About the List of Horses of the 116 Argentine Polo Open

One thing I really have clear is that the best horses for this Championship is a TB horse.

There are no Polo Argetino Horse that could match the speed that the TB can reach in the Palermo polo fields.

The next thing I,m sure is that only the best horses in the world can play this polo, I understand that horses are brought from all over the world to play this Argentine Open, the players need them.

From the list I couldnt find nothing really new nor a new trend so practicaly I can state that the improvements came from abroad.

What I could see is that La Dolfina specially Adolfo Cambiaso (Jr.) is the player with the best list of horses, horses like Bruma and Legend in his hands are imposible to stop, a shown in the recent match won by La Dolfina against La Aguada, when both grey horses made the difference with thier terrific speed.

I saw the game yesterday so it was a pleasure to see them running with such superiority.

The key will be for the Final how Ellerstina can stop Cambiaso with his "incredible flyaing machines", as La Nacion journay said today.

La Dolfina won with Cambiaso and 3+

Adolfo Cambiaso and 3 more, is a correct definition about the game won by La Dolfina 18 to 13, that marks the reapearance of the old "Adolfito".

He is the motor and the brains of his team, and he was a nightmare for the brothers Novillo Astrada, again unlucky (that lost incredible goals) that could made the result more narrow.

The La Dolfina Polo team has his "quaterback", his magic is back, and he recharged his batery when he see the finish line, thats why they are the favorites for the Final.

Ellerstina wins the ticket fot the Finals

Due to the two goals diference, they untie the Zone, reaching the Finals.

They won 15 to 13 in a nervious game thanks to the Referees, but they didnt play their game, because of the great resistance given by a good team like Pilara, specially the MVP Sebatian Merlos who played over his 9 goal handicap to lead and place in problems to Ellertina tieing the game in some chukkers.

Things to improve for Ellerstina: Backhanders and better use of the list of horses specially the best ones like Easy Go (out of form today), Raquel, Rodhesia, Claret, Habanna, and Mecha.

The Field 1 condiction was perfect, due to the suspention.

In my opinion the next Argentine Open winner will be playing tomorrow, the teams playing tomorrow Monday are more than the present of Ellerstina.

The best match of this Argetine Open will be playing tomorrow, its like being in the Final, if you cant be here next week for the Finals, dont miss the match tomorrow.

La Aguada has a better present than La Dolfina, but they have the best player of the world, so any thing can happen.

But one thing is for sure, the best polo of the world tomorrow is at Palermos Field 1.

Enjoy!!

My opinion upon the yesterday suspention

Was the best decision for the game and as I said that same day, it was imposible to play with that field condition.

This is not the same polo anyone can see in their countries, the amazing speed of the game its only posible with a perfect field condition.

Polo is a riskfull activity, for players and their horses, so it was the most intelligent decision to suspend in those conditions.

Wonderfull day to see the BEST POLO in the world in Buenos Aires

Today if you are in Buenos Aires is the best day to go and see the best polo in the world at Palermo.

Matchs are for the Zone A starting at 2:00 PM BUE time between Alegria and Indios Chapaleufu II, and the last matchsceduled for 5:00 PM in Field 1 the decisory match between Ellerstina and Pilara, will decide the first team for the Finals.

I will be atending the second match too, understanding that Ellerstina must improve to beat Pilara!

If not suspended go with raincoat and Umbrella

The forecast is more rain for the afternoon.

National Weather Sevice radars shows raining all around the Province of Buenos Aires, INTA Pergamino shower radar the same. Satellites the same.

If not suspended go with raincoat and umbrella.

New good weather window starts tomorrow Sunday to Tuesday. Posible date to play these Saturday Matchs is next Monday if they are suspended.

Incredible no information is given by the AAP officially about a suspention nor delay of the Matchs.

Posible suspention now its raining again 10 blocks away Fields

Its raining again in the Buenos Aires area (Palermo)

After morning rains AAP say they will play today (?!)

The AAP through there official telephone recording message doesnt suspend todays Saturday matchs (12:25 AM BUE time).

Rains are forecasted for all day.

Incredible AAP doesnt suspend yet the Matchs.

Ellerstina lose after 12 winning matchs against Indios Chapaleufu II

Finally the rain stops and the activities regain at Palermo.

Field 1 in perfect conditions.

Ellerstina- Indios Chapaleufu II

Amazingly Ellerstina is losing in the second chukker 2-7 against Indios Chapaleufu II. With seven goals in a row for Chapa II.

