In an Even Handicap, Verenna and Vieja Amiga Mask Stand Out as Key Candidates

The Handicap Petite Ecurie, over 1,300 meters on the dirt, will be the centerpiece of another mediocre Wednesday of racing in the north

The Handicap Petite Ecurie will serve as the centerpiece of another Wednesday program at Hipódromo de San Isidro, offering the low-profile quality that has become customary for the midweek cards. Scheduled over 1,300 meters on the main dirt track and open to fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward, the race presents an evenly matched field of eight contenders, where the vast majority hold genuine claims for victory.

Step by step, Verenna (Cosmic Trigger) is showing signs of returning to her peak form, and this fixture offers her an excellent opportunity to revisit the winner's circle. Burdened with the field's top weight of 59 1/2 kilograms, the talented mare enters on the back of two highly commendable performances. First, she finished a close second by a half-neck to Reina Secreta (Víctor Security) in the Clásico Doria, before executing a bold run in the Clásico General Las Heras (G3) to finish fourth, beaten 4 1/2 lengths by Stormy Summer (Nicholas) but finishing just one length behind the runner-up Adi Shakti (Lucullan).

Always willing to contest the pace from the opening strides, she will face a formidable challenger in Vieja Amiga Mask(Mask, 59), who makes the trip once again from La Plata in pursuit of another high-profile victory. The Stud Tinta Roja colorbearer was recently a strong second to the stakes-winning Victoria Bayern (Santillano) in the Handicap Ipe, and she duplicated that runner-up effort behind Guadilu (Señor Candy) in the Especial Haras La Biznaga.

Breaking from the rail will be Sia (Puerto Escondido, 55), who benefits from a significant weight concession compared to the top choices. Her most recent performance saw her miss by just a half-neck when finishing second to Hidden Vision (Puerto Escondido) in the Handicap Rafale, a solid effort within a highly consistent campaign.

Trainer Marcelo Sueldo and jockey Gonzalo Borda hold strong confidence in the chances of Che Solita (Zensational, 54), who returns to the track of her last victory following a series of encouraging performances on the La Plata dirt.

Although she is now a 6-year-old, it would be wise not to overlook Nakayama (Señor Candy, 53 1/2). Well-weighted in the handicap, she enters fresh off a victory and has always been highly regarded by her connections.

The competitive lineup is completed by Eneta (Fortify, 55 1/2) and Princesa Candy (Señor Candy, 53), both of whom bring enough underlying talent to make their presence felt.