Hiran Looks to Leverage Stakes Experience in Handicap Manantial

The Santillano colt will be tested in the Handicap Manantial, while two supporting races cater to maiden runners with prior starts in the provinces

Hiran Returns to Palermo Seeking Redemption / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Autumn has firmly settled in, and the weather shows no signs of easing. Amid steady rain and overcast days, racing returns this Friday to the dirt at Palermo, where an 11-race program will be highlighted by the Handicap Manantial(1000m), a lively sprint for horses four and up.

It may prove difficult to beat Hiran (Santillano), a multiple graded stakes winner who will carry top weight of 61 kilos. Racing for Stud Inclusión, he seeks quick redemption after finishing fifth in the Handicap Kendal on turf at San Isidro, a performance that raised questions given he had previously defeated similar rivals.

Returning from more than four months on the sidelines is En Un Rincón (Manipulator, 60 kg), with Abel Giorgis set to ride. The bay has been absent since a disappointing run in the Gran Premio Félix de Alzaga Unzué (G1), but prior to that had scored in the Clásico Coronel Pringles (G3) and the Handicap Grandes Fustas, along with several solid efforts at the stakes level.

Maldito Sea (Compasivo Cat, 55.5 kg) also returns, albeit after a lengthy 298-day layoff. He showed early promise and speed, though the extended absence raises questions despite a pair of encouraging performances in shorter races in La Pampa in recent weeks.

From La Pampa comes Príncipe Soñado (Fragotero, 59.5 kg), well versed in this type of contest, while drawn widest is Claro Key (Claro Oscuro, 54.5 kg), who arrives in top form with four consecutive wins over this track.

On the inside, Bizarrap (Forge, 52 kg) is another to consider. While consistency has not been his strong suit, the Heritage Stud runner has proven competitive at this level, including a narrow defeat to Filoso Class (Filoso Emperor), and most recently finished a close fourth, just three-quarters of a length behind Spicy Vibe (Santillano) in the Handicap Resuello.

The card will also feature two special races restricted to maidens with prior starts in the provinces. In the Especial Froilán Maldonado (1400m), Catcher Man (Valid Stripes) will look to build on his strong showing in the Especial Florindo Catapano. Meanwhile, the Especial Oscar D. Rébora (1000m) will spotlight Gran Pantera (Grand Reward), who recently finished second, beaten three lengths by Vivencia (Ejekutor) in the Especial Ángel O. Baratucci, ahead of Don’t Stop (Qué Vida Buena), whom he meets again here.