Vundu will break from post 6, while Need You Tonight drew gate 3

The post-position draw for the 2025 Gran Premio Latinoamericano handed inside gates to the Argentine contenders

Need You Tonight Awaits the Latino in Excellent Form / JCB

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario)

RÍO DE JANEIRO, Brasil.- Inside draws for Vundu (Suggestive Boy) and Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja), the two Argentine runners in this Saturday’s 41st Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1-2000 m, turf) at Hipódromo da Gávea, set the stage for an exciting renewal of the US$300,000 race.

Connections expressed differing views after the live virtual draw, which was broadcast by TV Turfe and Global Media Turf, while owners and trainers followed the proceedings from the official grandstand of the local track.

Nicolás Martín Ferro had hoped for a post between 3 and 9, and Vundu could not have drawn a more favorable spot: post 6, perfect for his front-running or prominent style, especially on a track where the first turn comes up quickly after the gate.

Need You Tonight, meanwhile, drew post 3, well inside. “The only speed nearby is Seiquevouteamar, and the others all drew wide. They’ll surely move to avoid being too far outside on the turn, which could complicate things for us,” said Endrigo Gennonni, owner and breeder of the chestnut, speaking to Turf Diario.

The mare Ethereum (Courtier), considered the clear favorite by most observers, will break from post 7, a good position, while Obataye (Courtier) drew post 5.

Marcos Rizzon, from Jornal do Turfe, noted that the inner portion of the course from post 9 inward has been meticulously maintained, so most runners will aim for that area. Still, with the draw as it stands, the race could develop into a real tactical puzzle—particularly if the speedsters drawn wide push hard to gain position. Adding to the challenge, the track is expected to be soft to very soft, given the rain forecast for the week and Saturday afternoon.

The ceremony also included the post draw for the Grande Prêmio Jockey Club de São Paulo (G1-2000 m, turf), a race for three-year-olds and the second leg of the Paulista crown, featuring 11 entries, highlighted by Star do Iguassu(Outstrip), winner of the Grande Prêmio Ipiranga (G1).