entire stretch, the outcome of the Clásico Carlos Gardel(L-1,800 m, dirt), the feature event on Friday's program at the Hipódromo de Palermo, was ultimately decided in the stewards' room. Adorado Rim (Remote) had crossed the finish line 3/4 of a length ahead of Votá Bien (Hi Happy), but drifted in and interfered with him during a significant portion of the closing stages. Following an objection lodged by jockey Brian Enrique against his colleague William Pereyra aboard the favorite, the stewards correctly disqualified Adorado Rim and demoted him.
It was a magnificent spectacle honoring the iconic artist deeply linked to Argentine racing, contested over a distance that is underutilized yet always generous when brought to center stage. Off since his second-place finish behind Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja) in the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1) on May 1, Votá Bien reaffirmed what everyone already knows: he is a top-class racehorse. His main issue is neither speed, stamina, nor heart, but rather that his health allows him to perform at full capacity—a situation that has been hard to come by in recent months, marked by prolonged absences. Regardless of crossing the line second on the track, he proved his talent once again.
The stretch battle delivered an electrifying duel between Votá Bien and an Adorado Rim who continues to improve with every start, leaving behind a formidable group of rivals in a separate race of their own that featured the likes of Don Machete (Daddy Long Legs), El Emporio (Il Campione), and G1 winner Comando Secreto (War Command), among others.
The disqualification was indisputably correct. Adorado Rim drifted steadily inward from mid-track, and in the decisive strides bore down directly onto his rival, forcing Enrique to take up right as Votá Bien was battling back along the rail. While it initially felt like the order might stand, the foul was clear and the stewards acted accordingly.
Far back, 8 lengths behind, Don Machete completed the trifecta, finishing 1 1/2 lengths ahead of Castañón Rim(Remote). Finishing 11 lengths off the winner was El Emporio in an uninspiring comeback, ahead of the 8-year-old Comando Secreto, who appears to be showing clear signs that time is taking its toll.
The winning time was a blistering 1:47.99, coming within fractions of the track record set by Votá Bien himself when he captured the Clásico Perú (G2) just over a year ago.
Carlos Cardón, trainer of the Stud Don Sinfo runner, shared his thoughts with local television: "He made a good comeback. We thought he might be a little sharper, but there were good horses in here and it was a tough race. He made us sweat at the end: it looked like he was coming back on, and due to the interference, we were able to take the victory. He broke his maiden here and also won the Perú. This is the third time he has run over 1,800 meters and he's undefeated at the distance. He had been off since the República. Hopefully he comes out healthy so he can run again soon. Winning any race is great, and a stakes race is even better. Now we just focus on him coming out of this well, and then we'll decide which race to target next."
Votá Bien shook off his long layoff by landing at the top of the order of finish. Now, as his trainer rightly pointed out, it will be a matter of his body cooperating so he can set his sights on larger objectives.
Everyone knows he possesses immense quality and a massive engine; if his soundness holds up, he can give anyone a run for their money anywhere.
