El Exito Confirmed for Clásico Perú, Seeking New Challenges

Il Campione’s Son Steps Up to 1800 Meters on Monday, Faces Seven Tough Rivals

El Exito Draws Gate 7 for Clásico Perú (G2) / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The upcoming week of racing at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will feature an important highlight on Monday, July 28, with the renewal of the Clásico Perú (G2) over its traditional 1800 meters, open to horses aged four and up under weight-for-age conditions.

The race will mark a fresh challenge for El Exito, Argentina’s top miler on dirt, who steps up in distance due to the lack of major targets at his preferred trip. The son of Il Campione arrives in stellar form, having captured both the Gran Premio de las Américas - OSAF (G1) and the Estrellas Mile (G1), the latter after connections paid a supplementary fee to secure his spot in the starting gate.

Trained by José Cristóbal Blanco, El Exito drew post 7 in a field of eight that includes proven stakes performers such as Holy Holy Rim (Remote), Acento Final (Treasure Beach), and Storm Sound (Hi Happy).

Rounding out the lineup are Descamisado (Cosmic Trigger), Jardín Secreto (Il Campione), Tiznow Forever (Midshipman), and Vota Bien (Hi Happy).

Monday’s card will offer 12 races, beginning at 2:00 p.m. and concluding around 7:30 p.m., with the Clásico Perú scheduled near 5:00 p.m.

Palermo will also open its gates on Friday, July 25, featuring the Hyperion Handicap (1000m, dirt) and the Bernardo, Adolfo P. y Aníbal J. Giovanetti Handicap (1400m, dirt), both for older fillies and mares, although final declarations saw reduced fields.

Confirmed runners for the Hyperion include Bayonne (Puerto Escondido, 57kg), Estadía (Il Campione, 52), Realizada Cat (Hurricane Cat, 57), Saya Linda (Legión de Honor, 52), and Tormenta China (Malenchini, 57).

The Giovanetti will feature just six starters: Ataka (Señor Candy, 60kg), Bichita de Luz (Fragotero, 59), Bonita Feli (50), Causeway Girl (Dabster, 59), Increpante (53), Orpen Rimout (Remote, 56.5), and Pecadora Joy (Fortify, 58.5).

Friday’s card will host 15 races, starting at 1:00 p.m. and ending near 8:00 p.m., with the Giovanetti scheduled for 3:00 p.m. and the Hyperion for around 6:30 p.m.