Che Vivi Faces Even Field in 1400m Handicap Advocate

Boasting an impressive record of 6 wins from 9 starts and assigned a featherweight of just 56 1/2 kilos (approx. 125 lbs), the son of Manipulator stands as the top choice against Bienhechor, Payucano, and several others

Che Vivi Seeks First Victory Away from La Plata / HLP

A Thursday afternoon of racing at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo awaits, with the heat maintaining its relentless grip on the City of Buenos Aires and surrounding areas. It is a card with few highlights in general—as has been the case for most since the season began—centered around the Handicap Advocate.

Contested over 1400 meters on the dirt with a 7,500,000 peso purse for the winner, the race is open to all horses 4 years old and up, and features several names capable of stepping up as contenders.

Strong current form seems to be the common denominator among the 8 confirmed starters, beginning with Che Vivi (Manipulator, 56 1/2). He will carry a light weight considering his track record, making him the one to beat. The Marcelo Sueldo trainee has run 9 times with 6 victories, losing only in his debut (which led to an eighteen-month layoff), the Gran Premio Palermo (G1), and the Especial Hipódromo de Dolores. In that most recent effort, he was defeated by the rising El Bolivariano (Il Campione) while conceding 4 kilos. As the winner of the Especial Don Arcángel and Especial Ribereño, both at La Plata, he looms as a tough nut to crack.

Bienhechor (Hurricane Cat, 56 1/2) also brings interesting recent form; after winning the Handicap Sideral, he ran well in the Clásico Jorge A. Ricardo, finishing third behind Rugiente (Il Campione) and Bichita de Luz (Fragotero)under weight-for-age conditions.

Payucano (Mask) will carry the top weight of 60 kilos and, like Che Vivi, is conditioned by Marcelo Sueldo. He enters off a victory in the demanding Handicap Hipódromo de San Isidro at La Plata and is looking for more.

Quebracho Joy (Fortify, 56 1/2) would be a major contender if he were at his peak, but his recent performances have been subpar. After winning the Clásico Japón (L) in mid-July, his form has declined. If he finds his old self, he could easily find the winner's circle.

Approval Cat (Endorsement, 58 1/2) is another performing exceptionally well, alongside El Estimado (Il Campione, 56), who steps up from the allowance ranks with momentum, though he appears slightly high-weighted for this jump in class.