Campos and Cané Promise Remarkable Spectacles on the Road to the Triple Crown

Filly and colt divisions will face their final major test this Saturday at Palermo before the September Pollas

The Great Terms Returns to Action in the Cané and Puts His Undefeated Record on the Line / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The weather certainly isn't helping these days. In winter, with the rain and humidity... It really makes you want to stay inside. However, the card that Hipódromo Palermo has put together for this Saturday practically forces you to forget all those minor details and slip away to enjoy some outstanding racing.

There are two key points worth keeping in mind. On the one hand, according to the forecast—which hits with less frequency than we do at the races—things are expected to improve during the afternoon once activity is underway, with sunshine even predicted. On the other hand, a program awaits at the corner of Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego that will leave no room for distractions.

In the condition ranks, several races warrant close attention as we look for prospective stars of the future. At the stakes level, the Clásico Chacabuco (G2) will gather many of the top stayers in training for the second leg of the Campeonato Palermo de Oro Verde.

Meanwhile, two-year-old fillies and colts will face their final major preps heading into the Pollas showcase and the start of the Triple Crown—a sweep that has not seen a winner since Refinado Tom (Shy Tom), Jorge Valdivieso, Roberto Bullrich, and La Biznaga successfully strung together every leg back in 1996, 30 years ago. The Clásico General Luis María Campos (G2) and the Clásico Miguel Cané (G2), both over a mile on the main track, will be the trophies up for grabs.

First up will be the fillies in the Clásico Campos, which last year went to Moon Frank (Gidu), who then went on to capture the Polla over Charm (Strategos). Only 6 contenders are confirmed, but the field holds immense intrigue.

Coming off the Clásico Manuel J. Güiraldes (G3) form line are Candy Unica (Señor Candy), Foto Increíble(Gouverneur Morris), and Antolina (Remote), who finished first, second, and fourth that afternoon over fast going.

Now they will test heavy going, a development that favors Candy Unica, who captured the Clásico Fortunato Damiani (G3) at La Plata a few months ago under similar conditions. Foto Increíble is eager for a rematch, and there is reason for optimism. After an ideal debut, she picked up vital experience in the Güiraldes that she may now capitalize on.

While those runners have the benefit of stakes experience, they will have to contend with 3 rivals coming off highly impressive maiden victories. Look At To Me (Dabster) put on a clinic over the mile on Güiraldes day, drawing off by 8 lengths in sharp time. Without a doubt, her best racing is still ahead of her.

On the turf at San Isidro, Robate Un Beso (Uncle Chuck) delivered a stunning debut performance, winning by 11 lengths under a hand ride while showcasing special talent. She now transitions to the dirt, which remains a question mark.

Finally, Empress Mary (Uncle Chuck) managed to edge Look At To Me by a neck on the day the latter debuted, and her connections now aim to repeat that outcome.

The Clásico Miguel Cané offers equal reason to let anticipation build, as the 11 confirmed entrants are unlikely to disappoint. Several form lines converge here, starting with the Clásico Old Man (G3), where Lunfardo (Daddy Long Legs) held off the late surge of El Gibson (Uncle Chuck) to claim victory, with Fuego Imponente (Santillano) finishing third.

Emotion Prize (Emotion Orpen) finished runner-up to the standout Colorado del Monte (Strategos) in the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1), a performance that elevated him several spots in the division rankings.

The undefeated The Great Terms (The Great Day) will also return to action following a 4-month layoff. Winner of the Clásico Antártida Argentina (L) and Clásico Crespo (G3), he has already won over heavy going, though his front-running style could be tested by the presence of several rivals with similar intentions.

Juan Saldivia returns Fletcher (Gershwin) to the dirt following an uninspiring effort in the Estrellas, remembering that the dark bay from Chos Malal won effortlessly in the Clásico Pedro Goenaga (G2) at La Plata.

Among those coming off maiden victories, Kenakir (Il Campione) stands out as a highly intriguing prospect, also hailing from the Saldivia barn.