The absence of Takeshi Frank clears the path for Lago Nahuel Huapi in the Doyhenard

The division leader is in the process of being sold and will not start; of the seven confirmed runners, three are debutants and one is still a maiden

In the midst of a potential sale, Takeshi Frank is the notable absentee from the upcoming La Plata feature / HLP

LA PLATA, Argentina— The juvenile colts’ division at the Bosque continues its path toward definition Tuesday with the running of the Clásico Luis María Doyhenard (G3), to be contested over 1300 meters and potentially on a rain-affected track, which could complicate matters further.

The headline going in is the absence of division leader Takeshi Frank (Gidu), who will skip the race as he is currently in the process of being sold. That leaves a reduced field of seven, including three debutants and a maiden, casting some doubt over the race’s ability to maintain its international Group status going forward.

The one to beat now appears to be Lago Nahuel Huapi, who broke his maiden and then impressed when finishing second—three lengths behind the absent favorite—in the Clásico Agustín B. Gambier (G3). The son of Hurricane Cat should appreciate the added ground and will face his main challenge from Andrin (Angiolo) and Cinco Tapón (Sixties Song).

Andrin broke through last out in his fourth try, defeating Piñazo (John F. Kennedy) by three lengths over 1100 meters, though the time of 1:06.21 left something to be desired. Cinco Tapón, meanwhile, broke his maiden at the third attempt and did so over this same 1300-meter trip, scoring by three lengths over Full A Más (Full Mast) and showing promise worthy of his pedigree.

The newcomers—Parla di Thunder (Dubai Thunder), Farale (Malenchini), and Lord Peten (Peten Itza)—face a stiff test at this level, with limited form to back their chances.

As for Juanchi Key (Presagio Key), he finished a distant fifth—beaten 17 lengths—in his lone outing behind Enigmático Key (Almendrado Key), and will need significant improvement to factor in the outcome.

With the division’s top colt watching from the sidelines, the Doyhenard offers a golden opportunity for a new contender to rise through the ranks. But with only three winners among the seven runners, the race begins with a credibility gap it may struggle to overcome.