Between Moon Frank and Charm, the fillies’ crown is on the line in the Gran Premio Selección
- Turf Diario
- 4hs
- 3 Min. de lectura
The two standout fillies of the season will clash once again over the Palermo dirt, in a rematch of the Polla de Potrancas (G1)—an unmissable showdown in what promises to be a truly outstanding renewal of Argentinian Oaks
By Diego H. Mitagstein
The Gran Premio Selección (G1) and its always thrilling 2000 meters will this afternoon crown the top three-year-old filly of the season. Once again, as has been the case for decades, the dirt track at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermowill set the stage for a historic moment in Argentine racing—the Oaks often separates the good from the truly exceptional.
In a 2025 season where the division has shown clear leaders, two of the top protagonists will meet again in a rematch of the Polla de Potrancas (G1) just 28 days ago: Moon Frank (Gidu) and Charm (Strategos), the front-runners of their crop.
Roshita (Gouverneur Morris) held the top ranking for a few months, but distance and time set a limit, allowing the other two to take the reins and forge nearly flawless campaigns, far ahead of the rest. In the Polla, Moon Frank edged Charm by a neck—a narrow margin that promises another thrilling showdown. That day, the Gran Muñeca filly confirmed the promise she had shown when winning the Clásico General Luis María Campos (G2), maintaining her unbeaten record while taking the boldest step yet: stretching out from a mile to 2000 meters.
Moon Frank combines class, pedigree, and a light campaign with the ability to adapt to any pace scenario, though she never comes from too far back. These qualities underpin the candidacy of trainer Diego Peña’s filly.
Charm, meanwhile, is no pushover. She rose to fame with a win in the Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1) on the turf at San Isidro and cemented herself as the undisputed Champion Two-Year-Old Filly of 2025 with a decisive victory in the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile Fillies (G1), switching to dirt at Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego. At three, she reprised in the Polla in impressive fashion and now, under the care of trainer José C. Blanco, she seeks another G1 for owner-breeder John Behrendt, who just last weekend celebrated in the Prix de l’Opera (G1) at ParisLongchamp. Such is the global reach of racing.
The Selección will feature 11 runners, as Citana (Endorsement) will not participate. Among the hopefuls challenging the established duo is Sex Bomb (Nicholas), who broke her maiden in her third start and now takes a bold step toward glory. She may lack experience and is stretching out from a mile, but insiders are high on her potential.
From La Plata comes Mis Locuras (Manipulator), likely to race on the lead with relentless intent, repeating a formula that served her well at home. She ended Elenika (Winning Prize)’s streak with a win in the Clásico Diego White (G3) and then delivered a strong performance in last year’s Gran Premio Selección de Potrancas (G1), finishing a neck behind Cálida Sonrisa (Cosmic Trigger) after moving wide. Experience, speed, and stamina make her a dangerous contender.
Doña Lucila (Equal Talent) has found distance to be a key weapon, as demonstrated in the Clásico Francisco J. Beazley (G2), finishing three-quarters of a length behind the injured Queen Elinor (Señor Candy). Trainer Ignacio Díaz arrives at Palermo dreaming of the victory of his life, and the filly has every reason to deliver.
Also from the Beazley line comes Rosa Eterna (Long Island Sound), third that day after holding a forward position for much of the race. With only a maiden win to her record, a small step forward could put her among the leading contenders.
The Gran Premio Selección is set to run at Palermo, promising a true turf celebration. Moon Frank and Charm will bring their distinct talents to the track, while several others line up behind them, each seeking their moment in the spotlight.
