A Week with Five Stakes Races and Low Turnout Across the Board

Between five and six participants were confirmed for the upcoming feature races at Palermo and San Isidro

El Epecuén enters following a runner-up finish in the Alzaga Unzué / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

A week featuring three stakes races awaits at Hipódromo de Palermo, with racing scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 14, and Monday, Feb. 16.

A stakes doubleheader is set for the weekend, featuring the Expressive Halo (L-2200m, turf) and the Jerry Honor (1000m, dirt). The former is open to 4-year-olds and up, while the latter is for 3-year-olds and up.

The clash for stayers attracted only five names, headlined by the ascending Ninguneando (Bodemeister), who comes in with momentum after an allowance victory and will now look to build on his previous efforts at this level.

The Stud Los Tres Amigos representative will face the mare Olimpia de Epiro (Southern Cat), Tambaqui (True Cause), Don Cervantes (Treasure Beach), and El Estanciero (Fire Slam).

Meanwhile, the confirmed list for the Jerry Honor also counts five runners, though of higher quality. The spotlight falls on the duel between G1 winners El Epecuén (Il Campione) and Le Cornette (Emmanuel), accompanied by Naranccello (Le Blues), Aires de Gloria (Angiolo), and Bailarín de Venecia (Angiolo), in what promises to be a top-class contest.

On Monday, the Roberto Pellegatta (1200m, turf) is scheduled for mares 3-year-olds and up, with six confirmed participants.

G2 winner Tiz Joy (Fortify), having now shed the rust from her layoff, will attempt to return to the winner's circle against Frapé (Vastago Salvaje), Victoria Bayern (Santillano), A La Vista (Angiolo), Centinela del Mar (Strategos), and La Tasmania (Mask).

As for Hipódromo de San Isidro, the main attraction will be the Clásico Río de La Plata (L-1200m, turf), a handicap for 3-year-olds and up.

The high weight of 58 kilos (128 lbs) among the five participants will be carried by Beauty Sea (Seahenge), who will share the gate with Stormy River (Le Blues, 55 1/2), Vendaval Joy (Roman Joy, 53 1/2), Ilegalismo (Lucullan, 52), and Garboso Frank (Gidu, 57 1/2).

Finally, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Clásico Vit Reina (1200m, dirt) will be held, a handicap for mares 3-year-olds and up. Traigo Paz (Equal Talent, 53 1/2), Verenna (Cosmic Trigger, 57 1/2), Starry Bomb (Hit It a Bomb, 56 1/2), Soy Atorranta (Angiolo, 54 1/2), and Look Happy (Hi Happy, 54 1/2) will all be at the post.