Good Face and Rey de la Calle impressed with contrasting styles

In the two divisions of the Especial Encuentro Provincial for juveniles, the first scored with a late surge and by a narrow margin, while the latter dominated gate to wire with ease

Winning at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo is a dream for nearly every professional and owner pursuing racing in Argentina’s interior. Just having a runner at La Catedral is an achievement, and if the trip ends with a victory photo, it becomes truly unforgettable.

The Encuentro Provincial Invierno stakes (1000m, dirt) create that possibility and those special moments, which is one of the secrets behind their growing popularity as a true racing festival. Another such edition unfolded this Sunday, featuring five races within the series—two for juveniles and three for older sprinters.

Among the juveniles, glory went to Good Face (Angiolo–Xassari, by Intérprete, bred by Haras La Fortaleza) and Rey de la Calle (Che Micky–Azul Zenda, by Lac Azur, bred by Estela Raquél Pantaleón), each prevailing in dramatically different styles.

For Good Face, everything proved far more demanding in the first division. With Juan I. Maldonado aboard, he ran from off the pace, launching his bid from the 500-meter mark along the rail to reel in Sam Glory (Libreo) in the final strides. Trained by Joaquín Laxagueborde for Stud Tres Algarrobos, based in Dolores, he stopped the clock in 57.86, a time slightly slower than what Rey de la Calle posted shortly afterward.

In contrast, Rey de la Calle, guided confidently by Jorge Peralta, went straight to the lead in his division and never looked back. Pressured momentarily by Casa Azul (Angiolo), the chestnut colt drew clear inside the final 300 meters to cross the line 3 lengths ahead of Santa Sonrisa (Santillano).

Conditioned by Fernando Exequiel Pérez for Caballeriza Maciel of Azul, Rey de la Calle delivered a dominant performance, leaving a powerful impression as he eyes future challenges ahead.