Lacanian Ink Wires the Field in Perfect Fashion to Take Clásico Paseana

With Gustavo Calvente in the irons, the daughter of Fragotero never let favored Obra Clásica get to her and secured the biggest win of her career

Lacanian Ink never let Obra Clásica get past her at any point / HSI

Lacanian Ink may not have put together the most consistent campaign, but if there’s one trait she’s never failed to show, it’s generosity when the gates open. Still in the midst of her development and beginning to find her footing among the local middle-distance distaff division, the daughter of the late Fragotero turned in the best performance of her career on Saturday, capturing the G2 Clásico Paseana going 1800 meters over a track labeled muddy on the official board but far more demanding in reality.

Representing the silks of Flecha de Plata, Lacanian Ink provided the high point of an excellent afternoon at San Isidro, which also saw the Brazilian-bred colt Out of the Blue (Drosselmeyer) dazzle over the 12 furlongs of the G3 Clásico Porteño, alongside a full slate of rich condition races. Racing days like this one are a joy to watch.

Returning to the race that annually honors the unforgettable mare Paseana, a local legend who carried the yellow and blue silks of Stud Bahía Blanca and the talents of owner Raúl Mateos, Lacanian Ink delivered a perfect comeback ride for jockey Gustavo Calvente, who had just returned from suspension.

The race was tactically intriguing, with several fillies entered who liked to race on or near the lead. The late scratches of Elvitas (Cosmic Trigger) and Brazilian invader Urtima Viaje (Eyeofthetiger) removed two pace factors, but there remained two key players with early speed: Lacanian Ink and the heavy favorite Obra Clásica (Suggestive Boy). Strategy was going to be key.

Both broke sharply and seemed intent on making the pace, but it was Lacanian Ink who ultimately took command, with Francisco Leandro keeping close tabs aboard Obra Clásica, who was trying 1800 meters for the first time. It was clear that a duel between the two could open the door for others behind.

The pair set measured splits of :25.60, :50.53, 1:16.10 and 1:39.97. In the stretch, Obra Clásica loomed a threat and tried to collar Lacanian Ink, but the frontrunner proved relentless, digging in gamely and never letting her rival get by. At the wire, she was a length clear, stopping the clock in a testing 1:53.10, a time that spoke volumes about the condition of the track.

Another 2 1/2 lengths back came Garbiñe (Lucullan), making her black-type debut and trying turf for the first time—she stayed on well to take third over Punta Turquesa (Fortify) and a flat Neowise (Brz, Agnes Gold), who failed to show her usual spark.

“She loves this kind of going and has a strong cruising speed that she can maintain,” said a pleased Calvente of the Martín E. Fernández trainee, who was sent off the longest price in the compact field and returned $11.05 to her backers.

Bred by Haras El Mallín, Lacanian Ink is out of Chifladura (Hurricane Cat), a half-sister to both G1-winning sprinter Crazy Plus (Alpha Plus) and stakes winner Bien Loquita (Alpha Plus). Her third dam, Celsius (Table Play), produced Bosphorus (Logical), Argentina’s champion 2-year-old colt of 1988. The family also boasts Tecla Shiner (Indygo Shiner), a Derby winner, along with other notable stakes performers like Sugar Ball (Snow Ball), Hilton First (Jack Hylton), Sugar Jack (Jacky Hylton) and Hylton Sunrise (Jack Hylton), all bred by the late Haras Los Robles.

The middle-distance filly division is slowly beginning to take shape again, and with no clear standout, Lacanian Ink has now emerged as a new name among the leaders.