Racing Returns to San Isidro, and Bar de Copas Eyes His First Major Victory

Following the Lollapalooza festival, the son of Qué Vida Buena is well placed in the weights and brings both form and credentials

Bar de Copas emerges as a top contender for the Handicap Larrea / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After a long break due to the Lollapalooza festival and the unexpected suspension of Tuesday’s La Plata meeting, racing action resumes this afternoon at San Isidro, featuring a packed 16-race program.

The highlight of the day will be the Handicap Larrea, contested over 1300 meters on the dirt auxiliary track and open to five-year-olds and up. Despite its competitive nature, the race offers a modest purse of 4,100,000 pesos for the winner.

A field of nine has been confirmed, with the central focus on Bar de Copas (Qué Vida Buena, 57 kg), a Cordoba-based runner well positioned in the weights and boasting solid credentials. The six-year-old seeks his first major win in the top circuits, having previously excelled in provincial tracks.

Notably, he captured the 2022 Clásico Estrellas de Villa María in his home province and later dominated the Clásico Juan de Garay in Santa Fe, scoring by eight lengths over the ill-fated La Clota (Claro Oscuro).

Last time out, in mid-January, he put in a strong effort to finish third in the Handicap Parlanchín, six lengths behind Filoso Class (Filoso Emperor), who recently secured victory in the Clásico Eduardo Jara.

The leading threat to Bar de Copas appears to be Mississipi (Sabayón, 60 kg), a seasoned veteran from La Pampa set to carry top weight. Approaching his eighth birthday, he last found the winner’s circle three months ago in the Handicap Polemarch over 1100 meters, narrowly defeating Emperadora (Il Campione), with Filoso Class finishing sixth.

A turf specialist, Va El Tercero (Señor Candy, 56 kg) will aim to bounce back from a disappointing run in the Clásico Invasor (G3), while Power Is Power (Cosmic Trigger, 56.5 kg) returns from a 217-day layoff under new management, having last finished third in the Clásico Reconquista (L) behind El Despertar (Il Campione).