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| Staff Writer |
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El Encinal achieved a stunning upset by winning the Gr.1 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini Internacional at Hipodromo de San Isidro, in Argentina. This unexpected victory earned El Encinal a coveted Breeders' Cup berth.
El Encinal, a chestnut 3YO colt by the Chilean sire Il Campione, ridden by Eduardo Ortega Pavon, secured a narrow victory in the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini Internacional, the most prestigious race in South America, held on a 2,400-meter turf track. The field included 14 3YOs and more. El Encinal was able to split rivals in mid-stretch before making a final burst to the finish line, nailing No Fear by a head in a thrilling finish.
The victory earned him an automatic starting slot in the 2024 running of the US$4 million Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf through the series, which is the first Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In race of the 2024 season.
In the Pellegrini race, after the top two finishers, it was about two lengths back to Treasure Island in third, while Jazz Seiver, part of a favored entry, finished fourth. El Encinal, after being defeated in his first five starts, won three of his last four races. He won an August maiden race, followed by a victory in the Gr.3 Ensayo in September, both at San Isidro. He finished sixth in the age-restricted Gr,1 Jockey Club Oct 7, also at San Isidro.
The race was a significant milestone in the career of El Encinal, who is trained by Miguel Alberto Gomez for the Stud Dona Pancha, which is known for owning Calidoscopio, winner of the 2012 Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Marathon. El Encinal's time in the race was 2:25.46.
The three-way group one -winning entry of Natan, Happy Happy Day, and Jazz Seiver, all owned by Stud Las Monjitas, Argentina's powerhouse stable, was the 19-10 favorite among 12 betting interests. No Fear and Treasure Island were next, both at 7-2, with El Encinal among the middling choices at 14.25-1. Natan, a 25-length winner of the 2022 Jockey Club as 3YO, was the major disappointment Saturday when failing to be a serious factor.
As part of the benefits of the Challenge series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for El Encinal into the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf, and provide a travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships.