Escape Room, a rock-solid contender at La Plata

The son of Il Campione looks tough to beat over the mile of the Especial Libreo

LA PLATA.— The presence of Escape Room simplifies the choice for a top selection in the Especial Libreo, the first of two feature races on this afternoon’s card at the city track. Scheduled over a mile for 4-year-olds and up with at least three victories, the race looks hard to slip away from the son of Il Campione.

Owned by Stud Pauli, trained by Marcelo Sueldo, and with Gonzalo Borda named to ride once again, the bay colt is coming off back-to-back wins in the Handicap Haras La Providencia and the Especial Cóndor Cal—the latter an impressive 6-length score over graded stakes winner Super Number (Super Saver). Not even carrying 58 kilograms seems to pose a serious threat to the chances of Escape Room, who earlier this season finished second to champion Drive Joy (Fortify) in the Gran Premio de las Américas - OSAF (G1) at Palermo.

Hoping the top pick fails to produce his best effort, Norte (Leofric, 54 kg) looks like a solid alternative. Winner of the Clásico Fortunato Novara (G3), he has let his guard down slightly since that victory, though not yet in a concerning manner.

Another runner with solid form is Vampiro Zen (Zensational, 54 kg), though he has been running quite frequently and the busy schedule could take its toll. Colour Vision (Univisión, 58 kg) is currently off form, but he remains a quality horse. Finally, after a 259-day layoff, the talented Payucano (Mask, 58 kg)—also under the care of Marcelo Sueldo—returns to action, having last been seen victorious in the Handicap Hipódromo de San Isidro over this very track.