A formidable Saturday awaits at Palermo, with a high-level racing card featuring several classics for fans to enjoy

The Campeonato de Oro kicks off with the Clásico Otoño (G2) and the Clásico Arturo R. y Arturo Bullrich (G2); stars Charm and Martana make their returns; Le Cornette seeks to extend his streak, and the 2-year-olds face their first classic challenges around the turn in the Santiago Luro (G2) and the Saturnino J. Unzué (G2)

- Charm would return to action in the Clásico Arturo R. and Arturo Bullrich / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

PALERMO, Buenos Aires (Special for Turf Diario).— The Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo is gearing up for a week of top-tier racing, with the main attraction set for next Saturday, though the cards on Monday and Thursday the 12th also carry significant interest.

On Libertador and Dorrego, the atmosphere is firmly in "Campeonato de Oro" mode. This brings out many of the biggest names in training, all pointing toward the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1) festival on May 1st.

The Saturday Spectacular: The Road to the Gold

Four stakes races will be decided on Saturday, headlined by the Otoño (G2) and the Arturo R. y Arturo Bullrich (G2). Both are contested over 2,000 meters and serve as the opening legs of the Buenos Aires championships for all-aged horses and fillies/mares, respectively.

• Clásico Otoño (G2): Despite a short field of 7, the quality is high. El Emporio (Il Campione), Sono Perfetto(Tetaze), the G1 winner Unico Happy (Hi Happy), and Endor Rye (Endorsement) lead the entries, potentially joined by Brasilero Francisco, Ruso Real, and Speedmaster.

• Clásico Bullrich (G2): An even smaller but star-studded lineup features the expected return of Charm(Strategos), the undisputed 2025 champion filly. She faces a formidable rival in Martana (Fortify), who arrives fresh off a brilliant victory in the G.P. Ciudad de Montevideo (G1) at Maroñas. The field is rounded out by G2 winners Portal Maya, Cannolina, and the recent handicap winner Herd Immunity.

Juveniles Face the Turn

Saturday also marks the first time the 2-year-old crop will tackle the turn in classic company:

• Clásico Santiago Luro (G2 - 1,200m): After his dominant win in the Kemmis (G3), Lebrón Blues (Le Blues) is the horse to beat against challengers like Al Recreo, El Pirata, and Esthetic Boy.

• Clásico Saturnino J. Unzué (G2 - 1,200m): Following her maiden-breaking stakes win in the Casares (G3), Embozada Rim (Remote) tests her mettle against Amiguita Casual, Juara, and Marynda.

Monday and Thursday: Speed and Miles

The action continues on Monday, March 9th, with two G3 events serving as preps for May 1st:

• Clásico El Virtuoso (G3 - 1,600m): A key prep for the G.P. de las Américas - OSAF (G1), featuring names like Amuni, Comando Secreto, and Don Zahir.

• Clásico Irlanda (G3 - 1,000m): The sprinting sensation Le Cornette (Emmanuel) towers over the 11 entries as he points toward the G.P. Ciudad de Buenos Aires (G1).

Finally, on Thursday the 12th, the Clásico Jamelao (L - 1,400m) for older mares will see Look Happy, Pecadora Joy, and Victoria Bayern among the candidates.

It is a loaded week at Palermo, offering plenty of reasons for turf fans to stay tuned to every detail.