Fletcher aims to kick off the 2026 Triple Crown in grand style at Palermo

Following his crushing victory in the Miguel Cané, the son of Gershwin will be the grand favorite in the Polla de Potrillos, where Autorretrato will attempt to make history and Los Llanos will seek to transfer his La Plata status to Palermo

There are races that deliver much more than just an important victory. The Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1-1600 m, dirt) belongs to that category, as it marks the beginning of the Argentine Triple Crown and truly begins to define the hierarchy within each generation. Winning it means becoming the leader of the second half of the year and earning the right to dream of the next steps on a route as demanding as it is prestigious. To become a legend.

This Saturday, at Hipódromo Palermo, 7 three-year-olds will step out to chase one of the most desired trophies on the national calendar, with Fletcher as the exclusive star of a preview whose landscape shifted following the sale of Colorado del Monte, a dual G1 winner considered until now the best of the crop, who will continue his campaign in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as reported in this same edition.

The absence of the son of Strategos left a clear path for Fletcher to definitively assume the leadership. Winner of the Pedro Goenaga (G2) at La Plata, the pupil of Juan Franco Saldivia—who will be presented by Roberto Pellegatta—finished clearing any doubt when he won by demolition in the Clásico Miguel Cané (G2), contested over the same dirt mile he must cover now.

That afternoon, the son of Gershwin produced a convincing demonstration. He advanced easily, took control without Kevin Banegas needing to push him hard, and pulled away to cross the wire with 6 lengths of advantage over Linguado, a margin that could have been significantly larger. The image was that of a colt in full growth, cruising through the running and with enough left in the tank to suggest he can still offer much more.

Now he must ratify it at the highest level, under the pressure that comes with carrying practically unanimous favoritism. Fletcher has the credentials, current form, and ideal adaptation to the conditions of the Polla. He also arrives rested and with a preparation specially designed for this target. Everything seems to play in his favor, though in races of such magnitude no advantage is realized until the wire is crossed.

The most dangerous rival will once again be Autorretrato, whom he already defeated when both met in maidens and in the Pedro Goenaga. Since that second-place finish, however, the son of Angiolo took a step forward and arrives fortified by his recent victory in the Clásico Polla de Potrillos (G3) at La Plata, where he confirmed his quality and showed he is ready to seek revenge.

His challenge will also feature historical flavor. A full brother to Madonna Benois, winner of the 2023 Polla de Potrancas (G1), the representative of Stud Tres Jotas will attempt to complete a combination not seen since 1997, when Golfer (Oceanside) won the Polla de Potrillos at La Plata and Palermo in the same season. Almost three decades later, Autorretrato will endeavor to link both stakes races once again and add another luxury chapter to his family.

The dark bay's performance in the Bosque was convincing, but the jump in class is considerable. He will need to outdo himself to overturn the advantage Fletcher took over him in the Goenaga, though his evolution and the confidence spreading through his entire team allow him to arrive with concrete aspirations.

Another contender with a La Plata campaign and desires to make noise will be Los Llanos. A multiple graded winner there, the son of Le Blues boasts a campaign that points to him as one of the most consistent and experienced colts in the field. He was third to Autorretrato in the southern Polla and comes off repeating that placement in the Clásico José Pedro Ramírez (G3), a recent effort that raises some doubt due to the short recovery window, but that also confirmed his current form.

Meanwhile, Linguado will try to get closer to Fletcher after chasing him from a distance in the Cané. The son of Cosmic Trigger was clearly outclassed then, but that runner-up spot earns him the right to try again. If he manages to make a leap forward, he could become one of the main players.

Cavaradossi (Señor Candy), El Volka (Vekoma), and the maiden Buin (Daddy Long Legs) complete the field. All three will face the most demanding commitment of their campaigns and will look to capitalize on favorable circumstances to crash the party.

Everything seems set for Fletcher to take the throne vacated by Colorado del Monte and become the new leader among the colts. The Polla, however, is a race that allows no speculation. It is the first step toward glory, the moment when promises must begin turning into certainties. And while the favorite goes for his coronation, Autorretrato, Los Llanos, and company await their chance to rewrite history.