El Fruto stands out in the Handicap Resuello, where several notable comebacks add intrigue

The Tres Jotas runner has been sidelined for 227 days but previously finished second twice to Labrado at the highest level of sprinting

El Fruto faces a tough comeback / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The date rotation continues this Thursday as Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo hosts an extensive 15-race card, featuring two events above the usual level. The first to be decided will be the Handicap Resuello, a 1100-meter test for 4-year-olds and up, winners.

With 10 confirmed runners, the race marks the return of several notable contenders, including El Fruto (Il Campione), who will carry the co-topweight of 60 kilograms after a 227-day layoff.

A homebred for Stud Tres Jotas, El Fruto last appeared when finishing sixth in the Clásico Paraguay (G3), but prior to that, he twice chased home the multiple champion Labrado (Le Blues) in the Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires (G1) and the Gran Premio Estrellas Sprint (G1), falling short by 1/2 length and 3 lengths, respectively.

Sharing the highweight with him is Le Cornette (Emmanuel), who has been away from the races for 130 days. He signed off with back-to-back victories, first overcoming an 18-month absence to take a conditioned race, before following up in the Handicap Ringaro.

Another runner returning from a lengthy layoff—this time 180 days—is Maranelo (Holy Boss, 58 1/2 kg), who will debut for trainer Martín Álvarez. Last seen finishing sixth in the Gran Premio Suipacha (G1), his résumé includes victories in the Clásico Eduardo Jara, Clásico Osvaldo Martínez, and Clásico Necochea (L).

Also making his return after 201 days on the sidelines is León Americano (Zensational, 59 kg), a multiple stakes winner with titles in the Clásico Cyllene (G2), Clásico Santiago Lawrie (G3), and Clásico Necochea (L).

Among the other intriguing names is Tabacano (Fortify, 54 1/2 kg), who will enjoy a significant weight break and enters off two strong runner-up efforts, both from off the pace. He was beaten just a head by Gonna Fly Now (Key Deputy) in the Handicap Vitelio, before finishing one length behind El Mejor Recuerdo (Il Campione) in the Handicap Equal Stripes.

Traveling once again from La Pampa is Príncipe Soñado (Fragotero, 58 1/2 kg), a past winner of the Clásico Día de la Bandera, who has recently finished second in both the Clásico Latency (L) and the Handicap Easing Along.

Rounding out the field are Ruler Man (Manipulator, 54 1/2 kg), Rítmico Johan (Curioso Johan, 53 1/2 kg), Gran Compañero (South Kissing, 57 kg), and Mudejar Moro (Lujo Moro, 52 1/2 kg), all of whom could pose a serious threat for top honors.