El Mejor Recuerdo aims for his 20th career victory at Palermo

The son of Il Campione headlines the Handicap Rubén Emilio Laitán, the main feature of an otherwise modest Monday card. Concord and Approval Cat figure as his main rivals

This Monday's card at Palermo offers little to generate genuine enthusiasm from a qualitative standpoint. On a modest program, the Handicap Rubén Emilio Laitán—contested over 1,200 meters on the dirt for 5-year-old and older winners—serves as the primary point of interest. It will be run as the tenth race at 6:10 PM, drawing a field of eight runners.

The undisputed headline act is El Mejor Recuerdo, who continues to build an extraordinary career profile and will be seeking nothing less than his 20th victory. Winner of 19 of his 34 starts, he arrives riding a four-race winning streak,alternating between Palermo and Rosario. At the Argentino oval, he captured the Clásico Día de la Bandera and Clásico Pablo Gustavo Falero, while at Independencia he added victories in the Clásico General San Martín and Clásico Intendente Municipal.

The son of Il Campione, conditioned by Daniel Cima and set to be ridden by William Pereyra, will carry the top weight assignment of 62 kilograms. While the high impost might seem demanding, the handicapper was arguably lenient considering the vast gulf in race records: none of his rivals has won more than five races. At times, the weights must reflect true merit, even if they appear heavy. And 19 career victories more than justify such a stern assignment.

Concord looms as one of the main threats. Carrying 58 kilograms, he comes off an encouraging effort in the Clásico Orange (L), where he finished fourth, just 1 1/2 lengths behind El Ernesto (Señor Candy), after setting the early pace—his signature tactic. Now cutting back from 1,400 to 1,200 meters, the distance relief could work sharply in his favor.

The son of Remote enjoyed a brilliant start to his career, highlighted by a victory in the Clásico América (G2) in March 2025 at San Isidro. However, he has struggled to sustain that elite level since, with a third-place finish in the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1) standing as his primary bright spot. For the first time in nearly a year and a half, he steps out of graded stakes company, and this drop in class presents a prime opportunity to return to winner's circle.

Approval Cat (Endorsement) also enters with serious claims. Carrying 57 kilograms, he comes fresh off a victory in the Handicap Mangangá at Palermo, scoring by a length over Zaatar (Hurricane Cat) while leaving a very positive impression.

Mercato Sea (Il Mercato), with a featherweight 54 kilograms, recently finished runner-up to Interventor in a conditions race and deserves respect, particularly if the early pacemakers tire late. Fantasy Rim (Remote), also toteing 54 kilograms, is another name that cannot be overlooked.

Race shape could prove decisive. Concord possesses early speed to dispute the lead, but so does Bluclette Rim(Remote), assigned 56.5 kilograms, another front-runner who has been alternating good and bad performances recently.Should a speed duel materialize early, the stalkers and closers could find the setup tailored to their liking.

The class and credentials of El Mejor Recuerdo place him a cut above the competition, though the high weight and potential early duel introduce an element of uncertainty. For a Monday card lacking overall luster, watching him chase milestone victory number 20 provides more than enough reason to tune in.