Artigas and Penna bring some sparkle to an afternoon where the 2-year-olds will take center stage

The traditional maiden specials for first-time starters will headline the card, which will also feature several allowance races for juveniles

Juan Saldivia, trainer of Hand In Hand, Niño Feliz, and Fuurin / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Juveniles will take center stage on Saturday’s card at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, which features several allowance races alongside the traditional Especial Julio F. Penna and Especial Juan P. Artigas, both contested over one mile on dirt for debuting colts and fillies, respectively.

The boys will be first into the spotlight in the Penna, where several runners appear ready to live up to their strong private trials, none more so than Hand In Hand, a son of Il Campione trained by Juan Saldivia, who has checked every box in morning training.

Representing Stud Don Valentino, the colt arrives at the races with outstanding credentials, including three official workouts and several gate drills that turned heads.

Saldivia will also saddle Niño Feliz (Equal Stripes), the half-brother to Derby winner Niño Guapo (Catcher In the Rye).

The representative of Stud Garabo has likewise posted several eye-catching drills and promises to make his rivals work hard for victory.

Also based at Palermo, Mister Volare (Hi Happy) has displayed interesting ability in his preparations, while Blue Label (Señor Candy) and Dato del Día (Uncle Chuck) ship in from San Isidro with serious intentions.

Another colt worth close attention is Pillo Puntano (Village King), sharpened to perfection by Omar Labanca.

In the Artigas, which attracted only six confirmed starters, the leading candidate appears to be Far Away Avon (Gouverneur Morris), representing Rubio B. and a half-sister to G2 winner Far Away Eyes (Violence) and Farika (Bodemeister), from the distinguished family of Blue Prize (Pure Prize) and Blue Stripe (Equal Stripes).

Trainer Juan Carlos Etchechoury Jr. has tightened every screw in the mornings, and after several convincing works, expectations are high for an ideal debut.

After posting a sharp 1:29 4/5 for 1400 meters, Blue Lagoon (Señor Candy)—carrying the same powerful pedigree as the favorite—also appears ready to offer strong resistance.

Toribia Morris (Gouverneur Morris) has trained convincingly as well, just like Fuurin (Cima de Triomphe), leaving the door open for either filly to enjoy a winning debut.