Burgess Shale May Be Ready for a Breakthrough at the Top Level

The son of Safety Check brings a string of solid efforts into the Hándicap Intérprete, where he’ll square off with seasoned campaigner Despacito

Despacito, a 13-time winner, Brings a Wealth of Experience / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The Handicap Intérprete (1200 meters, dirt), the feature event on Friday’s card at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, offers no shortage of appeal. The day’s action will also include a second stakes highlight in the form of the Hándicap Juan Carlos Noriega later in the afternoon.

With plenty of solid efforts under his belt, perhaps the time has come for Burgess Shale (Safety Check) to earn a breakthrough at the upper level. Representing Caballeriza El Chuchy, the four-time winner will carry one of the top imposts at 58.5 kilos. He most recently finished third, just two lengths behind G2 winner El Mejor Recuerdo (Il Campione) in the Hándicap Equal Stripes, a rival who had also edged him out in the Clásico Jorge A. Ricardo under weight-for-age terms, where he again ran third with Despacito (Sabayón) between them.

The veteran from La Pampa, Despacito, a 13-time winner, returns to the gate here and appears to have received a favorable nod from the handicapper, assigned just half a kilo more than the younger Burgess Shale, despite his deep résumé and solid recent form.

Last out, the dark bay was a distant fourth behind Garufa Mask (Mask) over yielding turf in the Clásico Asociación Argentina de Fomento Equino (L), though he had captured the Clásico Río de la Plata (L) over the same course just one start prior.

Also arriving in sharp form is Hop On (Endorsement, 56kg), who was only a neck behind Burgess Shale in the Equal Stripes, and Fanatismo Pass (Distinctiv Passion, 55.5kg), coming off a commanding third career victory.

A bit further down in the betting conversation, Buen Curuzucuateño (Buen Verso, 54.5kg) comes off a win over Cosa e Mandinga (Qué Vida Buena, 54kg), and the pair will renew their rivalry here.

From the allowance ranks, both Mr Neil (Valid Stripes) and Estomboli (Angiolo), who carry just 53kg apiece, step up in class after recent wins, while Lo Straniero (Manipulator, 53.5kg) hasn’t raced much of late, but on his best day could still prove dangerous.