Light Entries for Montevideo and Jorge de Atucha

Just 7 colts and 5 fillies were entered for the two prestigious juvenile Group 1 events set for May 1 at Palermo, a surprisingly low turnout for races of such tradition and significance

Roshita enters off a dominant, wide-margin victory in the Clásico Eliseo Ramírez (G2) / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The two juvenile Group 1 features that will headline the May 1 festivities at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo have attracted surprisingly short entry lists—continuing a trend that’s become all too familiar in Argentina's current 2-year-old stakes calendar.

The G1 Gran Premio Montevideo (1500m, dirt), open to colts, could see a maximum of seven runners, while the G1 Gran Premio Jorge de Atucha (1500m, dirt) for fillies may line up just five.

Is there a deeper issue behind these modest numbers? With a noticeable decline in foal crops, and multiple selective programs running concurrently across the country’s main racetracks, it’s becoming increasingly clear that sustaining three parallel juvenile divisions may not be feasible in the near future. Beyond logistics, the long-term impact could also mean a potential downgrade in the races’ international standing.

In the Montevideo, Alado Frank (Gidu), who recently captured the G3 Pedro F. y Manuel A. Crespo, will attempt to step up again, particularly in the absence of The Great Cash (The Great Day), who defeated him in the G2 Santiago Luro. Runner-up in the Crespo, Hi Dolfi (Hi Happy), is also expected to start, though he was beaten a clear six lengths last time out.

Others entered include maiden winners Amor a Contramano (Gouverneur Morris) and Monteagrelo (Il Campione), as well as Liberto (Hurricane Cat), third behind Drive Joy (Fortify) in the G2 Raúl y Raúl E. Chevalier at San Isidro. Elegilo A El (Il Campione), still a maiden, and Vladimir (Il Mercato), runner-up in the G3 José B. Zubiaurre and fifth in the Luro, round out the field, with the latter now under the care of Gustavo Scarpello.

The Atucha, meanwhile, will feature undefeated Roshita (Gouverneur Morris), coming off a dazzling performance in the G2 Saturnino J. Unzué. She will be joined by Gata Frank (Gidu), third to Tiz Joy (Fortify) in the G2 Eliseo Ramírezat San Isidro; recent maiden winners Go Clari Go (Strategos) and La Graviere (Seahenge); and the winless Sabatini(Hurricane Cat).

Final declarations and rider assignments are due by Monday, which will reveal whether the current lineups hold—or shrink even further.