Handicap Haras Chapadmalal: Brugge and Early Life Set for Heavyweight Clash

Palermo Set for Wide-Open Holiday Feature, With Quality Fillies and a Likely Strong Pace

Brugge Hasn't Raced Since Late January / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Monday racing and a holiday? That’s always a winning combination, and the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will take full advantage, offering a blend of up-and-comers to watch and a few races that may not dazzle the purist, but are crucial for the betting handle.

The day’s main event comes courtesy of the Handicap Haras Chapadmalal, a tribute to the legendary breeding operation that stood alongside Malal Hué and would eventually help give rise to Haras Comalal—a pivotal part of the historic Martínez de Hoz legacy that still resonates in today’s programs.

Contested over 1200 meters on the main dirt track and open to fillies and mares four years old and up, the feature appears well-matched on paper and promises an honest pace, given the presence of several runners who prefer to be involved early. Chief among them is Brugge, who returns from a 140-day layoff and will carry a joint-highweight of 60.5 kilos. A proven force over this course and distance, the Haras La Quebrada homebred was last seen finishing third behind Emely (Il Campione) in January’s Handicap Carapálida.

Brugge shares top billing in the weights with Early Life (Suggestive Boy), a multiple stakes winner who counts the Roberto Pellegatta (twice), Snow Figure, and Vale Dori among her conquests. After a setback in the Clásico General Las Heras (G3), she hinted at a return to form with a third-place finish behind Bichita de Luz (Fragotero) in this year’s Snow Figure, and carries the same impost as that day.

A challenging post awaits rising star Victoria Bayern (Santillano, 55.5), who will benefit from a generous weight break relative to the top pair. Drawn in post 14, the Rubio B. runner may find herself in a better position than expected if the pace scenario unfolds favorably. She was most recently runner-up to Bichita de Luz in the Clásico Vale Dori and looks ready for another forward step.

Soy Yarquén (Seize, 54.5) brings plenty of ability, while Push Up (Bodemeister, 56.5), Emma Linda (Emmanuel, 56), and Holy Valley (Homage, 54.5) are others with solid resumes who deserve consideration in what shapes up as a high-quality contest.