Separated by a head, both after troubled trips, they recently topped the finish in that order in the Clásico Jockey Club Argentino (L)
LA PLATA.- After a few days of regular racing, Argentina will once again host a stakes event. The action returns to El Bosque, where a mile on dirt awaits 3-year-olds and up under weight-for-age conditions. The Fortunato Novara (G3) —formerly known as the Latinoamérica—promises an exciting showdown, offering contenders for every taste.
Es Aristocrático (Angiolo) and Sapporo (Japan) meet again after finishing first and second, separated by just a head, in the Clásico Jockey Club Argentino (L). That day, both endured troubled trips.
The winner didn’t break cleanly, and in the stretch, his closing run forced his rival to steady, shift outside, and launch a new bid—falling just short.
Such a dramatic finish only adds to the intrigue of their rematch, especially with Es Aristocrático facing the mile distance for the first time—a new and demanding challenge.
Yet, the spotlight won’t be theirs alone. Storm Sound (Hi Happy) is a danger on the front end if he can set the pace to his liking. In his latest start, he crushed the field by seven lengths in the Especial Haras El Paraíso over 1700 meters. Notably, he scored under these same conditions in 2024 when winning the Clásico 25 de Mayo de 1810 (G2).
Don Taimado (Il Campione) cuts back in distance after a subpar try at 2000 meters in the Clausura (G2). Back at a more suitable trip, he brings solid credentials, including runner-up finishes behind Río Felipín (Grand Reward) and Tooru (Lizard Island) in the Clásicos Orange (L) and Embrujo (L) at San Isidro.
The 3-year-olds Gritalo Carlitos (Malenchini) and Torreón del Monje (Angiolo) step up off back-to-back wins in allowance company. They will try to capitalize on their lighter imposts, youthful upside, and sharp form against older, more seasoned rivals—who may hold the edge in experience, but not in determination.
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