What a Man Delivers a Resounding Victory at San Isidro, Complete with Several Revenge Wins

The Haras El Ángel de Venecia runner, who had finished second in this very race in 2024, got his revenge on Kopke, who had defeated him in the Clásico Ecuador (G2)

What a Man was unstoppable once he straightened for home / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

At the peak of his campaign, What a Man enjoyed an afternoon of vindication. Just a half-length second to Earth God(Cosmic Trigger) twelve months ago in the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1-1600m, turf), the gray this time lifted the winner’s trophy in the prestigious middle-distance feature, decisively defeating Kopke (Hi Happy), whom he had narrowly trailed a few weeks earlier in the Clásico Ecuador (G2).

In a furious late surge, the Mastercraftsman colt once again showcased the colors of Haras El Ángel de Venecia at the highest level, delivering his most relentless performance to date.

Ridden by Rodrigo Bascuñán—as Eduardo Ortega Pavón opted for Talented Hit (Hit It a Bomb), the other card from owner Carlos Felice—What a Man bided his time off the pace while Concord (Remote) set fractions of 23.61, 45.49, and 1:08.13.

In the stretch, Kopke took command at the 300-meter mark, but by then the winner had already found clear running after weaving past a couple of rivals. He accelerated through the final two furlongs to sweep past the field and score with authority.

The favorite Kopke held on for second, 3 1/2 lengths back, with Concord putting in her best effort in years to finish third, another 2 1/2 lengths behind, all in a brilliant final time of 1:31.97.

It was a 1-2 for trainer Carlos D. Etchechoury, represented by his son Juan Manuel, and marked What a Man’s second graded victory, following his Clásico República Federativa del Brasil (G3) win on the Palermo turf in mid-August.

Bred by Haras La Pasión, and a full sibling to stakes-placed Wanda Zaira (Easing Along) and Wizz Air (Violence), What a Man is out of What a Shame (Not for Sale), herself a black-type performer and full sister to champion Forty Licks, hailing from the outstanding family of Nut (Dancing Moss), a source of exceptional horses across all distances.