High-class runner Le Cornette headlines the Monday card at Palermo

Argentina’s top-rated sprinter heads to the post in the Clásico Estados Unidos de América (G3), looming as the heavy favorite in the featured dash

The talented sprinter brings a two-race winning streak to Palermo / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Fans will need to arrive early at Palermo this afternoon to witness the current king of the sprinters, Le Cornette, in the Clásico Estados Unidos de América (G3). The son of Emmanuel looks to keep his seasonal record unblemished and build momentum toward a highly anticipated clash with three-time champion Labrado (Le Blues) in the Gran Premio Ciudad de Buenos Aires (G1) on May 1. The Stud Chajarí chestnut, coming off back-to-back stakes scores in the Jerry Honor and Irlanda (G3), faces an awkward rail draw and the likelihood of a heavy track.

The task won't be easy for the probable favorite against a deep field. After a four-month layoff, El Mejor Recuerdo (Il Campione) returns to action. Last seen finishing sixth in the Félix de Alzaga Unzué (G1), he remains the defending champion of the GP Ciudad de Buenos Aires.

Also in the mix is the mare Tormenta China (Malenchini), who arrives on a four-race winning streak, and the talented filly La Bella Otero (Daddy Long Legs), a former winner of the Clásico Venezuela (G2) over this course. Lyon (Le Blues), who finished 2 1/2 lengths behind Le Cornette in the Irlanda, seeks revenge, while longshots Vendaval Joy (Roman Joy), Manchini (Malenchini), and Primer Amor (Manipulator) round out the field.