Don Griego Steps Up to the Ultimate Challenge in the Historic Clásico 9 de Julio

Carrying an exceptional record of six victories from just seven career starts, the highly talented son of Long Island Sound faces a critical milestone in his brilliant campaign this Saturday at San Isidro

A spectacular weekend of continuous high-quality racing is unfolding across Argentina. Following a Friday card that featured three stakes races at Hipódromo de Palermo, the spotlight shifts this Saturday to Hipódromo de San Isidro. The venue has put together an excellent program centered around the traditional Clásico 9 de Julio (G2-1,600m, turf).

While this historic event has lost some of its former luster over the years—having seen its distance shortened from 2400 meters and its Grade 1 status downgraded—it remains a highly significant fixture on the calendar. This afternoon, it forms a stellar double-feature alongside the Clásico Espirita (L-2,000m, turf), a competitive handicap for fillies and mares 4 years old and upward that serves as a beautiful complement to the main event.

With the absolute leaders of the mile division absent from the starting gates—as most of them competed just two weeks ago in the prestigious Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1)—the Clásico 9 de Julio still presents a deeply intriguing lineup of talented runners, spearheaded by the rising star Don Griego.

The son of Long Island Sound boasts a nearly flawless record, having captured six victories from just seven lifetime starts. This afternoon, he will look to translate his exceptional form to the classic mile distance following a gritty performance just over a month ago in the Clásico Pippermint (G2) over 1,400 meters, where he dug deep to defeat Cosmic Stripes (Cosmic Trigger) by a neck.

Crucially, the only blemish on Don Griego's record came in his lone previous attempt over 1,600 meters. Cosmic Stripes will look to exploit that vulnerability as he stretches out to the mile for the very first time, setting the stage for an intriguing and highly anticipated rematch.

However, the principal contenders will face stiff opposition from the battle-tested veteran Comando Secreto (War Command). As the lone Grade 1 winner in the lineup, he possesses a devastating late kick and looms as a massive threat if the early fractions turn out to be overly contested.

Another runner demanding immense respect is Viejo Varieté (Qué Vida Buena), who exits a heartbreaking defeat by a mere half-head to Vundu (Suggestive Boy) in the Clásico Forli (G2). The field is rounded out by the progressive Energizing (Il Campione), making a ambitious step up from the allowance ranks, and Zaatar (Hurricane Cat), an intriguing runner returning from a lengthy layoff.

A Wide-Open Renewal of the Clásico Espirita

The undercard features the Clásico Espirita, where pre-race scratchings have already confirmed the absence of Abrazo Al Cielo (Treasure Beach), who is sidelined due to a medication violation at La Plata.

In her absence, Soy La Líder (Manipulator, 57 kg) and Argomasa (Lucullan, 56 1/2 kg) will shoulder the high weights. While both mares possess the strongest overall credentials in the field, neither enters the race in peak form. This opens the door for the lighter-weighted challengers, with Icilia (Lizard Island, 49 1/2 kg) and Niebla Peligrosa (Daddy Long Legs, 51 1/2 kg) heavily favored by the handicap conditions and ready to capitalize on a wide-open contest.