El Éxito Looks to Seal His Legacy, While Labrado Dreams of Making History

The Gran Premio Estrellas Mile and Estrellas Sprint will provide two of the highlights on Saturday’s card at Palermo, with top-class performers aiming to leave a lasting impression

Can Labrado Equal Wally's Record? / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Anticipation runs high for Saturday’s marquee races at Palermo as the Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1, 1600m, dirt, ARS$30,000,000 to the winner) and Estrellas Sprint (G1, 1000m, dirt, ARS$18,000,000) promise two of the most thrilling moments of the Carreras de las Estrellas, Argentina’s premier championship series organized by the Fundación Equina Argentina.

In the Mile, El Éxito will once again attempt to stamp his authority on the division after connections paid the supplemental entry fee. The son of Il Campione enters off a string of high-profile wins, capped by his dominant performance in the Gran Premio de las Américas–OSAF (G1) on May 1.

El Éxito will face 13 challengers following three notable defections, including Earth God (Cosmic Trigger), El Patio (Il Campione), and Folie Ninja (Hat Ninja). His confirmed opposition includes: Amigazo Sky (Falling Sky), Bequepingo (Cityscape), Descamisado (Cosmic Trigger), Don Rocky (Equal Stripes), Ecográfico Rim (Remote), Es Aristocrático (Angiolo), Garufa Mask (Mask), Preston Boss (Holy Boss), Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione), and Talented Hit (Hit It a Bomb).

In the Sprint, all eyes will be on Labrado, who could make history by becoming the first horse since the legendary Wally (Southern Halo) to win the Estrellas Sprint in three consecutive years. A victory would also mark his fourth Estrellas title, having captured the Junior Sprint (G3) in 2022.

The reigning sprint champion will renew his rivalry with Lagoa Azul (Lenovo), runner-up in the Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires (G1), and Coraje Gaucho (Lenovo), returning for the first time since finishing second in the 2024 Unzué (G1)—both having finished ahead of Labrado in those respective outings.

Completing the field are: Barbacoa Key (Key Deputy), El Paradigma (Il Campione), Hiran (Santillano), Le Cornette (Emmanuel), Santa Calma (Qué Vida Buena), and Viejos Tiempos Mask (Mask).

Also on the card is the Clásico Estrellas Dirt (1300m, dirt, ARS$10,000,000 to the winner), with seven fillies and mares set to go postward: A La Vista (Angiolo), Byron Star (Equal Stripes), Estrella del Día (Il Campione), Isolation (Suggestive Boy), Joy Melódica (Fortify), Look Happy (Hi Happy), and Pecadora Joy (Fortify).