Biaus, Tomkinson, and Embrujo headline the weekend’s action at Palermo and San Isidro

Both of the country’s main racetracks will each host three race meetings next week, with their feature eventsserving as the key attractions on programs that promise plenty of quality and excitement

Martana looks to add another win to her résumé on the Palermo dirt track / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

A short but high-quality program awaits racing fans this Saturday at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, where only 11 races will be run, yet two of them carry Group 2 status: the Clásico Ramón Biaus (G2–2200m, dirt)and the Clásico Carlos Tomkinson (G2–1600m, dirt), both restricted to fillies and mares three years old and up.

The standout name in the feature is unquestionably Martana (Fortify), who comes off a commanding, gate-to-wire romp in the Clásico Chile (G2). Another victory would confirm her as one of the country’s premier stayers and could open the door to an international campaign, with connections reportedly considering a trip to Maroñas, Uruguay, for the Gran Premio Ciudad de Montevideo (G1) on January 6.

The Santa Inés homebred is expected to face Risible (Orpen), the U.S.-bred Piangere (Palace Malice), 3-year-old Cannolina (South Kissing), Mar de Amor (Seahenge), Existing (Winning Prize), and Pasaron Cosas (Treasure Beach).

The Tomkinson drew an unusually light field of just four runners, making it a tactical affair among Reina Casada(Long Island Sound), Primera Fila (Equal Stripes), Increpante (Sigfrid), and Orpen Rimout (Remote).

Racing continues at Palermo on Tuesday, November 18, with the Clásico Día de la Soberanía Nacional (1200m, dirt) as the day’s highlight for older mares. The five confirmed starters are Mi Negra Paula (Reflecting), Look Happy(Hi Happy), Bichita de Luz (Fragotero), Emely (Il Campione), and City Land (Lizard Island).

Two additional feature events will complement the program: the Especial Mariano R. Cazeaux (1000m, dirt) and the Especial Special Reserve (1400m, dirt), both for horses three and older that have campaigned in Argentina’s interior circuits.

Over at San Isidro, the highlight will come on Sunday, November 16, with the Clásico Embrujo (L–1600m, turf) for older horses under handicap conditions. The confirmed field includes Viejo Varieté (Qué Vida Buena, 56 kilos), Real World (Cityscape, 50½), Bay Max (Gouverneur Morris, 53), Bluclette Rim (Remote, 57), Forgging (Forge, 54½), and Convertido (Conversor, 51½).

The day will also feature the Handicap Juan Esteban Bianchi (2000m, turf), with Out of the Blue (Drosselmeyer) topping the weights at 59 kilos among five entrants.

In sum, it promises to be a compact but compelling weekend of racing across Argentina’s two premier venues—Palermo and San Isidro—where Martana headlines a card filled with class, form, and anticipation.