Aspiring Artist and Se Cruzan, the early standouts among two-year-olds at Palermo

The colt and the filly captured on Saturday the first races for the 2023-born crop contested at Avenida del Libertador y Dorrego

Saturday’s program at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo marked the debut of the 2023 crop on the local dirt, following what had already taken place a few days earlier on the turf at San Isidro.

As is tradition, the action unfolded over 800 meters straight, with one division for colts and another for fillies. Both races drew solid fields, although still far from the days when the Copa Precoces used to attract massive entries in pursuit of a trophy that once carried considerable prestige and strong prize money.

The colts opened the show in the Premio Atlas, and favorite Aspiring Artist (Angiolo–Stalagmite, by Sebi Halo, Triple Alliance S.A.) delivered a comfortable victory under Kevin Banegas.

Representing Stud Pampa, he never strayed too far from early leaders Scaloneta Sar (Sardinero) and Chuhaister (Le Ken), began to improve midway through the run, and took control entering the final furlong, drawing off with authority.

Al Recreo (Aliwen) chased him home 2 1/2 lengths back, with Scaloneta Sar finishing a brave third, a neck behind. The final time was :45.72, clearly quicker than what the fillies would later record.

In their division, the Premio Dorine, victory went to Se Cruzan (Manipulator–Vampirina, by Ellos, Haras Don Arcángel), who stopped the clock in :46.56.The bay filly from Mar del Plata did everything right, jumping straight to the front and making every yard a winning one, holding on gamely by one length over Venus Win (Gershwin).

She was partnered by Brian Enrique and is trained by Juan Carlos Diestra for Stud Don Lolo of Santa Rosa, La Pampa.

On an otherwise low-profile card, the other race worth highlighting was the Premio Booz (1200m, dirt), for mares aged five and up with two or three wins. There, odds-on favorite Victoria Bayern (Santillano–Vegetta, by Zensational, Haras La Pasión) managed to prevail in a tight finish.

Trained by Juan C. Etchechoury (h.), ridden by Cristian Velázquez and carrying the colors of Stud Rubio B., she edged out Talentosa Ine (Equal Talent) and Legítima Blan (Equal Legítimo) by head and neck, respectively, in 1:12.21.

It was the fourth career victory from 13 starts for Victoria Bayern, who was making her first appearance since August and had previously delivered several solid efforts at a higher level.