Aiyanna, the Tireless Mare, Aims for Another Celebration in the Nigromante

With 60 kilos and enviable consistency, Aiyanna, the daughter of Santillano, will seek another medal against several formidable rivals, including Farika, Che Mamita, and Fantastic Woman.

Aiyanna hasn't finished worse than third in the past eight months./ JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Still echoing with the words and deeds from its spectacular Estrellas card, Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will resume racing this Monday with a lower-profile program topped by the Handicap Nigromante.

Run over 1200 meters and open to mares aged five and up, the race offers a modest purse of 5,800,000 pesos and has drawn a field of 14, led by the ever-consistent Aiyanna, who, nearing age seven, continues to chase victories with determination.

Carrying top weight of 60 kilos, the daughter of Santillano hasn’t finished worse than third since November, a streak spanning 12 starts, highlighted by wins in the Handicap Ante Diem and Handicap Carlos Zarlengo. Most recently, she finished second, 2 1/2 lengths behind Viva Al Sur (South Kissing) in the Handicap Platería, once again confirming her durability.

There are several strong rivals set to take her on, including Farika (Bodemeister, 59.5 kilos), another model of consistency. Sidelined for 88 days, the Stud Rubio B. runner was last seen finishing third behind Candy and Giant(Giant's Pleasure) and Aiyanna in the Handicap Jacinto Rafael Herrera.

Previously, Farika had run second to Noche Alta (Hi Happy) in the G2 Clásico Carlos Tomkinson over a mile and captured both the Handicap Brilliantly and Handicap Star and Stripes, defeating Aiyanna comfortably in the former.

Another name not to overlook is Che Mamita (Safety Check, 56.5 kilos), who drops in weight and could leverage her vast experience whether racing on or coming from off the pace.

Also in the mix are Fantastic Woman (In the Dark, 58 kilos), who defeated Aiyanna by a length in the Handicap Jardy; Joy Antumalal (Il Campione, 54 kilos), who could prove elusive if left alone up front back in her division; and the tough Una Causa (True Cause, 59 kilos) and Ingres (Galicado, 55 kilos), both proven at this level, with the latter particularly well treated at the weights.