Expectations Set for the First Classics of 2026 at Palermo and San Isidro

The Apertura (G3), Buenos Aires (G3) and Omnium (L) stand out as the highlights of the opening of the new season

Monsieur Delon Set for the Buenos Aires Stakes / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

With schedules finalized earlier than usual due to the New Year holidays, Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo and Hipódromo de San Isidro put the finishing touches on their programs on Monday for the coming week, which will officially usher in the 2026 season with an appealing stakes menu.

At Palermo, turf racing will take center stage on Saturday, January 3, with the running of the Apertura (G2–2200m)and the Buenos Aires (G3–1600m). The former is open to fillies and mares aged three and up, while the latter is for horses three and older. Winner’s purses are set at ARS 13,960,000 and ARS 11,385,000, respectively.

Confirmed for the Apertura are Doña Lucila (Equal Talent), Foggy of Song (Sixties Song), Invocación (Treasure Beach), Lysva (Gouverneur Morris), Miss Kalima (Seahenge), Narayana (Hi Happy), Pasaron Cosas (Treasure Beach), Portal Maya (Portal del Alto) and Satya (True Cause).

The Buenos Aires will feature Academus (Treasure Beach), Chanclette (Super Saver), Comando Secreto (War Command), Don Latido (John F Kennedy), Don Zahir (Daddy Long Legs), Monsieur Delon (Il Campione) and One Thing (Brz–Verrazano).

Palermo will also race on Monday, January 5, highlighted by the Handicap Liloy (1000m, dirt). Open to horses aged four and up, it attracted eight entries, with Filoso Class (Filoso Emperor) assigned top weight of 60½ kilos.

At San Isidro, attention turns to Sunday, January 4, with the Clásico Omnium (L–1400m, turf) for fillies and mares three and older. Seven have been confirmed: Amour D’Ete (Sixties Song), Dream Serena (Forge), Elvitas (Cosmic Trigger), Indiana Candy (Señor Candy), Lessons of Life (Le Blues), Orpen Rimout (Remote) and Verenna (Cosmic Trigger).

The Jockey Club circuit will also stage racing on Friday, January 2, and Wednesday, January 7. The former is headlined by the Especial Badruddin (1200m, dirt) for mares aged five and up, with eight confirmed runners including Mi Negra Paula (Reflecting, 58) and Kelly Rose (Il Campione, 58). On Jan. 7, the spotlight will be on the Handicap Condal (1600m, dirt), featuring Sabiyano (Fortify, 60), Don Rocky (Equal Stripes, 59), Viejo Varieté (Qué Vida Buena, 58½) and Ronda de Ases (Forge, 57½).