Elenika aims for more in the Clásico Miguel Luis Morales

Dominant in the local prep season during the latter part of the first semester, the Winning Prize filly will now look to reaffirm her leadership over the mile against a fresh and tougher group of rivals

Elenika comes into this off two impressive stakes victories / HLP

LA PLATA.- The local filly prep season at El Bosque kicks off its second semester this afternoon with the Clásico Miguel Luis Morales (G2), contested over a mile and serving as an early stepping stone toward the Triple Crown.

With eight set to go, Elenika will look to confirm her dominance as she stretches out to the mile, having turned heads with victories in the Clásico Andrés S. Torres (G3) and Raúl Aristegui (G2). The Winning Prize filly has continued to improve as distances have increased, but now faces her toughest challenge yet against several new and formidable rivals. In the Aristegui, Elenika defeated Moto Ninja (Hat Ninja) by a length, with Forti Leaf (Fortify) third, the latter returning to win the Clásico Güiraldes (G3) on the dirt at Palermo.

A major threat to the favorite is Citadelle (Fortify), who returns to dirt after breaking her maiden impressively by eight lengths at Palermo in her second start, following an unsuccessful try in the Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1) on the turf at San Isidro.

Another filly with valuable experience is Castaña Pass (Distinctiv Passion), coming off her second win over 1300 meters. She now tackles a big jump in both distance and class, as this will be her stakes debut. Her most recent performance was dominant, raising hopes she can be a factor in the finish.

Mis Locuras (Manipulator) ran well in the Aristegui, stepping up from 1000 meters to finish fourth, just a length behind Elenika. She stretches out even further here, and a similar effort would make her dangerous.

Winner of the Especial Independencia, Nevada Top (Puerto Escondido) now needs to prove herself at this higher level, a situation similar to that of Mi Paisanita (Gouverneur Morris), who impressed when winning on debut in maiden company.

Alpha Stripes (Tetaze) has the pedigree to shine at a mile, while maiden Reina de Picas (Dabster) will be looking to pull off a major upset.