Ellerstina made its first goal at minute 6 of the second chukker, all goals by Nero.

Third chukker: 3-8 , Ellerstina by Nero. OLd Chapa II look nenew. Horses in better shaped that Ellerstina upnow.

Fourth chukker, 6-8, Ellerstina regain control of the match against a bad chukker of Chapa II . Nero MVP upnow, 2 goals from Facundo Pieres.
Some worry faces in the Ellerstina camp, Gonzalo Pieres Senior came to the rescue, spoke with DT Agote.

Fifth chukker: 7-11, regains control Chapa II, goals by Eduardo (30 y penal) and Pepe Heguy (playing Enigmatica)

Sixth chukker: 10-12. Chapa started better but Ellerstina finishing stronger. Goals by Nero, Facundo 2, Pablo

Seventh chukker 11-14 Chapa II on the lead. Played nerviously made some error that became in golas for Ellerstina. Gonzalo Pieres Senior "looks difficult".

Eighth Chukker 13-14 won by Chapa II. "Old is the wind but still blows"

Ellerstina won in a row the last 12 matchs played and this one the Number 13 finally was the one, they will not forget. In some moments in the game they where practicaly out of the semifinals, because in their next match against Pilara, that won their game today against Alegria (with no chances to get to the semifinals), they must not only have to win, they must win making at least two goals over Pilara, to reach the next step.

Also Ellerstina was lucky becasuse due of many unforced errors between Eduardo Heguy and Stearling mainly, the score could be worst.

They most focus in the concentration and the shape of their better horses, to pass the next exam. Today looks like everyones a day to forget, nothing worked. As a result of this, finishing the chukker 5, they through to goal 12 times with only 5 goals, poor compared to Indios Chapaleuyfu II that made 6 goals from 9 atempts to goal in the same period.

Things to change for Indios Chapaleufu II: Eduardo play longer the first balls you give Ellerstina chaces because the short strokes. Team, stop talking with the Referees, two technical fouls made Ellerstina return to the game. Improve undertanding between Eduardo Heguy and Pelon Stearling.

Today Matchs Suspended Official

The AAP informes offcially that all matches for today Sunday where suspended without new reschedule yet.

The weather forecast says that three days there will be no rains in the next three days.

Possible dates for Matches will be on Monday/Tuesday (not official)

La Dofina won in extratime over Chapa Uno

As in any sport, the most important result is to win (15-14), after this we can conclude if its reasonable to be happy.

From the face of Cambiaso he was not pleased with how they played and won, but in his own words, ...we won but we where a disaster..., ...we played really bad ..., ...its not a great season..., showing the humor of the best polo player in the of the world.

In my opinion, they look like a little old, with not the vigor of the past season, but remembering that they (the players) are all 10 golas Handicaped, I dont want to be unfear with them, playing like yesterday they lost the Final to Ellerstina in extratime, they have all necesary to be the great team they where they have the horses, the skills, the best player in the world, but they are luck of enthusiasm.

We need to see the old la Dolfina, and not that the La Dolfina is old.

In the other side the Cinderela team, Chapa Uno, loved by all, because its past of good polo playing, under the orders of its star player Bautista Heguy, they played an incredible match , because in the 7th chukker, they lost him being replaced by the young Pablo (Paul) Pieres, making the team play better in my opinion as progression shows: 2-2 2-3 5-6 8-8 10-9 11-10 13-10 14-14 15-14.

Chapa Uno was near to win the match in regular time. Also they played with a old friend of Palermo`s, Alejandro Diaz Alberdi, that replace Rodrigo de Andrade because of his suspension (1 month) because an expulsion in the Diamante Cup (with a really bad year here, hoping the best for the days to come, Rodrigo!) . He provide the experience and the knowledge of the game things that all players like Piqui (Alejandro) posses.

The vigor and enthusiasm where given by in the first half of the match by Hilario Ulloa (with good horses!) and in the last chukkers was join with the aid of Paul Pieres ( after the replacement of Bautista), both played as seniors in the Cathedral, giving all present the sensation and the satisfaction that the new generationn of argentine polo players will not betray the argentine polo history .

From the matchs for Zone B, La Aguada won

As the old La Aguada team that won the Argentine Polo Open some years ago (2003), the Novillo Astrada`s Family, is back in bussiness, wining their match against El Paraiso, for 17 to 8.

