Previously a winner of a handicap over the mile, the daughter of Forge set the pace from the start to reach the top, supported by a great performance from jockey Francisco Lavigna
Along the rail, Herd Immunity held off Martana all the way to the wire / HAPSA
The streak of surprises on an unforgettable afternoon was tremendous, and the Gran Premio Criadores (G1-2000 m, dirt) ultimately delivered another heavy blow to the betting public and analysts, with Herd Immunity securing a brave wire-to-wire victory, showing great grit to hold off the persistent charge of the heavy favorite Martana (Fortify) until the wire.
An inconsistent mare, yet always possessing great racing power, the daughter of the prolific Forge was coming off a victory in a handicap over the mile. After witnessing her very dull performance in the Clásico Bullrich (G2), where she finished last by a wide margin, it was difficult to believe her capable of taking the victory now.
But as is so often the case, logic did not prevail. Guided masterfully by the rising Francisco Lavigna, the bay from Stud Volver al Futuro—the colors made famous by champion Irwin (Seek Again)—finally shone like never before, despite having shown flashes of talent in the past.
Part of the secret to her success was that Herd Immunity managed to set a firm but measured pace, saving energy for the moment of truth. Martana gave her no quarter and was tasked with chasing her down, with Cannolina (South Kissing) close by.
Upon entering the home stretch, another turning point arrived. While Martana was somewhat erratic in her advance, Lavigna moved and Herd Immunity pulled away by a couple of lengths—a margin that proved vital for her to fight until the line and hold off her rival by just a nose after a tight photo finish.
Three lengths back, Cannolina finished third in another standout performance for her campaign, with Existing (Winning Prize) completing the superfecta, also at long odds. Portal Maya (Portal del Alto), the other strong name in the pre-race analysis for the Criadores, finished a lackluster fifth. The winning time was 2m3s46/100.
Trainer Angel Pérez experienced his moment of glory with Herd Immunity, who was initially bred by Triple Allianceand later moved to Haras Carampangue to complete her development.
As has been the case for several years, the Gran Premio Criadores was part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series – Win and You’re In, qualifying the winner for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), which this year will be held in late October at Keeneland, Lexington, Kentucky. Herd Immunity is not nominated to the series, which will make her participation in the event significantly more difficult.