Comando Secreto, Qué Tarde Gris and Company: The Patriotic Mile is on Fire
- Turf Diario
- Jul 12
- 2 min read
The 9 de Julio (G2) will be the first of Saturday's stakes at San Isidro. A competitive race with an open outlook; the card will also feature the Cocles (L) and the Producción Nacional (L)
The traditional Clásico 9 de Julio (G2-1600m) will be the main feature on an outstanding Saturday card at Hipódromo de San Isidro, supported by the Clásico Cocles (L-2400m), the Producción Nacional (L-1000m), and a solid lineup of condition races, all on turf.
For many years a G1 event, this patriotic mile has lost ground to the Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1) but remains a beacon for the country’s top milers.
Its 2025 renewal has drawn an attractive field of 10, though it is surprising that it will be the first of the day’s three stakes. It feels like scheduling the main fight at the start of a boxing night… difficult to understand.
The division has seen a revolving door of leaders lately, and several of them will clash again here, including Comando Secreto (War Command), who isn’t the top choice but enters as defending champion, looking to unleash his late kick once more at age 7.
Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione) ran an excellent fourth, beaten just over two lengths by El Exito (Il Campione) in the Estrellas Mile, and perhaps this is the day he breaks through for his first stakes photo.
It won’t be easy. Besides Comando Secreto, rivals include Concord (Remote), winner of the Clásico América (G2); G1 scorer Folie Ninja (Hat Ninja); the speedy frontrunner Yak Sport (Glory Seattle); the consistent Don Latido (John F Kennedy); and the reliable What a Man (Mastercraftsman).
The Producción Nacional follows, featuring a rematch between Enjoy Dancing (Hi Happy) and Forever Rim(Remote), who were separated by just half a head when finishing 1-2 in the Handicap Fitzcarraldo.
Finally, the Cocles, an early stepping stone towards the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) later in the year, will see Seek Wave (Seek Again, 57.5kg), La Plata’s top 3-year-old of 2024, looking to build on his decent fifth in the Clásico Forli (G2).
He will face the improving Equal Mostaza (Equal Stripes, 55kg), runner-up by 2 1/2 lengths to Rammel (Fortify) in the Clásico General Belgrano (G2) with a strong closing rally, and Don Champagne (Long Island Sound), who returns from a long layoff. For those chasing value, Demostrame (Endorsement) is an interesting longshot.
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