Hit Rouge returns to action against tough rivals in the Handicap Aniversario del Hipódromo de Palermo

The runner from Córdoba has not raced in over a year, but his credentials remain very strong; Atrevido Electric and Príncipe Soñado stand in his path

Hit Rouge will attempt to overcome a long layoff with a victory / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

An entertaining meeting has been put together for this Thursday at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, featuring some interesting conditions, including for juveniles, and centered around the Handicap Aniversario de la Inauguración del Hipódromo Argentino, which over 1200 meters has gathered 11 horses aged 4, 5, and 6.

It is difficult to point to a firm candidate in such an even group. Inactive for 368 days, Hit Rouge brings some of the best credentials, although such a long absence raises alarm bells. Carrying 58 1/2 kilos, the son of Hit It a Bomb said goodbye back in early May 2025 with a fourth-place finish, 3 lengths behind Don Latido (John F Kennedy), in the Clásico Southern Halo (G3), also finishing behind Tooru (Lizard Island) and the champion Colifato Novo (Lenovo), and ahead of the four-time G1 winner Earth God (Cosmic Trigger) and What a Man (Mastercraftsman), among others.

A previous winner of the Clásico Lord At War (L) and the Clásico Intendente Melchor Posse (L), it will be a matter of how he returns. If he comes back at his peak, it will be very difficult for his rivals to beat him.

Hoping the story takes a different path is Atrevido Electric (Electricity, 59 1/2), a true specialist in the 1200-meter dirt sprints in Buenos Aires, who has just returned to action with an interesting third in the Handicap Haras Abolengo in La Plata, finishing 2 lengths behind the stakes winner Arcanum (Horse Greeley).

The Pampa-born Príncipe Soñado (Fragotero, 59) has elite credentials and will make his presence felt as the top candidate.

Before finishing fourth to El Gazpacho (Bodemeister) in the Clásico Jockey Club de Venezuela (L), also in La Plata, Declan Dall (Victor Security, 57 1/2) had managed to win the Handicap Equal Stripes here, closing strongly to defeat a significant rival in Rugiente (Il Campione), in a race where Approval Cat (Endorsement, 56 1/2), who will also be in the gates now, finished third. Rejuvenated from Rosario, Bitter Orange (Treasure Beach, 57) returns to the main tracks and could surprise, as could El Metalero (Manipulator, 52), who carries a very light weight.