Clausura Field Taking Shape as Season Finale Looms

"The season’s final heavyweight showdown in Argentina is set for Tuesday, december 30, at La Plata

Sono Perfetto is among the 25 entries for the Clásico Clausura / HLP

LA PLATA.- The Hipódromo de La Plata began outlining its season finale this Friday, preparing for the final day of the 2024 Argentine racing calendar scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 30.

The afternoon’s centerpiece is the G2 Clásico Clausura, a 2000-meter test for 3-year-olds and up that has long served as a definitive rematch of the GI Gran Premio Dardo Rocha. A massive roster of 25 nominations has been assembled to vie for a winner’s share of nearly 15 million pesos. The purse includes a 9.5-million peso bonus, significantly boosting the original 5.75-million peso winner's prize.

Coming off a string of stakes victories at Palermo, El Emporio (Il Campione) returns to the Bosque to face a stiff challenge from rising sophomore Sono Perfetto (Tetaze). The veteran contingent is equally formidable, featuring the experienced Billion (Galicado), Mannarino (Cosmic Trigger), El Darwin (Il Campione), Rumor de Fuego (Daddy Long Legs), and Seek Wave (Seek Again).

The extensive list of probables also includes: Amuni, Arashi, Don Chamamé, El Acuchillao, El Estanciero, Emblematicu, Hit Colchonero, Lago Nahuel Huapi, Lauren Nak, Lebano Vic, Mr. Canónico, Mufasa Spring, Preludio Lento, Record Label, Ree Airoso, Señor Dalton, Stuven, and Valle Barún.

The card will be bolstered by two additional features: the Especial París Queen (1000m) for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and up, and the Especial Tan Cerezo (1200m) for 5-year-olds and up, both restricted to winners of three or more races.

With 13 entries, the París Queen is headlined by La Meninha (Le Blues), who is assigned the 58kg (128 lbs) highweight. The Tan Cerezo drew 26 nominations, led by top-weighted contenders Crispado Key (Key Deputy) and Vespaciano(Daniel Boone), both carrying 60kg (132 lbs).

Final declarations and jockey assignments are due by 11:00 a.m. Monday, with the official program to be released later that afternoon.