El Rayo Pass Returns to Palermo Looking to Cement His Status Among the Sprint Elite

The colt comes off a victory in the Clásico Velocidad (G3) down the turf straightaway and now looks to confirm the strong impression he created that afternoon

The trio of stakes races featured on Monday’s card at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will begin with the juveniles in the Clásico General Lavalle (G3) over 1000 meters on dirt, one of the final stepping stones for the division ahead of the Estrellas Junior Sprint (G3), even though the 2026 renewal of that race will be contested on the turf at San Isidro.

With eight runners confirmed, El Rayo Pass (Distinctiv Passion) appears to have an excellent opportunity to reinforce the favorable impression he created a month ago when he captured the Clásico Velocidad (G3) on the Jockey Club turf course by 2 1/2 lengths over Listen (Le Blues). That performance came after a disappointing effort over 1200 meters in the Clásico Santiago Luro (G2) and marked a successful return to straight-course sprinting.

Trained by Marcelo Sueldo for Stud Pauli, El Rayo Pass will once again face Listen, who broke his maiden in emphatic fashion over the same dirt surface he will encounter on Monday. While the margin between them in the Velocidad was decisive, the switch in surface could help alter the outcome.

Bavarian Moon (Angiolo), one of two fillies in the lineup, also enters the picture as a serious contender.

The Stud JL representative from Neuquén made a striking impression three weeks ago when she debuted at Palermo, defeating La Figurilla (Emotion Orpen) by three lengths while stopping the clock in an excellent :56.99. The assignment becomes significantly tougher here, but she showed enough ability to suggest she could develop into a high-class sprinter.

Back in November, Aspiring Artist (Angiolo) attracted attention with a flawless debut victory.

However, the colt has not raced in 191 days, a lengthy absence that naturally raises questions about his current condition and readiness.

Breaking from the rail will be Sixties Pen (Sixties Song), who finished only eighth in the Velocidad and now seeks to resemble the colt who previously finished second in the Clásico Islas Malvinas (L), beaten just one length by Siete Lagos (Full Mast).

Also emerging from the Velocidad is Wek End Pass (Distinctiv Passion), who finished third in that event and appears poised to take another step forward as he attempts to join the principal contenders.

Qué Vida Dura (Qué Vida Buena) and Capavolta (Made You Look) also arrive at the Lavalle with legitimate aspirations.

With several promising juveniles looking to establish themselves and valuable black type on the line, the General Lavalle shapes as a fascinating opening act to Palermo’s afternoon of stakes action.