As told to LA NAcion journay by Miguel Novillo Astrada, they feel that they are as in 2003, if not better.

In my opinion LA Aguada is the most serious contender for Ellerstina in the Final.

Game scores progression for La Aguada-El Paraiso: 3-2 5-2 6-3 8-4 11-5 14-5 17-6 17-8

The match was played in Field 2.

Heavy rains in Buenos Aires area possible suspension Date 4

Heavy rains this morning will suspend todays (Sunday) all matchs scheduled for Zone A (not official yet)

Dates for Matchs of Days 3 and 4 Argentine Polo Open

Matchs for Days 3 and 4 of the Argentine Polo Open where schedule for tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday as informed by the AAP (Argentine Polo Asoc.).

First match of the Fridays meeting starts at 2.30 PM (Buenos Aires time) on Field 2 and the last match of the day will start at 5.00 PM in Field 1, all for Zone A .

And for Zone B, next Saturday, with the same time schedule.

But tomorrows weather forcast places some rain again for this Friday afternoon and Sunday.

A nice argentine TB Horse appeared "Fuego e Hierro"

Last saturday, in the San Isidro Racetrack, was placed in the 10th race of the day, the "Provincia de Buenos Aires Stake (GII Int), over the distance of 2400mts (1 1/2 m / 6 F), over turf track and in the middle of the mud due to the actual and unusual raining season, was won by Fuego e Hierro, by 8 lengths in a really nice way.

This horse races with blinkers (half cup as I saw) and shows and incredible performace for a horse born late in the southern hemisfere season (born on November 9 2006), its also remarkable that the started to race in the first races for his age in the past year (800 mts / 2 F / 1/2 mile) in his debut but ran in the following month December three times (?!), resume 4 races in lesser than 30 days.

After all these he raced again two races in January ( he won! over 3 F or 1200m), then he rested February (Poor horse!), then ran again one race all following months including four G 1 (Int) GP Santiago Luro, GP Gran Criterium, GP 2000 Guineas and GP Jockey Club, one G II (Int) Provincia de Buenos Aires and one G III (Int) Asociacion Propietarios de SPC de Buenos Aires, from 4 furlogs 1200 mts to 12 furlongs 2400 mts. Also run two times over dirth in the La Plata racetrack in stake races.

His pedigree is also interesting as he is by the American Stallion Pure Prize out of a Candy Stripes mare by one af the Argentine most prolific classic distance families, by Fallow. Also bred my one of the best Argentine Farms, Santa Maria de Araras.
He is her first horse to run with running age (3 y.o.).

His trained by not fancy trainer, Mr Conrado Linares.

You can see the last race won go to www.hipodromosanisidro.com, 10th race ( 10 carrera), click on Ver Video (see Video with a camera icon)

If your looking for something amazing in Argentine, this TB horse I think is something special.

About the best horses from each teams said by the players the the Argentine Open

In the recent El Grafico Polo magazine, November 2009 issue (with english translations) an interview to the top players of the teams playing the 116th Argentine Polo Open, as requested by the journalist they selected the best horses of their teammates.

I will start with the opinion of Santiago Chavanne of the Pilara Piaget Polo Team (in Zone A Arg Open):
Agustin Merlos his best horse is Virolita
Sebastian Merlos is Silvina Luna
Marcos Heguy is La Salada
and for Santiago is Lupa

Now for the Indios's Chapaleufu II, in the opinion of Alberto Heguy (Jr) (in Zone A Arg Open):
His best horse is Chapelufu Campanita
Eduardo Heguy his best horse is Polo Bailanta
Ignacio ("Nachi") Heguy is Ji Ji Ji
and for David ("Pelon") Stirling (Jr), he said he didnt know.

Now the time for the opinion of Francisco Bensadon, of the Alegrina Polo Team (in Zone A Arg Open): he didnt answer this question, but told that they will play the same horses used in the Hurlingham Cup.

Batolome Castagnola for the La Dolfina Peugeot Polo Team (in Zone B Arg Open), said that in his opinion for:
Adolfo ("Adolfito") Cambiaso (Jr) his best horse is Dolfina Cuartetera
Lucas Monteverde is Tia Loca
Mariano Aguerre is Open Califa
and about his horses is Dolfina Toro (awarded the best registered Polo Argentino horse of the last years (2008) Final).

