Causeway Girl targets a win that could put her back in the stakes picture

Carrying 60.5kg, the Dabster filly heads into Friday’s Polar Star Hándicap as one of the key players at San Isidro

Causeway Girl, already a stakes winner / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

It is striking that a handicap like the Hándicap Polar Star has attracted only five runners. For mares aged four and up, over 1400 meters on the dirt, it will be Friday’s feature at the Hipódromo de San Isidro, opening a back-to-back weekend of racing at the venue, which will also stage a full program on Saturday.

Despite carrying top weight of 60.5kg, the race shapes as an ideal opportunity for Causeway Girl to return to the winner’s circle, following her recent victory in the Hándicap Potrizaris at Palermo under the same conditions she will face here. Already a real performer at stakes level, the daughter of Dabster clearly stands out on paper.

Taking her on is the ever-reliable Che Solita (Zensational, 54kg), receiving 6.5 kilos and coming off a couple of solid efforts, including a narrow runner-up finish, beaten just half a head by Guadilu (Señor Candy), in the Hándicap Wally. While she disappointed somewhat in her latest conditions race, the scenario still forces her into the role of main danger.

Next in line is Joy Traviesa (Fortify, 55kg), fourth in the Potrizaris and third in the Wally. Between those efforts she also posted a good win at Palermo and finished fifth in the Hándicap Empeñosa, rounding out a demanding campaign over recent months. She was not far behind the leading contenders in those races, so a form reversal cannot be ruled out.

Rounding out the small field are Mehora (Fortify, 53kg), coming off a conditions win, and Lancara (Manipulator, 54kg), who drops sharply in class following a distant fifth in the Clásico Los Haras (G2).