Comando Secreto’s Experience Meets the Ambition of Don Zahir and Academus

The Buenos Aires Stakes (G3), contested over a mile on turf, shapes up as a particularly intriguing clash, with Don Latido also set to line up

Comando Secreto Seeks a Return to Winning Ways / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The second marquee attraction on Saturday’s card at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will be supplied by the milers, with the Clásico Buenos Aires (G3) bringing together an intriguing mix of proven class and emerging talent over the inner turf course.

A competitive field will assemble at the gates, blending seasoned performers in the division with younger types looking to earn their place after progressing through the conditions ranks, albeit with some prior exposure at a higher level.

Now seven, Comando Secreto (War Command), a G1 winner, signaled that plenty of ability remains when finishing a close third—just over a length behind Super Inter (Super Saver) and El Exito (Il Campione)—in the Clásico Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (L) on dirt. He now seeks a return to winning ways after six starts that mixed solid efforts with off-the-board finishes.

On the upswing, Don Zahir (Daddy Long Legs) arrives with momentum, having posted back-to-back victories in conditions company—first decisively on dirt, then edging the useful Coro de Rojas (Daddy Long Legs) by three-quarters of a length over this same course and distance.

As a juvenile, Academus (Treasure Beach) chased elite company, finishing second in the Gran Criterium (G1), Estrellas Juvenile (G1), and 2000 Guineas (G1). A lengthy layoff stalled his ascent, and while he has since recorded two wins—impressively so last time—he must show he can recapture that early-career brilliance. This represents a timely opportunity.

With nine career wins and making his 40th start, Don Latido (John F Kennedy) returns to a venue that has often suited him well. He exits respectable fourth-place finishes in the Clásico Pedro Chapar (G3) and the Clásico Urbano de Iriondo (L).

Rounding out a quality lineup are Monsieur Delon (Il Campione), Brazilian raider One Thing (Verrazano), and Chanclette (Super Saver), adding further depth to an engaging renewal of the Buenos Aires.