The daughter of Cima de Triomphe finished fifth last time out in the Gran Premio Copa de Plata, behind Neowise, whom she will face again. Luz Delito is another prominent name set to line up in the starting gate
Por Diego H. Mitagstein
The payment delay crisis at the San Isidro Racecourse has had significant repercussions, including the inability to organize normal racing programs this week. In fact, Saturday’s card at the northern venue features just 12 races, with the G2 Clásico Juan Shaw as the standout event of the day.
On a positive note, following actions initiated by the Asociación de Propietarios de Caballos de Carrera, led by its president Mariano Fragueiro, the Buenos Aires Province Lottery was compelled to negotiate a better future and start catching up on overdue payments to the horse racing community. Prize money for October and November has already been settled and is now available for owners, professionals, and stable staff, with December’s payments expected shortly. As the saying goes, “Better safe than sorry.”
Shifting the focus back to racing, the first major test of the year for fillies and mares over a distance will unfold on the Jockey Club’s turf course. The 2200-meter Juan Shaw will serve as a stage to recalibrate the division following the departure of several top contenders, including Nanabush (Il Campione), the promising filly Inconmensurable (Cosmic Trigger), and Hawaiian Love (Hurricane Cat). Nanabush has already relocated to the U.S., while the other two have been acquired by Japanese breeders.
During December’s Gran Premio Copa de Plata (G1), Vision Triomphe (Cima de Triomphe) went off as the favorite after consecutive wins in the G2 Clásico La Mission and the G2 Clásico Los Haras. However, she could only manage a fifth-place finish, just 2 1/2 lengths behind Brienne Trigger (Cosmic Trigger).
Representing Stud Tramo 20, Vision Triomphe will aim to return to winning ways, counting on a more favorable pace scenario to unleash her potent late charge—a weapon she has displayed on numerous occasions. Her task won’t be easy, though, as she once again faces Brazil’s Neowise (Agnes Gold), who finished fourth in the “Fillies’ Pellegrini,” a neck ahead of the likely favorite.
From the Stud RDI, the dark bay mare trained by Carlos D. Etchechoury brings a wealth of experience and a series of solid performances at this level. She’ll also aim to capitalize on a potentially lively pace to set up her closing kick.
Trainer Juan Saldivia sends two contenders from Palermo, one a seasoned competitor and the other an emerging talent. The veteran is Luz Delito (Lizard Island), who has frequently finished behind Vision Triomphe but boasts wins in the G2 Clásico Partícula at San Isidro and, more recently, the G2 Clásico Apertura on Palermo’s challenging turf. The up-and-comer is India Cheat (Suggestive Boy), who races in the colors of G1SW Belleza de Arteaga (Cosmic Trigger) and Cima de Areco (Cima de Triomphe), Stud Chos Malal. She enters fresh off a win in the Clásico Blue Prize.
Another intriguing entry is the filly Ceniza Pampa (Hat Ninja), who was underwhelming in the Copa de Plata but recently came within a neck of Luz Delito in the Clásico Apertura. She also finished third behind the aforementioned Cima de Areco in the G1 Gran Premio Enrique Acebal.
Elvitas (Cosmic Trigger) has plenty of talent and speed, but she’ll need a good day to shine. Meanwhile, Operata (Hi Happy) arrives off a third-place finish in the Apertura. Another capable contender is Punta Turquesa (Fortify), whose form has fluctuated but who is always competitive. Finally, Baby Ruth (Señor Candy) hopes to deliver a surprise home run.
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