Soy Carambolo Snatches Pellegrini Late
Description:
Soy Carambolo wore down Ecologo in a thrilling finish to win South America's most prestigious race, the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (Arg-I), Dec. 14 at San Isidro in Buenos Aries, Argentina.
Recent Jockey Club (Arg-I) victor Ecologo seized control from longtime leader Rio Plateado with 400 meters to run and opened a clear lead. He appeared en route to victory, but Soy Carambolo reeled him in with a furious rally in the final 300 meters and drew even 50 meters out before edging him in the final strides.
Soy Carambolo won by a half-length, with 2013 Grande Premio Nacional (Arg-I, Argentine Derby) winner Cooptado finishing third, about four lengths behind Ecologo.
Soy Carambolo was timed in 2:24.67 for 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) on firm turf and gave jockey Juan Carlos Noriega a second victory in the race following his triumph aboard Expressive Halo in 2011.
Trained by Roberto Pellegatta for owner Suarez Miguel Angel, 6-year-old Soy Carambolo is by 2001 Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) winner Val Royal. He posted back-to-back wins in the Progresso (Arg-III) Oct. 4 at San Isidro and General Saint Martin (Arg-I) Sept. 7 at Palermo but subsequently finished fifth to Fragotero in the Copa de Oro Alfredo Lalor (Arg-I) Nov. 16 at San Isidro in his start prior to the Pellegrini. Fragotero raced close to the early pace in the Pellegrini before fading and finishing 12th. The race attracted 20 runners.
Bred in Argentina by Haras Polo out of the More Light mare La Carambolo, Soy Carambolo improved his overall record to 12 wins, five seconds, and three thirds from 28 career starts.