The mares, finishing 1-2 in the Ante Diem separated by half a length, will meet again in the feature of the weak Friday card
Except for a conditional race and the Handicap Guatán (1200m, dirt), this Friday’s card at Hipódromo de San Isidro is primarily for reviewing the season, as it ranks among the weakest programs of the current year from a technical standpoint.
Filled with alternative-level races and another round for older horses whose futures are already written, the feature event will be for mares aged 5 and up, with a purse of 4,100,000 pesos, a paltry sum after deductions, especially considering that stabling fees at Campo 2 in the Jockey Club now exceed 700,000 pesos. Translation: Winning a handicap only covers three months of expenses for an owner. It's an unfeasible situation.
Eight horses are entered, and, in line with the rest of the card, the quality is lacking in the Handicap Guatán. Aiyanna (Santillano, 56.5kg) and Fantastic Woman (In the Dark, 56.5kg) will meet again after finishing first and second, respectively, in the Handicap Ante Diem over 1300 meters in mid-January, with just half a length separating them and Fantastic Woman conceding half a kilo to her rival.
Following that performance, Aiyanna raced again, finishing second by 1 ½ lengths to Churrullera (Fortify) in the Clásico Vit Reina just 9 days ago, putting in a very solid effort.
Another contender is the La Plata-based Opera Garnier (Safety Check), who carries the top weight of 57kg after finishing fourth in the Ante Diem, with her late run not proving very effective. Winner of the Clásico Club Hípico de Santiago at Bosque, she will aim for redemption.
After three consecutive victories, Caoimhe (Cosmic Trigger, 52kg) was well behind the top pair in the Ante Diem, but with higher expectations for her, she gets another shot.
Following conditional victories, Hello Candy (Señor Candy, 55.5kg) and Ixchel (Dynamix, 53.5kg) step up in class, with the former being heavily penalized in weight compared to her more accomplished rivals.
The brief list of 8 entries is completed by Alma Mía Spring (Star Runner, 52.5kg) and Cuentacuentos (Violence, 51.5kg).
