Colifato Novo Set to Debut as Champion Against Earth God, Concord and Tooru

Can't-Miss Edition of G3 Clásico Southern Halo Draws 13 for Sunday Showdown

Colifato Novo Returns to Scene of 2024 Dual G1 Triumphs / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Dear reader, if you're a true fan of top-class racing, consider clearing your calendar and heading to the Hipódromo de San Isidro this Sunday for what promises to be the most exciting edition yet of the G3 Clásico Southern Halo (1400m, turf). Held in honor of the legendary sire imported by Hernán Ceriani Cernadas, the race pays tribute to a stallion who, from his base at Haras La Quebrada, reshaped the modern Argentine breeding landscape.

Open to 4-year-olds and up, this year’s renewal has drawn a dazzling cast of 12 runners, making a thrilling spectacle all but guaranteed.

All eyes will be on Tooru (Arg) (by Lizard Island), the gray warrior seeking a historic three-peat after back-to-back wins in 2023 and 2024. But the road to that feat won’t be easy, as he’ll square off against an imposing group of challengers, led by Colifato Novo (Arg) (by Lenovo), who was just crowned Argentina’s Champion 2-Year-Old Male of 2024. The star colt makes his second start of the season after a sharp runner-up effort sprinting at La Punta.

Adding further depth is the return of Earth God (Arg) (by Cosmic Trigger), a dual G1 winner who’s expected to play a major role in the middle-distance division once again. Also lining up is Concord (Arg) (by Remote), fresh off a breakthrough win in the G2 Clásico América over a mile, and ready to prove he belongs with the very best.

The list of standouts doesn’t stop there. The starting gate will also welcome the likes of Don Latido (John F Kennedy), Garufa Mask (Mask), Hit Rouge (Hit It a Bomb), Midnight Runner (Forge), Aroma Rim (Remote), Mr. Versace(Fortify), Río Felipín (Grand Reward), and What a Man (Mastercraftsman). What more could one ask for?

Meanwhile, following the cancellation of the Handicap Make Tracks (1100m, dirt), which was scheduled to headline the Wednesday, May 7 card, the week's stakes calendar in the north will be completed Friday with the Handicap Petite Ecurie (1200m, dirt), for fillies and mares three and up. A field of six is set, with Hello Candy (by Señor Candy) carrying top weight of 57.5 kilos.

Several races were scrapped from that Friday program, leaving only 11 races on the day, none with more than nine starters—a scenario that has become increasingly common this season.

With foal crops having sharply declined in recent years, consistently filling 15- or 16-race programs may soon become a thing of the past..