Gigantografía Returns in the Orpen Handicap, Facing Several Tough Obstacles

The Bodemeister filly, returning from a 146-day layoff, will take on South Briole and Blessed Shine in the mile dirt test

Gigantografía also comes back to a track where she has never been beaten / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The incomparable setting of the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will once again provide the backdrop for a full Friday program, featuring 13 races and highlighted by the Handicap Orpen, a well-deserved tribute to a horse who left an indelible mark as a sire and who for years has ranked among the leading broodmare sires.

Contested over one mile on the main dirt track and open to winning mares aged five and up, the Orpen has drawn a competitive field of nine, with virtually all participants bringing credentials that would make a victory anything but a surprise.

After a 146-day layoff, Gigantografía (Bodemeister, 58) returns to action. The Stud Rubio B. representative had rattled off four consecutive wins before surrendering her unbeaten status when finishing seventh in the G3 Clásico Eudoro J. Balsa in her most recent start.

The task will not be straightforward, as she renews acquaintance with a familiar rival in South Briole (South Kissing, 57 1/2), whom she has previously finished ahead of on a couple of occasions, but who is currently in the form of her life. Proof of that came recently in the Handicap Saint Simon at San Isidro, where she scored decisively by 2 1/2 lengths over Elvi Grace (Southern Cat).

Also very much in the mix is Blessed Shine (Honour Devil, 59), the topweight of the race. A winner of the Laguna Blanca and Star and Stripes Handicaps, she finished fifth in the Potrizaris in her latest outing and now looks for redemption.

Adding further depth is Emma Linda (Emmanuel, 55 1/2), ideally weighted and coming off a victory in the Especial Illegally Blonde, followed by a third in the Especial Lux Lucis, both at La Plata.

Rounding out a solid lineup are Master Jane (Mastercraftsman, 56), runner-up in the G2 Clásico Correas and making her second start off the layoff; the consistent La Bombonera (Portal del Alto, 54 1/2); the seasoned Reina Casada (Long Island Sound, 57); and the lightly weighted Hi Chasty (Hi Happy, 53) and Vengan y Vean (Manipulator, 53 1/2), both looking to make their presence felt.

With proven class, contrasting form cycles and tactical diversity, the Orpen promises to be a searching test for all involved—and a fitting centerpiece to Palermo’s Friday card.