El Pueyrredón and the thrill of feeling when Argentine racing was unlike any other

A sole remnant of times past on the calendar, the longest race of the season arrives today over its 3,000 meters of turf; Don Logrado, a stanch candidate to claim the victory

A thoroughly entertaining card has been prepared for this Friday by the Hipódromo de San Isidro, reaching its peak of interest with the Clásico General Pueyrredón (G3), the longest race on the calendar at 3,000 meters on the turf.

The sole remnant of a bygone era in racing, it arrives at a moment when the decision taken by the Hipódromo de Palermo to reduce the distance of the historic Gran Premio Nacional (G1) to 2,100 meters starting next season is under fire—a measure with which the vast majority of the racing community disagrees.

Like the Derby, El Pueyrredón is a true test where the skill of trainers and the stamina of horses are pushed to the limit. Pace tactics and conditioning go hand in hand to achieve the ultimate result, and it is here where horse racing reaches its absolute pinnacle. Without a doubt.

Nine stayers will battle for victory this time around, with a meager purse of 14,000,000 pesos awaiting at the wire. When it is said that long-distance races generate little interest, it is partly because the prize money does not reflect the grueling effort they require. Yet racetracks never seem to grasp this reality.

Under these circumstances, Don Logrado holds a prime opportunity to keep building his resume. The son of Fortify, a homebred for Stud-Haras San Benito, has never missed the board in eight career starts, and in his most recent appearance, he scored a two-length victory over Saphirus Blue (Daniel Boone) in the Clásico Cocles (L) over 2,400 meters.

The top selection is trained by Carlos D. Etchechoury, who has captured two of the last four editions of El Pueyrredónand whose dominance over long-distance turf races this season has been remarkable.

Standing in his path is the Azul native Impregnado Sr (Señor Candy), coming off a solid second to Cazador de Areco(Long Island Sound) in allowance company; the Brazilian-bred Phanton (Outstrip), who continues his search to rediscover the form that saw him finish third in last season's Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1); and Playa Chopera(Treasure Beach), a seasoned and resilient mare seeking to match the feat of Potrigoal (Potrillazo), the last female to capture the marathon back in 2002. Can she pull it off?