Cuan Chef returns to Palermo’s dirt for the Gran Premio de Honor

The winner of 2024's Nacional (G1) could face Treasure Island, Crazy Talent, Need You Tonight, and Endor Rye, among others. A total of 16 fillies have been entered for the Gran Premio Gilberto Lerena

Cuan Chef romped to a dominant victory in the Gran Premio Nacional/ JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The anticipation is building for what will be the prestigious Gran Premio de Honor (G1-2000m, dirt) and Gran Premio Gilberto Lerena (G1-2200m, turf) on Saturday, the 5th of next month, key events in the Campeonato Palermo de Oro for both colts and fillies, respectively. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego racetrack, both races promise high-level performances as final prep races leading to the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1) and Gran Premio Criadores (G1) on May 1st.

Several of the top staying horses of the moment are set to compete in the Gran Premio de Honor, including the return to Palermo’s dirt of Cuan Chef (Daddy Long Legs), an impressive winner of the most recent Gran Premio Nacional (G1), who hasn’t raced since finishing far behind in the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1) at Maroñas on January 6th, in Uruguay.

Also returning after a subpar performance in that race is Treasure Island (Treasure Beach), a hero in last season’s Gran Premio Dardo Rocha (G1) over Crazy Talent (Equal Talent), later finishing fourth in the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), and now among the 8 entries for this race.

The list of contenders doesn’t stop there, as Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja), Endor Rye (Endorsement), and Operístico(Daddy Long Legs), who finished 1-2-3 in the Clásico Otoño (G2), are also among the potential winners. The field is rounded out by Preston Boss (Holy Boss), a classic winner, and Jardín Secreto (Endorsement).

In the Gran Premio Gilberto Lerena, 16 fillies are entered, forming a competitive group that appears open to any contender. Besitos de Amor (Besitos), Ceniza Pampa (Hat Ninja), Contrast (Safety Check), Doña Super (Daddy Long Legs), Flavie (Seahenge), India Cheat (Suggestive Boy), It’s My Look (Equal Stripes), Lágrimas y Sonrisas (Le Blues), Mi Bavariana (Seahenge), Olimpoa de Epiro (Southern Cat), Operata (Hi Happy), Presencial (Suggestive Boy), Punta Turquesa (Fortify), Romana Craf (Mastercraftsman), Safe With Me (Fortify), and Terzina (Suggestive Boy) make up the roster.

Confirmation of participation and jockey commitments will be accepted until noon next Monday, the same day the post position draw will take place at 18:00 hours. Each race will offer a prize fund of 42,000,000 pesos ($20,000,000) for the winner, with an entry fee of 852,000 pesos.