Copa de Oro and Enrique Acebal, the next major challenges on the turf at San Isidro

Entries were taken Monday for the key prep to the Pellegrini and for the race that will crown the top filly in the North

Acento Final returns to the course where he captured the 2024 Jockey Club / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

With the Gran Premio Latinoamericano now in the books, Argentine—and South American—racing turns its attention to the major challenges of December, highlighted by the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1) meeting.

Serving as the final stepping-stone toward that prestigious contest, the Gran Premio Copa de Oro (G1–2400m, turf)and the Gran Premio Enrique Acebal (G1–2000m, turf) closed entries Monday. Both races will be run Saturday, December 1, at Hipódromo de San Isidro.

Carrying a purse of 60 million pesos, the local “Gold Cup” could feature up to 10 starters, led by Acento Final (Treasure Beach), who returns to the course where he captured the 2024 Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1) and most recently defeated Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja) in the Gran Premio General San Martín (G1) over the Palermo turf.

Potential rivals include Capitán Kid (Daniel Boone), runner-up to Vundu (Suggestive Boy) in the Clásico Engrillado; Vota Bien (Hi Happy), winner of the Clásico Perú (G2); and Time to Think (Seahenge), who dominated the Clásico Yatasto (G3) over heavy going.

Others that could line up are El Pulque (Heliostatic), El Quetrihué (Il Campione), Endor Rye (Endorsement), Ninguneando (Bodemeister), Saphirus Blue (Daniel Boone), and Tata Eterno (Daniel Boone).

The Enrique Acebal drew a much larger entry list, with 18 fillies nominated, including several that have been prominent throughout the season in graded and conditional company. Among them is Moon Frank (Gidu), winner of the Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas (G1) and most recently third in the Gran Premio Selección (G1), as well as Cálida Sonrisa (Cosmic Trigger), who took the Gran Premio Selección (G1) at La Plata.

Probable contenders also include Great Fight (Equal Stripes), victorious in the Clásico Federico de Alvear (G2); Rosa Eterna (Long Island Sound), runner-up in the Palermo Oaks; and Citana (Endorsement), second to Charm (Strategos) in the Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1) and set to return.

Other possible starters are Carmensita (Treasure Beach), Doña Lógica (Equal Stripes), Doña Lucila (Equal Talent), Doña Vainilla (Il Campione), Invocación (Treasure Beach), Miss Kalima (Seahenge), the Brazilian Pale Ale (Outstrip), Pawnee Drive (Lucullan), Petite Bamb (Cityscape), Pura Diva (Puerto Real), Roma En Abril (Roman Joy), Sachi (Equal Stripes), and Siana (Cityscape).

For both Group 1 events, forfeits and riding commitments must be submitted by noon on Monday, Oct. 27, with the post position draw to be held virtually the following day.

As usual, participants must pay an entry fee equal to 2% of the purse and pass the pre-race testing requirements with negative results.