Coni Fizz returns to dirt in search of another major score

A last-out winner of the Asociación de Propietarios, Coni Fizz returns to a surface over which she is undefeated, though she'll face a serious challenge from the likes of Pecadora Joy and Noche Alta

Coni Fizz appears to be a filly on the rise / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

A marathon 16-race program is on tap this Friday at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, with the spotlight set to shine brightest around 6 p.m. local time for the GIII Clásico Círculo de Propietarios de Caballerizas SPC, a one-mile test on dirt for fillies and mares three years old and up.

It's a compelling matchup in a fiercely competitive division, with several rising names looking to solidify their place at the top—including Coni Fizz, who returns to the surface over which she is undefeated. The daughter of Marconi dazzled most recently on turf, rolling home by five lengths over Causewauy Girl (Dabster) in the GIII Asociación de Propietarios de Caballos de Carrera.

Her main competition includes Pecadora Joy (Fortify), a homebred for Haras Firmamento and a highly regarded filly within the barn. She captured the Listed Clásico Jamelao in early March and looms as a serious threat if she bounces back to that level.

Despite underwhelming in her last two starts, Noche Alta (Hi Happy) remains a key player. The defending champion of this race, she also boasts wins in the GIII Asociación de Propietarios and GII Carlos Tomkinson, giving her a class edge that can’t be overlooked. A strong late runner, she’ll be hoping for a pace to chase.

Also stepping into stakes company is Galitza (Bodemeister), who enters on the heels of back-to-back wins in the Court Harwell and Juan Carlos Noriega Handicaps. She’ll try to extend a hot streak for Stud Rubio B. and trainer Juan C. Etchechoury Jr.

Hi Chasty (Hi Happy), riding a three-race win streak in the condition ranks, gets her first real test in black-type company, while Ethereum (Portal del Alto) crushed her latest by seven lengths over Ma Perque (Cosmic Trigger), but now faces a significantly tougher field.

Rounding out the field is Miss Talento (Equal Talent), who wasn’t disgraced last time when finishing seven lengths behind Obra Clásica (Suggestive Boy) in the GII Guerrico at San Isidro.