El Exito kept up his relentless rhythm to score back-to-back victories in the Clásico Benito Villanueva
- Diego Mitagstein
- hace 18 horas
- 2 Min. de lectura
The son of Il Campione reaffirmed his status as the top miler on the Buenos Aires dirt and will now set his sights on a back-to-back in the Gran Premio de las Américas (G1)
El Exito is unquestionably back at the level that made him the top miler on dirt during the first half of 2024, and if he can maintain that form, it seems like nothing—and no one—will be able to stop him, at least on the main track at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo. With another commanding, confident performance, the son of Il Campionesuccessfully defended his title in the Clásico Benito Villanueva (G2-1600m, dirt), becoming the first horse to win the race twice.
Trained by José Cristóbal Blanco for Stud F. Enrique, and with Francisco Leandro aboard for the first time, the chestnut delivered a powerful statement, confirming everything he had shown previously with sharp victories in the Clásico Good Manners and Clásico El Virtuoso.
Always involved from the start, El Exito tracked early leader Storm Sound (Hi Happy) closely while saving ground on the rail. Midway down the stretch, he pounced, took command, and from there, it was game over.
He opened up in a flash and kept going comfortably to the wire, crossing 4 lengths ahead of a game and determined Storm Sound, who held second. Another 4 lengths back, Fiolo Boss (Holy Boss) rounded out the trifecta.
Stopping the clock in a sparkling 1:34.17, El Exito secured the eighth win of his career and his fifth at Palermo, where he's only been beaten once—on debut, when he finished seventh. Seven of his victories have come in stakes company, underscoring a brilliant campaign.
Bred by Haras El Paraíso, he is the second foal out of Serenity Jane (Sebi Halo), from a family rich in recent success, including Group 1 winners like Cleante (Kleiglight), Orientado Tom (Shy Tom) and Inter Cleante (Intérprete), along with standouts such as El Patio (Il Campione) and About Today (Angiolo).
El Exito now heads unchallenged toward his title defense in the Gran Premio de las Américas – OSAF (G1) on May 1, and knocking him off his pedestal will be no easy task.
