Cadiz heads south again to face a surging Joy Conquistador seeking another big score

They loom as the primary contenders for the Clásico Jockey Club de Azul (L), Tuesday's centerpiece event

Cadiz winning the Especial Velocistas Potrillos in his final outing / HLP

LA PLATA—Speed takes center stage once again at the local track, where this afternoon features a new renewal of the Clásico Jockey Club de Azul (L, 1,100 m, dirt), open to 3-year-old colts mapping out their path toward the Clásico Ciudad de La Plata (G2), set for November 19 in what promises to be a spectacular showdown.

Featuring a meager winner's purse of 7,840,000 pesos, only seven contenders were confirmed, lining up a field that blends battle-tested names at this level with up-and-comers seeking to stake their claim in stakes company.

Returning to the eucaliptos after nearly two months on the sidelines is Cadiz, who scored convincingly in the Especial Velocistas Potrillos when drawing off by five lengths over Sunny Thunder (Dubai Thunder)—a subsequent maiden winner—stopping the clock in a blistering :59.62.

His primary challenger appears to be Joy Conquistador (Roman Joy), who, after running fifth behind Fletcher(Gershwin), Los Llanos (Le Blues), and Autorretrato (Angiolo)—a form line of true pedigree—returned to sprint distances to deliver a statement victory, clearing Arc Village (Angiolo) by three lengths in the Clásico Club Hípico de Tandil (L), with Mister Market (Market Rally)—recent runner-up in the Clásico Propietarios (L) at San Isidro—finishing right behind in third.

Turning back in distance for this assignment is Shiawase (Lucullan), a winner on debut over 1,200 meters at San Isidrobefore failing to threaten when finishing third behind Desert Voice (Dabster) over 1,400 meters at Palermo. Trainer Marcelo Sueldo reevaluates and takes a shot in a spot that, should it yield a strong performance, could open up promising options.

Armed with solid local form, Ciro Prince (Strategic Prince) ventured out to Palermo to contest an alternative-category race, which he won in good style. Returning to La Plata, he could feature prominently in the top spots on the board.

Lastly, Qué Vida Dura (Qué Vida Buena) merits consideration as a dark horse, entering off a third-place effort behind El Brigadier (Mask) and Unafraid (Forge) in a conditions event for winners.