In the opinion of Javier Novillo Astrada, from the La Aguada - Tupungato Winelands (in Zone B Arg Open), he selected as the best horse of each player are:
Miguel Novillo Astrada is La Cereza
Eduardo Novillo Astrada is La Geisha
Ignacio Novillo Astrada is La Capota
and about his horses, is Maria Lujan

Hilario Ulloa, from the Chapa Uno - Hope Funds Polo Team (in Zone B Arg Open), his opinion about the best horses of the team are Birra and Bartolo both from the horses of Bautista Heguy as also Naipe (that is also stallion) form his best horses.
He didnt know much about the horses of Francisco De Narvaes (Jr) and Rodrigo Ribeiro de Andrade (from Brazil).

Alejandro Novillo Astrada from El Paraiso Polo Team (in Zone B Arg Open), in his opinion thier best horses are:
For Alejandro is Aguada Diluvio
For Guillermo (Sapo) Caset (Jr) and Ignacio (Cubi) Toccalino he told that they have better horses than the last year without naming.

Pablo MacDonough from the Ellertina Etiqueta Negra (in Zone A Arg Open), told to El Grafico Polo, that they have the same base of horses of last year but with some new ones added (as known mainly from England), he think that with these horses in the final steps of the championship their chance to win are even greater.

Matchs 3 and 4 of the Argentine Open suspended

Due to the Buenos Aires area weather forecast, Matchs 3 and 4 of the Argentine Open are suspended.
Posible dates for these matchs will be next Saturday and Sunday.

As also the AAP is near to delay one week the Final, that was appointed for the December 5 .

Adolfo Cambiaso's with a new wonder horse

This Sunday La Dolfina Peugeuot won its match against El Paraiso, for 21 to 8, with 17 goals done by the best polo player in the World, Mr. Adolfo Cambiaso (s) .

"Actitude" was the common word spoken by the La Dolfina's players to define why they won the match played at the Palermos's in the Polo Field number 2.

As usual in this blog, when surprising or outstanding horses appear, Cambiaso present a new wonder horse to follow on the next matchs to be played by La Dolfina Peugeot, Leyend. In words of Cambiaso, she is a is a "machine" (outstanding quality in argentino), and he bought her from the great mexican player Carlos Gracida (Thank you Carlos again!).

If you are in Palermo dont miss her and Bruma, they are both greys, and you will know when they are in the field beacuase you enjoy their perfection.

As a fan of great horses, I truely enjoy them like an art exhibition in motion. I will be back filming them in action for the pleasure of all of the blog followers.

See some highlights of the match clicking play in the video (in spanish)

"Annus Horribilis for Argentine TB Crops"

Yesterday at the Palermo racetrack, was run the Argentine Derby the "G.P. Nacional" Group 1 on the International consideration, that was won by "Storm Chispazo" by 3 lenghts over an incredible poor than usual company.
These event, the major race for the 3 y.o. of both sexs, came to ratify, my opinion as a new "Annus Horribilis" for this argentine TB racing crops year, where nothing really surprising nor outstanding appeared.
To give a perfect picture of these matter of things, the winner was winner of two common races in the San Isidro Racetrack before this major hit, in his most recent stake appearance he came 10th (more than 24 legth from the winner, with the last horses) in the Gran Criterium in May, after that he raced again to win in the October's 31 meeting in the common race called Ollagua, over 2000 meters, in a mud turf track by 12 lengths, so he's racing 4500 meters in lesser than a half a month (15 days exactly without any clue about horsemanship) .
Hoping that the efforts done by the Argentine TB Breeders to bring here some of the best world class TB Stallions, like Giant's Causeway by LA Mission, probide the necessary renewal of the wrong decision of the past.
Thanks the coincidence, just crossing the Avenue "Libertador" we could saw the first meeting of the best Polo in the World, The Argentine POLO Open at the Palermo's Cathidral with Ellerstina-Alegria and Pilara-Indios Chapaleufu II .

2009 Argentine Open starts this Saturday

As done the last years, with the new Argentine Polo Opens starting, I will analyze the breeding patterns or trends of the Polo Horses playing.

After the Tortugas and Hurlingham Championships, the first gems of the Argentine Triple Crown that where won by Ellerstina, I didnt see much new of what we saw in the past year.

The Economic depression and debacle in the world hurt all activities and the Argentine Polo wasnt out of it. Many polo players and horses remain in Argentina this season. What results in no sales of horses to foreign investors or players, that in the major source of fresh money that suports all the breeding and activities related in Polo in Argentina, with obvious future results.