Ceniza Pampa found in the Lerena the reward for her ever-present generosity

The daughter of Hat Ninja unleashed a powerful late run down the stretch to secure the most important victory of her career

Kevin Banegas celebrates at the reins of an unstoppable Ceniza Pampa / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Destiny had prepared a day of glory for Ceniza Pampa this Saturday at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, finally shaking off the string of near misses at the graded level that had haunted her for over a year. She was rewarded for her generosity and ability with a thrilling victory in the Gran Premio Gilberto Lerena (G1-2200m, normal turf), which kicked off a strong treble that included an exceptional afternoon and an intermediate step in the Campeonato de Oro for mares.

One of the top 3-year-olds of 2024, she had been solidifying her form this season and facing older rivals. Now, she found the perfect conditions to fully capitalize on her late charge and became a winner at the highest level.

With Kevin Banegas guiding her with great talent, the Stud Rodolfo Pedro representative was always well off the pace set by the favorite Romana Craf (Mastercraftsman) at the front.

She entered the straight and, little by little, began building a powerful charge, which was not only effective but also benefited from the necessary stroke of luck to avoid obstacles along the way. She took full control in the final stretch and drew clear, clocking a time of 2m14s86/100.

Presencial (Suggestive Boy) followed her home 1 1/2 lengths behind in a strong rally, with Punta Turquesa (Fortify) third, and Operata (Hi Happy) completing the quartet, with Romana Craf, who tired in the final stages, finishing sixth.

Trained by Edgardo Martucci, but presented by his son Edgardo Pablo, Ceniza Pampa celebrated the third win of her career in 16 starts, adding 20,000,000 pesos to her earnings, which now total 52,757,750 pesos.

The bay filly, bred privately by Abel A. Terenziani, is the second Group 1 winner sired by Hat Ninja (Hat Trick), joining Folie Ninja, and is out of Cute Black Eyes (Wood Be Willing), a winner at San Isidro at 3 and granddaughter of the classic winner Pattiserie (Parade Marshal).