After a spectacular debut, the filly followed up in dominant fashion, defeating Sarzana Pass by six lengths
Roshita turned in the kind of victory worth celebrating for a long time, dominating Saturday’s Clásico Saturnino J. Unzué (G2, 1200m, heavy dirt) at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, the opening stakes race of the day and the latest step in the juvenile fillies’ division.
Not only did the triumph mark a fourth Unzué win for Stud Rubio B., following previous successes with Peristáltica (Intérprete, 2009)—in partnership—La Impaciente (Bernstein, 2011), and The Cat Is Out (Zensational, 2016), but it also carried additional significance: the dark bay filly is part of the first crop of Gouverneur Morris (Constitution), a young stallion in whom Haras La Pasión invested heavily, along with La Nora, Santa Inés, and San Benito, among others. The late Haras Las Raíces, led by the ever-present Federico Caracoche, was also among the original backers of his arrival.
Just as spectacular as she was in her debut victory a few weeks ago, Roshita overwhelmed her rivals without ever being fully extended. Settled at the back of the small four-runner field for much of the race, she shifted toward the center of the track in the stretch and methodically reeled in Sarzana Pass (Distinctiv Passion), the early pacesetter. By the final 200 meters, she had drawn off impressively, crossing the wire six lengths in front.
For Sarzana Pass, winner of the Clásico Carlos Casares (G3), the 1200 meters proved too much, likely signaling that shorter distances will be her preferred target moving forward.
Finishing another eight lengths back in third was Flor de Laurel (Il Campione), while La Force (Emmanuel) trailed home fourth, 16 lengths behind the winner. Roshita stopped the clock in a sharp 1:10.91.
The filly is the first foal out of Rosheen (Easing Along), who never raced but is a full sister to stakes winners Ramblera (Easing Along) and Raons (Lizard Island). Her second dam, Rolling Tina (Yankee Victor), was a seven-time winnerwhile carrying the silks of Arroyo de Luna.
The impression Roshita left was nothing short of outstanding, but now she will be asked to stretch her speed over 1500 meters as she takes on the next challenge: the Gran Premio Jorge de Atucha (G1) on May 1. Trainer Juan C. Etchechoury (h.) has two months to harness her raw talent and channel her energy, knowing full well that ability is already on her side.
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