The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series is an international series of stakes races with winners receiving automatic starting positions and fees paid toward a corresponding race of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships scheduled for October 30-31 at Keeneland in Lexington. The Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini Internacional was the first Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series race for the 2026 event.
Trained by Antonio Oldoni, Obataye won his third Group 1 race this year and has conquered South America’s two most prestigious races back-to-back after winning the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) in Brazil in his previous start. A son of Courtier from the Crimson flood mare Surfi’n USA, Obataye completed the 1 1/2 miles in 2:24.14 on a course listed as “normal.” He recorded his 10th win in 18 starts.
In one of the deepest Carlos Pellegrini fields in recent years, Obataye faced sixteen rivals as 4-1 favorite. He was in the middle for the first half mile, while Jazzy Frank set the early fractions, followed closely by Vota Bien. Coming out of the final turn, Moreira swung his mount into the center of the course as The Gladiator’s Hat made a powerful surge down the inside to take the lead. Obataye then kicked into high gear and flew in past his foes to take a 1 1/2 length victory over The Gladiator’s Hat.
Havana Cigar finished third, followed by Vota Bien in fourth.
Joao Moreira (right), who won the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini Internacional with Obataye, poses with Frankie Dettori
As part of the Challenge Series benefits, Breeders’ Cup pays the entry fee for Obataye to start in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, which is run at 1 1/2 miles. Breeders’ Cup also provides travel reimbursement for all starters based outside of North America to participate in the World Championships. To receive the rewards, the Challenge winner must be nominated for the Breeders’ Cup program by the October 19, 2026 entry deadline.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
#Obataye #wins #Carlos #Pellegrini #International