Hit Rouge Continues to Shine Around One Turn, Projects a Bright Future

In another outstanding performance, the Haras Firmamento-bred colt drew off to a 3-length victory in the Clásico Lord At War

Hit Rouge drew off with ease in the final stages / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

One-turn dirt sprints may lack headline races throughout much of the year, but they never fail to deliver excitement—and consistently unveil new talents with serious potential. Hit Rouge looks to be one of the next to watch, climbing the ladder fast after a commanding win in Wednesday’s Clásico Lord At War (L) at San Isidro, contested over 1200 meters on the normal main track.

Bred by Haras Firmamento and racing for Stud Los Raro, the son of Hit It a Bomb bounced back in style after a runner-up effort behind Garufa Mask (Mask) over heavy turf in the Clásico Asociación Argentina de Fomento Equino (L). This time, back on his preferred surface and setting, he was clinical when it mattered most, confirming his sharp current form.

Despite an awkward beginning where he appeared to skid out of the gates, Hit Rouge quickly found his rhythm tracking the runaway pacesetter Bambino Duke (Lenovo), who blasted out from the widest post to take command early.

That frontrunner blazed through an opening quarter in :23.51 and posted :45.92 for the half, but by then Hit Rouge, carrying 57.5 kilos, had shifted off the rail, angled into the clear, and pounced. He took over soon after and drew away comfortably in the stretch.

Crossing the wire three lengths in front of the game Bambino Duke, Hit Rouge stopped the clock in a smart 1:09.14. Gran Celestial (Il Mercato), a filly in against the boys, rallied well to take third, another two lengths adrift.

Ridden to perfection by Wilson Moreyra and trained by Jorge Congestre, Hit Rouge now owns four wins from seven starts, with two of those in stakes company—having previously captured the Clásico Intendente Melchor Posse (L) at Palermo.

Out of Vedette’s Day (Harlan’s Holiday), Hit Rouge hails from a black-type rich female family. His dam is a half-sister to G1 winner Maipo Royale (Val Royal), G3 winners Maipo Top (Giant’s Causeway) and Grand Coquette (Grand Slam), and listed winners Vedette Roma (Romanov) and Ved Emperor (Emperor Jones).