Carlos Trujillo celebrates aboard Al Qasr in the Gran Premio 25 de Mayo
PICTURE: Courtesy of San IsidroAl Qasr books spot in Breeders' Cup Turf
Report: Argentina, Friday
San Isidro: Gran Premio 25 de Mayo (Group 1) 1m4f, turf, 3yo+
SOUTH AMERICA could have a Breeders' Cup Turf contender after Peruvian star Al Qasr (Juan Suarez/Carlos Trujillo) punched his ticket into North America´s richest turf race with a resounding victory in Buenos Aires.
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The Gran Premio 25 de Mayo is the second South American race to be included in the Breeders' Cup ‘Win and You're In' challenge after the inaugural Clasico Belgrano in 2011.
A top-class field for the Group 1 event and racing for the first time on the turf proved no problem for Al Qasr, a four-year-old US-bred son of Aptitude.
After being headed in the stretch by home favourite Bogeyman, Al Qasr found another gear and re-rallied to score by two-lengths under vigorous handling from Trujillo, becoming the first foreign runner to win the 25 de Mayo since two-time winner Sea Girl captured the 1997 and 1998 renewals.
Ex-Chelsea footballer Claudio Pizarro's Peruvian-bred filly Almudena took third.
"I am extremely happy for Peruvian racing and additionally because this win represents Stud Soribel's first win outside of Peru," owner Fahed Mitre said.
"We had plenty of confidence in him coming into this race and jockey Carlos Trujillo rode a brilliant race."
