Colts Heat Up on the Turf, with Ardiendo Ready to Join the Action

Winner of the Gran Criterium (G1) and Runner-Up in the 2000 Guineas (G1), the Remote Colt Shines in the Clásico Ensayo (G3), a Prep for the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1)

Ardiendo Looks to Score Another Major Turf Victory / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

While Wednesday’s card at San Isidro made eyes hurt, this Friday’s program promises to be superlative, featuring three key stakes races and a solid lineup of conditionals, all sprinkled with wagering incentives that are sure to tempt bettors looking for an extra ticket.

The selection process for 3-year-olds on the turf reaches its most important stage, highlighted by the Clásico Ensayo (G3-1800mT), which will lead a high-profile menu completed by the Clásico Marina Lezcano (1600mT) for fillies, and the Clásico Engrillado (2000mT), where several top northern turf performers at the distance will clash, not only for pride but also for the nomination that the Jockey Club Argentino will award for the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) on Oct. 18 at Gávea, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A key prep for the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1), the second leg of the national Triple Crown set for October, the Ensayo will feature nine entries, with Ardiendo standing out as the clear favorite.

The Remote colt came into the spotlight with a commanding victory in the Gran Premio Gran Criterium (G1) and later confirmed his quality even in defeat, finishing two lengths behind The Great Racing (The Great Day) in the Gran Premio 2000 Guineas (G1). Now stretching out an additional 200 meters, a test that should suit him well, he benefits from strong genetics and the training of Enrique Martín Ferro.

He faces several challengers, including Forging, who will break from the inside post and likely set a strong pace in an attempt to become unreachable. The Forge colt was among the first 2-year-olds to win, impressing over 800 meters, but then struggled after suffering overreaches. Following a brief spell, he returned to capture a conditional event and ran a brave fourth in the 2000 Guineas, just a length behind Ardiendo, having set the pace well into the stretch.

Firmamento looks to the recovery of Real Rim (Remote), who, after finishing second to stablemate Drive Joy (Fortify) in the Clásico Raúl y Raúl E. Chevalier (G2), disappointed in both the Gran Criterium and the 2000 Guineas, coming 4¾ lengths behind the winner in the latter—a margin that could easily shrink here.

Friends are Friends (Cityscape) made a successful turf debut, bouncing back from a misstep at Palermo, breaking his maiden over the same 1800 meters he will contest now, a factor that may play in his favor.

Representing Las Monjitas, he will team up with Magistral Boy (Daniel Boone), who was fourth in his Buenos Aires debut before dominating over 1400 meters to defeat Te Quiero Verde (Mootasadir) by 2½ lengths on wet going.

Gran Muñeca looks to continue her winning streak, sending out Jazzy Frank (Gidu). In his sixth start, the gray colt responded with a five-length victory over Hi Nud (Hi Happy), leaving a solid impression and now stretching out with ambitions.

Rounding out an exciting cast are Piñazo (John F Kennedy), Neat Colt (Treasure Beach), and Have Fun (Fortify), a group that promises to deliver plenty of action.