Che Vivi Seeks Revenge on the Palermo Dirt

The son of Manipulator Faces Hop On Once Again in the Handicap Your Majesty

Hop On Is Coming Off a Victory Over Che Vivi, but Will Now Give Away More Weight / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Tough from whichever angle you look at it, the Handicap Your Majesty (1600m, dirt) stands out as the most important event on this afternoon's card at Hipódromo de Palermo, featuring another mix of rather weak races alongside a few much more promising ones.

Open to 5-year-olds and up, and offering a low winner's purse of $6,800,000 pesos (before deductions, of course), several contenders position themselves at the top of the list. Such is the case for Che Vivi (Manipulator, 57), who will attempt to break a frustrating streak of 6 consecutive runner-up finishes alternating between the capital city and La Plata.

The trainee of Marcelo Sueldo is coming off a 1 1/2-length defeat behind Hop On (Endorsement) in the Handicap Practicante over 1400 meters, while receiving a half-kilo weight advantage. That margin will now widen to 3 kilos, which could prove to be the deciding factor to help him turn the tables as he faces the Rosario native once again.

Returning from a 159-day layoff is Ronda de Ases (Forge, 56), a horse well-acquainted with stakes victories, yet so inconsistent that he always leaves doubts regarding his chances. If he runs to his best, he will make his presence felt, especially if he goes out to set the pace.

Another runner making a comeback, though after a shorter absence of 133 days, is Al Agua (Daddy Long Legs, 55). He signed off with a third-place finish in the Handicap Dancing Moss following 3 consecutive victories in allowance company, and he possesses class to spare.

Also adding depth to the field are Operístico (Daddy Long Legs, 55 1/2), Es Corajoso (Es Después, 52), and Don Galeón (Il Campione, 54), without overlooking the presence of El Quintral (Cursi Roy Top, 54 1/2).