Colifato Novo targets further glory in an epic clash of champions in the Gran Premio Estrellas Mile

The outstanding runner conditioned by Joaquín Cano aims to capture his second career Estrellas trophy when he faces a formidable lineup that includes Drive Joy, Earth God, Kopke, Nevado Catedral, and a deep field of high-level turf stars

It is impossible not to anticipate an absolute thriller in the build-up to this afternoon’s Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1)over 1,600 meters on the turf. The prestigious event serves as a fundamental anchor of the blockbuster program at Hipódromo de San Isidro, which today celebrates the historic 36th anniversary of the Carreras de las Estrellas festival.

Racing fans will be treated to a true clash of titans, with the market spearheaded by a spectacular trio of champions: Colifato Novo (Lenovo), Drive Joy (Fortify), and Earth God (Cosmic Trigger). Colifato Novo earned honors as the definitive Champion 2-Year-Old Colt of 2024, Drive Joy secured that exact same divisional crown in 2025, and Earth God enters the starting gates as the country's reigning Champion Miler.

As if that star-studded triumvirate were not enough, the deep field features two additional Grade 1 winners in Bronx (Qué Vida Buena) and Folie Ninja (Hat Ninja), who famously dead-heated for victory in the 2024 edition of this very race. The sophomore division is formidable as well, led by Nevado Catedral (Gouverneur Morris), the brilliant winner of the Clasico Benito Villanueva (G2) who makes his highly anticipated turf debut for the Jockey Club Argentino while seeking redemption from a recent dull effort at Palermo. He is joined by Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione), a multiple graded stakes winner in the division, and the exceptionally talented Kopke (Hi Happy), who returns from a 196-day layoff into the deepest of waters but possesses the class to overcome the absence.

From a tactical standpoint, the complexion of the race will heavily depend on how Colifato Novo is allowed to dictate the early tempo. The brilliant dark bay, masterfully conditioned by Joaquín Cano, enters on the back of three consecutive coast-to-coast victories in the Clásico Invasor (G3), Clásico Horacio Bustillo (G2), and Clásico Southern Halo (G3). If his regular pilot Lautaro Balmaceda can successfully ration the colt's speed through the opening fractions, catching him in the San Isidro stretch will be an almost impossible task.

Consequently, neither Drive Joy nor Earth God can afford to give the lone speed too much rope early. Exiting the Gran Premio de las Américas (G1)—where they finished first and eighth, respectively—both elite milers possess proven, high-level form on the grass and stand fully prepared for this heavyweight challenge.

Meanwhile, Qué Tarde Gris exits a solid third-place finish behind Drive Joy in the Gran Premio OSAF (G1), and his tactical blueprint is well-established: he will be biding his time at the back of the pack to launch a fierce late rally. Similarly, Kopke and Nevado Catedral are expected to be ridden aggressively from the start to ensure they do not concede any tactical advantages. It sets the stage for a truly legendary Mile renewal where surprises are always possible, but elite class remains the definitive benchmark.