Melinao, who won back-to-back races a week apart in late November, captured the Pisca Ruta Norte, a handicap at about five furlongs over the main track at Club Hipico de Concepcion in Chile on Dec. 20. The gelding by Greatness was sent off as the 5/2 favorite despite carrying highweight of 132 pounds, including jockey L. E. Fica. The Chilean-bred sped to a one half-length victory in :57.45.