Making their triumphant return to the Florida high-goal season for the first time since 2018, Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz, Mariano ‘Peke’ Gonzalez, Lucas ‘Luckitas Criado Jr., Adolfo Cambiaso) made a statement as front-runners in the Gauntlet of Polo capturing the organizations fifth C.V. Whitney Cup title.
Led by the generational talent of Adolfo Cambiaso, the 10-goaler has accumulated a phenomenal American record spanning the past two decades including eight C.V. Whitney Cup victories, fifteen USPA Gold Cup wins and nine U.S. Open Polo Championship titles. Racking up thirty-two goals, Cambiaso has earned most of his offensive production in the field, shooting 63% inside 60 yards. Earning eight assists and drawing thirty-three fouls, Cambiaso’s role as a mentor to young stars Criado Jr. and Gonzalez has allowed Criado Jr. to take his place as the primary penalty shooter. Leading Valiente in scoring, Criado Jr. has earned 29 of his 49 goals on conversions and currently ranks second among all competitors in penalty goals scored on the season.
Entering the mid-way point of the U.S. Open Polo Championship, Valiente remains undefeated carrying a 2-0 record as they prepare to make a final push for the quarterfinals. Averaging 13 goals per game, Valiente’s high powered offensive is complimented by the horsepower of the legendary La Dolfina and J5 Equestrian breeding operations. Featuring some of the most impressive Argentine bred horses in the competition, Cambiaso’s “Dolfina Lapa C07” has already earned Best Playing Pony, while Scone’s Poroto Cambiaso received the award for “Taita Auspiciosa” and “Caraqueña.” Bringing an equally powerful string of his own, Gonzalez’ “Tan Primadonna” has also taken home the honor. Carrying the weight of large expectations, Valiente have shown they have the talent, discipline, and camaraderie to reach the podium for the second time this season.
Photo Credit: David Lominska