Idolo Porteno Powers Clear in Pellegrini

Idolo Porteno powered clear of rivals in the final furlong and comfortably won the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (Arg-I), South America's flagship race Dec. 13 at Hipodromo San Isidro in Buenos Aires.

 

The son of Pennsylvania-based sire Jump Start   won by four lengths to deny last year's winner and 2013 Argentine Horse of the Year, Soy Carambolo, who came from far back under Juan Noriega to edge Must Go On for second. 

 

Guided by South American riding kingpin Jorge Ricardo, Idolo Porteno covered 2,400 meters (about 1 1/2 miles) in 2:28.11 on firm turf. 

 

Trained by Alfredo F. Gaitan Dassie for Haras Cachagua, Idolo Porteno notched a second straight win at the top level, coming in off a five-length triumph in the Dardo Rocha (Arg-I) Nov. 19 at La Plata. The last Dardo Rocha winner to take the Pellegrini was Second Reality in 2001.

 

Kentucky-bred Sonny Coreleon (Mr. Greeley) took the lead soon after the start and dictated the pace, opening a long lead through six furlongs, with Idolo Porteno tracking from third or fourth. As the field closed in on the front-runner, who appeared to hop in close quarters nearing the home turn, Mida's Run took charge and opened a clear advantage in early stretch. Idolo Porteno soon pulled even, shook off the leader, and drew off. 

 

Also in the 21-horse field, were El Moises and Interdetto, the respective one-two finishers of the Gran Premio Nacional (Arg-I, Argentine Derby), who finished a lackluster 10th and 14th  while Hortensius, third in the Nacional, finish sixth. Spent from his pacesetting efforts, Argentine group II-placed Sonny Coreleon checked in 19th in pursuit of a stakes breakthrough.

 

The dam of Idolo Porteno, bred in Argentina by La Esperanza, is the group II-placed Roy mare Idealidad. The extended family includes a number of Argentine standouts, including champion 3-year-old male Indio Glorioso. Sire Jump Start, a 15-year-old son of A.P. Indy, is based at Northview Stallion Station's Pennsylvania division near Peach Bottom, and shuttles to Haras La Esperanza.