In Sunday’s feature races, the spotlight falls on Che Vivi and Empress Life as the leading contenders

The colt stands out in the mile at Hipódromo de Dolores, while the filly looks the one to beat over the kilometer at Haras Carampangue

Empress Life bids for another strong victory at Hipódromo de La Plata / HLP

LA PLATA.- A pair of specials headline Sunday’s program at Hipódromo de La Plata. One pits 4-year-olds in the Especial Hipódromo de Dolores (1600 meters, dirt), while older mares—5 and up—square off in the Especial Haras Carampangue (1000 meters, dirt). In both cases, eligibility requires a minimum of three career victories.

The colts and geldings kick off the black-type action, and Che Vivi looms a strong favorite off a string of solid local performances. Assigned 58 kilos, the son of Manipulator remains unbeaten over this strip, having already landed the Especial Haras Don Arcángel and the Ribereño.

A formidable rival is the proven El Patio (Il Campione), who shoulders top weight of 60 kilos at six and continues to chase relevance at a high level. With Grade 1 credentials on his page, he has gone winless in his last six starts, most recently finishing fourth in the Handicap Sideral over the Palermo dirt.

Stablemate El Bolivariano (Il Campione, 54) is another to consider. Comfortable over this track, he won on debut here and later finished second—beaten just a half-neck by Billion (Galicado)—in the Clásico Jockey Club del Paraguay, albeit over 2000 meters.

Later on the card comes the Especial Haras Carampangue, drawing a field of 11. The setup appears ideal for Empress Life (Legión de Honor, 56) to reaffirm her recent form after a facile three-length success in the Especial Ranquelia, where she defeated Señora Bagaces (Lizard Island, 58), a rival she meets again.

Breaking from the rail, Doña Chila (Peten Itza, 58) figures to show speed early. A mare with proven credentials, she arrives off a commanding victory in Palermo’s Handicap Solyluz.

Freshened for 223 days, Jaque Mate Sar (Sardinero, 52) carries a light impost and rates a dangerous returner. Last time out, she finished third behind the now graded Beau Breeze (AP Candy), a piece of form that puts her firmly in the mix.