El Dupuy and the Possibility of Colifato Novo Joining the Celebration

A total of 20 horses have been entered for the big race on Sunday, March 30, at La Punta; the colt that captured hearts in 2024 is registered to run in the Clásico Estrellas Puntanas, over 1000 meters

Colifato Novo could return to action on the day of the Dupuy at La Punta / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The most important stage of the racing calendar has started at Hipódromo La Punta in San Luis, with preparations underway for the highly anticipated Gran Premio Vicente Dupuy (G3-2400 m, dirt), the most significant horse race of the season in the interior of Argentina. The race will be the centerpiece of a fantastic event planned for Sunday, March 30.

A total of 20 horses have been entered for the race, which will feature a generous 15,000,000 pesos prize for the winner. This announcement was made alongside another much-anticipated news: among the potential contenders for the Clásico Estrellas Puntanas (1000 m, dirt, 5,000,000 pesos to the winner), Colifato Novo (Lenovo), a double G1 winner at Hipódromo de San Isidro, is expected to take part. The colt, considered a strong contender for the 2024 Champion 2-Year-Old Colt title, has captured the hearts of fans and is undoubtedly one of the most exciting figures in the Argentine racing scene.

A grand celebration is expected at the center of Argentina, with two other major races scheduled: the Clásico Estrellas Precoces (800 m, 5,000,000 pesos to the winner) for 2-year-olds and the Handicap Juan Esteban Pedernera (1600 m, 1,250,000 pesos), though the latter is unofficial.

The list of contenders for the Dupuy includes accomplished horses such as He's a Rockstar (Endorsement), Speedy Endor (Endorsement), Ruso Real (In the Dark), Te Super Adora (Super Saver), and Praia do Forte (Suggestive Boy), as well as local talents like Code Breaker (True Cause), Ettore (Il Campione), J b Storm (J be Key), Vivi Jurando (Jurabas Tu), and Votemos (Manipulator).

Other potential starters include: Back Story (Incurable Optimist), Barolito (Stratham), El Mau (Holy Boss), Endo Verde (Endorsement), Fest King (Daniel Boone), Gadzooks (Galán de Cine), Olimpik Hit (Hit It a Bomb), Perfect Inc (Vagabundo Inc), Tabarnello (Hi Happy), and Vientos del Sur (Southern Cat).

For the Estrellas Puntanas, open to 3-year-olds registered in the series sponsored by the Fundación Equina Argentina, Colifato Novo could face up to 16 rivals: Aliwe (Smart Holiday), Anda Conmigo (Angiolo), Baby Bull (Security Risk), Consejero Español (Catcher In the Rye), Dark Sound (Long Island Sound), Don Mango (Cityscape), El Lejano (Il Campione), Experimento Epico (Easing Along), Galán de Moda (Galán de Cine), Gato Alabado(Hurricane Cat), Helen Play (Storm Play), Lunático Blues (Le Blues), Magnificent (Daniel Boone), Princesa Silvina(In the Dark), Sporting Chance (Sebi Halo), and Ventajero John (Curioso Johan).

For the Clásico Estrellas Precoces, restricted to horses entered in the Carreras de las Estrellas, 19 horses are registered: Bonasolo (Long Island Sound), Buzz Lightyear (Seahenge), Cantero (Strategos), Cautiva Linda (Legión de Honor), Dices Que Sí (Touareg), Easy Peasy (Hit It a Bomb), Empress Girl (Legión de Honor), La Alfonso(Grand Reward), Lo Intenté Todo (Le Blues), Mantenido (Silentio), Puerto Miami (Puerto Escondido), Pura Mística (Il Mercato), Requetelisto (Grand Reward), Shilton Boy (Legión de Honor), Shuliana (Seize), Smile Rimout(Remote), Todo En Claro (Todo Un Amiguito), True for Sale (True Cause), and William Orpen (Hit It a Bomb).

As for the Handicap Juan Esteban Pedernera, 19 horses are vying for a spot, with Master Mago (Master of Hounds) carrying the top weight of 60 kg, one more than El Quillay (Il Campione) and Hacer Un Puente (Cosmic Trigger).

The final confirmations for the Dupuy event, along with jockey assignments, will be taken until 11 a.m. on Tuesday.