Amor de Contramano Looks for Redemption in Deep Miguel Cané

The flashy gray colt was last seen finishing behind Drive Joy in the G1 Estrellas Juvenile, but now sets his sights firmly on the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1) and hopes to arrive there in peak form—and as one of the leading contenders

Amor de Contramano, Dominant in His Montevideo Triumph / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The Clásico Miguel Cané (G2, 1600m, dirt) shapes up as an electrifying contest this Saturday at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, serving as the primary leg of the graded triple and the final stepping stone toward next month’s eagerly awaited Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1) — the kickoff to a new edition of the Argentine Triple Crown, which has awaited a hero since Refinado Tom (Shy Tom) in 1996.

The spotlight undoubtedly centers on the highly regarded Amor de Contramano, the flashy gray colt who impressed with a dominant win in the Gran Premio Montevideo (G1) on May 1 before being bested by Drive Joy (Fortify) in the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1).

There were mitigating circumstances behind that surprising defeat. Amor de Contramano missed several days of training due to a stomach ailment that, while not a full colic, required cautious treatment in a clinic. Fully recovered now, the colt returns with intentions to showcase his full ability, likely pushing the pace from the outset.

But the field is deep and competitive.

Gardel Pass (Distinctiv Passion), fresh off a win in the Clásico Pedro Goenaga (G2) at La Plata — where he defeated Winston (Forge), who later won the Clásico Aramburu (G3) — comes back to the track where he is trained aiming to take another leap forward.

Also in the mix are undefeated Curious Song (Sixties Song), who impressed in his debut; Nevado Catedral (Gouverneur Morris), third in the Juvenile (G1); along with Liberto (Hurricane Cat) and Piu (Leofric), the exacta finishers in the Clásico Old Man (G3).

Among the maidens, Gordianus (Señor Candy) edged out Hi Scottish (Hi Happy), and the pair will meet again but at a higher level. Jazz Disfrute (Hi Happy), on a quick upward trajectory for Firmamento, also starts, while Full Keynote (Full Mast) — fresh off a disappointing effort in the 2000 Guineas (G1) a week ago — is given another chance on dirt by the Gran Muñeca team. Full Keynote, winner of the Clásico Antártida Argentina (L), carries high expectations.

With a star-studded cast and multiple paths converging, the Miguel Cané promises a thrilling preview of the division’s leading 3-year-old colts as they gear up for the Triple Crown chase.