El Epecuén Shortens Up to Take On Despacito

Both will carry top weight in the Handicap Servicio Veterinario, which shapes up as the highlight of Friday’s featured doubleheader at Palermo

El Epecuén Tries 1200 Meters for the First Time / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Though it will serve as the supporting feature in Friday’s double stakes bill at Palermo, the Handicap Servicio Veterinario shapes up as the most compelling of the two. Contested over 1200 meters and open to horses aged five and up, the race brings together a solid group of runners with black-type credentials—something quite common in these one-turn sprint events, given the lack of top-level opportunities both here and at San Isidro.

Carrying co-highweights of 62.5 kilos will be El Epecuén (Il Campione) and the ageless Despacito (Sabayón), both returning with serious intentions.

Preference goes to the former, a horse of unquestionable quality who has battled persistent physical issues throughout his career. His back class is evident, and he comes off a confidence-boosting win in the Handicap Juan Bautista Udaondo, where he defeated Flying to the Sky (Señor Candy) by three lengths under 60 kilos.

Cutting back to 1200 meters will be a new test for the Miguel Cafere trainee, who has never raced at the trip, unlike Despacito, a seasoned specialist over the distance. The veteran from La Pampa, trained by Darío Periga, owns no fewer than 15 wins—many of them at a high level—most of which have come at this trip.

Versatile and consistent, Despacito captured the Handicap Aniversario de la Inauguración del Hipódromo Argentinoand the Handicap British Empire earlier this year, before finishing second to Mr Neil (Valid Stripes) in the Clásico Día de la Bandera.

Mr Neil himself is another key player, carrying 59 kilos and looking to rebound after a recent misstep on the turf, hoping to return to the strong form he had been showing.

La de Maranello (Holy Boss, 59.5) adds further depth to the field with her proven class and experience, while El Despertar (Il Campione, 57.5), a stakes winner in his own right, also warrants consideration.