El Emporio and Bichita de Luz headline Sunday’s stakes action at Palermo

The colt takes center stage in the Mineral (L) over 2500 meters, while the filly steps up to face the boys in the Jorge Valdivieso (1200 m)

El Emporio stretches out in distance—yet remains simply untouchable / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Wrapping up a weekend rich in upper-level racing—and just hours before entries close for the GI Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini—Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will open its doors Sunday for a 14-race program highlighted by the Clásico Mineral (L), an exacting 2500-meter test, and the Clásico Jorge Valdivieso (1200m). Both will be run on dirt and are open to horses four and older.

In the marathon event, El Emporio (Il Campione) looks poised to secure his third straight stakes victory, having already captured the Clásico Carlos Gardel (L) and Clásico Irineo Leguisamo (L). The challenge this time will be the jump in distance—often a demanding transition.

Among his main threats is Ninguneando (Bodemeister), who exits a solid fifth-place finish, just 4 1/2 lengths behind Acento Final (Treasure Beach), in the GI Gran Premio Copa de Oro. Prior to that, he was fourth in the G3 Yatasto and a close second in the G3 General Pueyrredón, the longest graded race on the national calendar. A return to the track where he scored both his wins could spark a full rebound.

Another rising name is El Quetrihué (Il Campione), who turned heads when taking a 2200-meter allowance by a length over Maestro de Fe (Master of Hounds). He now takes his first shot at stakes company.

Earlier in the day, the Jorge Valdivieso will bring together a competitive group of sprinters in what appears to be a wide-open contest. Can Bichita de Luz upstage the males? The Fragotero filly, trained by Marcelo De Gregorio, is as reliable as they come and exits a strong runner-up effort behind Emely (Il Campione) in the Clásico Día de la Soberanía Nacional, despite a trip that worked against her.

At eight years old and with 52 career starts, Despacito (Sabayón) continues to show he’s not giving in any time soon. He proved as much 22 days ago when finishing second, two lengths behind G1 El Mejor Recuerdo (Il Campione) in the Clásico Revista Palermo.

Consistency has also been the calling card of both Mario’s Rim (Remote) and Ridge Prince (Strategic Prince), and they will look to maintain that pattern here.