by Michael Burns

Gran Premio Estrellas Classic (Arg-G1) winner Flag Copado solidified his credentials as one of Argentina’s top stayers on the dirt with a record-setting victory in the Gran Premio General San Martin (Arg-G1) on Monday at Palermo.

Ridden by Gustavo Calvente, Flag Copado rallied strongly along the inside in the stretch and reeled in Estrellas Mile winner Bahiaro for a clear 2 ½-length win. The five-year-old Flag Down horse completed the 1,800-meter (8.95-furlong) dirt race in 1:45.34, which eclipsed the previous record of 1:45.89 set by Le Pont Neuf on April 16, 2000.

Bahiaro, who set blistering early fractions, finished five lengths clear of third-place finisher Two Parades in the eight-horse field.

The Gran Premio General San Martin was the second consecutive victory at the highest level for Flag Copado, who entered the race off an impressive nine-length victory in the Gran Premio Estrellas Classic, Argentina’s version of the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Palermo on June 28.

Trained by Roberto Pellegata for owner Stud Bingo Horse, Flag Copado tallied his sixth victory in nine career starts. Bred by Haras La Madrugada, Flag Copado is out of the Potrillon (Arg) mare Potra Bruja.

Michael Burns is a South America-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent