NEWS
Flag Copado romps in Argentina’s Estrellas Classic
Posted: Saturday, June 28, 2008 8:54 PM
by Michael Burns
Flag Copado romped to a nine-length triumph in the prestigious $236,710 Gran Premio Estrellas Classic – Copa Escribano Hernan Ceriani Cernadas (Arg-G1), the highlight of the Carreras de las Estrellas card, Argentina’s version of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, on Saturday at Hipodromo Argentino de Palermo in Buenos Aires.
The Flag Down colt saved ground under Gustavo Calvente as he relaxed along the inside before rallying in midstretch and drawing clear for the convincing victory.
Group 1 winner Life of Victory just edged second choice Puchet for second.
Claudio Pizarro’s Teamgeist, the only filly in the race and the lukewarm favorite, faded to fourth after being in contention through midstretch. Visa Parade (Arg), runner-up in the 2007 Berkeley Stakes (G3) at Golden Gate Fields, finished a dull eighth in the ten-horse field.
Multiple Group 1 winner and 2007 Estrellas Classic winner Fairy Magic and multiple group stakes winner Don Delirio, were scratched.
Trained by Roberto Pellegata for owner Stud Bingo Horse, Flag Copado completed the 2,000-meter (9.94-furlong) race in 1:59.95 on a track rated as fast to earn his first Group 1 victory and fifth overall in eight career starts.
Flag Copado was making his first start since finishing seventh in last year’s Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (Arg-G1) at San Isidro on December 15.
Bred by Haras La Madrugada, Flag Copado is out of the Potrillon (Arg) mare Potra Bruja.
In other Carreras de las Estrellas races:
* Haras Firmamento’s homebred filly Miss Bamba defeated Group 1 winner Savoir Bien in the $118,355 Estrellas Juvenile Fillies – Copa Dr. Pedro C. Blaquier (Arg-G1) to extend her unbeaten streak to two.
* Mediatico Jet made his first start at Palermo a winning one by scoring by four lengths in the $28,405 Estrellas Juniors Sprint (Arg-G1).
* Ever Peace closed out his two-year-old season with a determined front-running victory in the $118,355 Estrellas Juvenile (Arg-G1).
* Filamonia captured the $71,013 Estrellas Distaff (Arg-G1) from Arriba Baby.
* Low visibility caused by heavy fog forced the suspension of four races of the 19-race card, including the Estrellas Sprint (G1), which will be rescheduled.
Michael Burns is a South American-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent
