If the sweet spot in handicaps lies in the middle of the scale, it might be time for Jugadoraza to shine

The daughter of Winning Prize exits a runner-up effort behind Lagoa Azul and will carry 55 kilos in the 1000-meter Con Brío Handicap

Jugadoraza has put together a string of close finishes at the upper levels / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

A holiday Thursday of racing at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo promises plenty to enjoy, with a stakes doubleheader headlining a program filled with attractive allowance contests—perfect for a family outing at one of Buenos Aires City’s top destinations.

First up on the black-type slate is the Handicap Con Brío, offering a purse of ARS 7,000,000 to the winner and drawing a high-quality field of fillies and mares aged four and up for a 1000-meter sprint.

They say the sweet spot in handicaps is the middle of the scale, and that's exactly where Jugadoraza (Winning Prize)finds herself. Carrying 55 kilos, the Gustavo Scarpello trainee looks to add a defining win to a campaign already rich in merit. Just 27 days ago, she turned in a strong performance when runner-up to the graded stakes-placed Lagoa Azul (Lenovo) in the Handicap Spiny, beaten just a length while benefiting from a favorable weight break.

Jugadoraza has an ideal draw in the center of the course and will face off with the likes of Push Up (Bodemeister, 56 kg), who returns to the straight course following a pair of solid runs over 1200 meters—finishing second in both the Clásico Día de la Soberanía Nacional and the Handicap Carapálida. Already a winner of the Handicap Sandal, she figures to be right in the mix from the outset.

Adding depth to the lineup is Eleven Mile (Il Campione, 58 kg), victorious in the Clásico La Troienne over the San Isidro turf back in November and a close third behind Jugadoraza last time out in the Spiny.

Also in with a live chance is the lightly weighted Hit Dubai (Hit It a Bomb, 53.5 kg), who’s won two of her last three, including a dominant three-length score over La Combatiente (Le Blues) in her latest. She’s looked much improved since switching to the Stud Don Florentino barn.

Looking for redemption is Nebula Sky (Falling Sky, 54 kg) after a flat effort against Lagoa Azul in the G3 Clásico General Arenales, while Louisiana Lady (Manipulator, 52 kg) steps up in class off a sharp victory and will be running almost feather-light.