What a Man returns in the New Dandy, bringing his class to face the challenge of a layoff
The representative of Haras El Ángel de Venecia comes off a 282-day layoff and will be the main attraction in the turf mile at Palermo; El Gazpacho and the rising Magistral Boy emerge among his principal adversaries
The last time What a Man (Mastercraftsman) appeared on the track, he was battling all the way to the wire with Earth God (Cosmic Trigger) in the Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1), finishing just a neck behind the winner. That performance, which cemented his position among the top milers, now stands 282 days away from his return this Monday at Palermo, where his presence adds special appeal to the Clásico New Dandy.
Contested over 1600 meters on the turf for 4-year-olds and up under weight-for-age conditions, the race completes the day's stakes feature lineup—following the Clásico Asociación Cooperativa de Criadores de Sangre Pura de Carrera Ltd. (L)—and positions the representative of Haras El Ángel de Venecia as a formidable force, albeit with the inevitable questions that surround such a prolonged layoff.
Now 6 years old, What a Man resumes a career that had established valuable consistency in its most recent phase. Prior to his effort in the Anchorena, he dominated the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1) with immense ease, drawing off by 3 1/2 lengths over Kopke (Hi Happy) in a powerful display of his ability.
The venue for his comeback is certainly familiar territory. Among his credentials on the Buenos Aires turf is a victory secured just over a year ago in the Clásico República Federativa del Brasil (G3), another strong point backing a candidacy that will depend primarily on how close he can run to his best form after the break.
Carlos Daniel Etchechoury will also send out Grand Canyon (Long Island Sound) for the same stable, who comes off a fourth-place finish behind the aforementioned Kopke in the latest edition of the Brasil. With recent racing fitness and proven experience over the surface, he serves as the other half of a strong dual entry.
Among those seeking to spoil the favorite's return, El Gazpacho (Bodemeister) stands out. Another 6-year-old, he boasts an extensive career featuring 9 victories. While his latest effort in the Clásico Ecuador fell well short of expectations, his prior form suggests a prompt rebound.
Before that misstep, he had finished second in the Brasil and won the Clásico 9 de Julio (G2), defeating the talented Don Griego (Long Island Sound) by a length. Armed with those credentials, he possesses more than enough quality to push the favorite if he returns to his top level.
Bringing a different profile to the race is Magistral Boy (Daniel Boone), carrying the colors of Las Monjitas and also conditioned by Dany Etchechoury. He enters riding a two-race winning streak, most recently prevailing by 2 lengths over El Birmano (Il Campione), and will look to translate that momentum into a far tougher spot.
This marks just his second foray into stakes company since his debut. His previous attempt came last year when finishing ninth in the Clásico Ensayo (G3); now, with greater seasoning and sharp current form, he gets the chance to prove how much he has evolved.
Jardín Secreto (Endorsement) will aim to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Handicap Stiletto, while Aroma Rim (Remote) seeks to recover from a recent trailing effort in the Clásico Perú (G2), which followed a third-place finish in the Handicap Picapleitos.
The field is completed by the La Plata visitor Vampiro Zen (Zensational), a stakes winner who finished third, 5 lengths behind Colour Visión (Univisión), in his most recent outing in the Especial Libreo at La Plata.
On class and back form, What a Man deserves top billing. The main question remains how much those 282 days away will weigh against fit opponents capable of exploiting any vulnerability.
The New Dandy presents a stern test for his return, alongside the natural excitement generated whenever a proven top-flight miler makes his way back to the races.
