Zaatar, Niño Samurai, Esperanza Eterna and Strategos’ Spectacular Triple

With many races moved over from Saturday, Wednesday’s card produced several compelling spectacles

Straldina made a winning debut at San Isidro / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

It was not an ordinary Wednesday at San Isidro Racecourse, where the overall quality was well above the usual standard, with many races transferred from Saturday and an appealing renewal of the Clásico Tresiete (L) headlining the card.

The outcome, in addition to several noteworthy performances, was a strong betting handle of ARS 567,306,630, averaging ARS 35,456,630 per race, clear evidence that the public responds when the on-track product delivers.

The most significant success came from the 4-year-old Zaatar (Hurricane Cat—Vis Inés, by Pollard’s Vision), who enjoyed a perfect debut for Las Monjitas, the colors that recently acquired him. With authority and by 3 1/2 lengths, he captured the Premio Mister Tin (1600m, turf), recording the fourth win of his career from just six starts. Kevin Banegaswas aboard the chestnut, now trained by Carlos D. Etchechoury.

Another standout was Niño Samurai (Hat Ninja—Niña Divina, by Dynamix, Haras Don Santiago), who brushed off a four-month layoff with a promising victory in the Premio Out of the Blue (1400m, dirt), for 3-year-olds with a single win in the optional category. A graded-placed performer at La Plata, he defeated Shanidar (Gouverneur Morris) by 1 1/2 lengths in 1:23.98, again with Banegas in the irons, under the care of Jean Guthmann and racing for Stud El Clan.

Over the same distance, surface and class, the fillies clashed in the Premio Full Serrano, where everything went the way of Esperanza Eterna (Il Campione—Ivory Gate, by Intérprete, Haras El Paraíso). A surprise at 22.50 on the tote, she defeated Surf End (Endorsement) by two lengths after 1:24.11, with Eduardo Ortega Torres riding and Guillermo A. García training for Stud Valdi.

Finally, worthy of special mention was a treble of winners for first-crop sire Strategos (Zensational), the current leader of his generation. The sequence began with Class Act (Elena Linda, by Sebi Halo, Triple Alliance), continued with the debut success of Straldina (Smeraldina, by Sidney’s Candy, Haras Ojos Claros), and concluded with Creencia Espiritual(Simple Story, by Sebi Halo, Haras El Paraíso). All three broke their maidens at three, underlining a highly productive afternoon for the stallion’s progeny.