by Michael Burns

La Plata’s top ranked two-year-old Bigness Emperor made his return to Hipodromo Palermo a triumphant one with a solid victory in the Gran Premio Santiago Luro (Arg-G1) in Buenos Aires, stamping himself the nation’s leading juvenile.
 
Unbeaten in three starts at La Plata, the stakes-winning Emperor Jones colt collared First Blues approaching the final furlong and responded to Jorge Ricardo’s right-handed urging to hold back a late challenge from Blues and Rock for a 1 ½-length victory.

 
Sent off as the second choice in the wagering, Bigness Emperor tallied his third straight group victory and first at the top level to improve his record to four wins in seven starts for owner Stud La Claridad. 
 
Trained by Osvaldo Borelli, Bigness Emperor covered 1,200 meters (5.97 furlongs) on a track rated as fast in 1:08.27.
 
Early favorite Lloron Cat, a stakes-winning Easing Along colt, broke loose at the gate and was a late scratch.

Bred by Juan Carlos Bago’s Haras Firmamento, Bigness Emperor is out of the Group 1-placed winner Grand Bijou, by Gem Master.

Michael Burns is a South American-based Thoroughbred Times contributor