Blue Caviar Targets the Eduardo Casey and Stakes His Claim as a Nacional top Contender

The full to Blue Stripe and half to Blue Prize comes off a win in the Martínez and now tackles 2200 meters

Blue Caviar Wins the Martínez and Now Sets Sights on the Casey / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The road to the Gran Premio Nacional will make its final major stop this Sunday at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermowith the Clásico Eduardo Casey (G2), whose 2200 meters often reveal one of the leading contenders for the Derby.

In a unique season, where the top-ranked dirt performers in Buenos Aires have mostly been sidelined, the race takes on even greater significance.

Eager to assert himself as the favorite for the most coveted trophy, Blue Caviar returns to the gate ready to confirm the promise he showed a few weeks ago when taking the Clásico Coronel Miguel F. Martínez (G2), and to prove that the extra distance suits him perfectly.

The Equal Stripes colt, a full brother to the outstanding Blue Stripe and half-brother to champion Blue Prize (Pure Prize), owned by Haras Pozo de Luna, left a strong impression in his last outing, defeating Gordianus (Señor Candy) by two lengths, though the latter will not be present this time. The best of Blue Caviar came in the stretch, finishing strongly, suggesting that the jump from 1800 to 2200 meters should benefit him even more.

Challenging him from the same barn is Nevado Catedral (Gouverneur Morris), also trained by Nicolás Martín Ferro. Comfortable winner at a mile in May, he finished third behind Drive Joy (Fortify) and Amor de Contramano(Gouverneur Morris) in the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1), then repeated third in the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1) after a troubled start that cost him a closer finish. He steps up in distance but arrives well-prepared.

Uncle Moi (Uncle Mo), representing Firmamento and the Team Gaitán, finished third in the Martínez but left connections wanting more; this is his chance to improve.

Consistent Hi Dolfi (Hi Happy) is expected to run well again, while conditional-level hopefuls Friends are Friends(Cityscape) and Irish Coffee (Fortify) are stepping up with high hopes. Piu (Leofric), a disappointing runner in the Polla but a dual winner, will seek redemption.