Crispado Key aims for his first stakes victory in the Onesto Puente over 1200 meters

In peak form, the son of Key Deputy takes on a large field in La Plata's Thursday feature

Crispado Key will have a challenging task ahead in this test / HLP

LA PLATA, Argentina—Just like Monday and Tuesday, a sprint stakes will take center stage at one of the country’s main racetracks, though La Plata has seen better days. This time, the spotlight is on the Listed Onesto Puente, a 1200-meter test for horses three and up under set weights, offering a winner’s purse of $4,870,000, roughly what it takes to break a maiden at Palermo these days.

A full field of 16 is set to line up, promising a fast pace that could create trouble for closers navigating through traffic.

Approaching his seventh birthday, Crispado Key (Key Deputy) arrives in stellar form and looks to build on his recent success. The Stud Aeropuerto runner took the Bon Cavalier and Firmamento Stakes at this track, with only a single misstep at Palermo in between, and now aims even higher.

He will be joined by Furioso Manner (Furious Key), a stablemate who has shown steady improvement and steps up in class in search of further progress.

The competition is deep, featuring the ageless Surfing Boy (Hurricane Cat), who is nearing his 10th birthday while knocking on the door of his 11th career win. A fixture at this level, he has finished second in the Emilio Casares (L), third in the Jockey Club Argentino (L), and runner-up again in the Platería. Given his consistency, it’s hard to ignore him as a top contender.

Amigazo Mak (Maktub) has taken an inconsistent path of late but remains dangerous if he regains his best form. Meanwhile, Il Capitano (Bodemeister) enters off three straight wins, making him a serious threat.

Others bringing plenty of experience include Eyes Have It (Il Campione), Hit Tión (Hit It a Bomb), and D'Or Van(Van Nistelrooy), all veterans of significant battles.