In the Gran Premio Criadores, revenge will be on the line—and so will a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff

Martana, Cannolina, and Portal Maya headline the confirmed field for the prestigious staying test for mares

Cannolina, winner of the Gran Premio Gilberto Lerena / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

As expected, Monday also finalized the fields for the other Group 1 races that will shape next Friday’s Gran Premio República Argentina (G1) card at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, celebrating the track’s 150th anniversary.

Always one of the meeting’s major attractions, the Gran Premio Criadores (G1) for mares aged three and up over 2000 meters on dirt will carry an additional incentive: the winner will earn an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), as the race is part of the Challenge Series – Win and You’re In program conducted worldwide by Breeders’ Cup Limited.

The series guarantees a starting position and also provides $40,000 toward travel and related expenses for the qualified horse, provided she starts in the race for which she earned the berth.

Serving as the concluding leg of the Campeonato de Oro for females, the race drew nine runners, including Martana (Fortify)—heroine of the Gran Premio Ciudad de Montevideo (G1) at Maroñas in Uruguay—alongside Cannolina (South Kissing) and Portal Maya (Portal del Alto).

When the now-absent Charm (Strategos) captured the Clásico Arturo R. y Arturo Bullrich (G2) in March, Martanafinished second, Portal Maya third, and Cannolina fourth. But when the Gran Premio Gilberto Lerena (G1) was run on the turf course, the victory went to Cannolina over Portal Maya, with Charm fourth and Martana absent. The renewed clash among them adds enormous intrigue.

Also confirmed are Angelic Champ (Cima de Triomphe), Class Life (Fortify), Doña Lucila (Equal Talent), Existing (Winning Prize), Herd Immunity (Forge), Kalisia (Fortify), and Niebla Peligrosa (Daddy Long Legs).

The Gran Premio Criadores (G1) will award 45,000,000 pesos to the winner, but beyond the purse, it offers its victorious connections an unforgettable moment, as the trophy remains one of the most prestigious prizes each season within a division that never lacks for storylines.