Kelly Rose Seeks Breakthrough at the Top Level Against Tough Company

The daughter of Il Campione will carry the top weight of 129 pounds in the Handicap Academia Nacional de Agronomía y Veterinaria

Rollanda will be one of Kelly Rose's rivals / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

It's painful to read Wednesday’s card at Hipódromo de San Isidro, its technical level disappointingly low—a sadly familiar scenario in an industry that’s grown used to mediocrity, driven by harsh economic realities. Aging horses, restricted alternatives for 3-year-olds while open races are spaced nearly a month apart, and purses so low that, in some cases, they barely cover a month of boarding. And yet, the passion lives on—until it doesn’t.

On Veterinarian’s Day, the feature will be the Handicap Academia Nacional de Agronomía y Veterinaria, to be run over 1300 meters on the main dirt track—a trendy but highly questionable distance at San Isidro. The race will bring together fillies and mares aged four and up.

Kelly Rose (Il Campione), who will carry high weight of 58.5 kilos, will try once again to secure her first win above the allowance level. Last time out, she finished a clear second, four lengths behind Catch the Bomb (Hit It a Bomb) in the Handicap Good Passion over 1400 meters on this same surface, facing a field very similar to the one she’ll meet now.

Backed by trainer Juan Carlos Echechoury Jr. and jockey William Pereyra, Rollanda (Bodemeister, 56) comes off a sharp comeback win in a conditions race after a useful prep.

Che Mamita (Safety Check, 57) brings solid credentials, but age is not on her side. A multiple handicap winner, she placed in the Juan Alberto Maldotti, Platería, and Nigromante in her most recent outings. A win wouldn’t shock anyone.

Also dangerous is Look Happy (Hi Happy, 57), runner-up in the Clásico Estrellas Dirt, only two lengths behind the talented Pecadora Joy (Fortify). Estrella del Día (Il Campione, 55.5), fourth in that same race beaten another two lengths, also lines up here.

For those looking beyond the favorites, Guadilu (Señor Candy, 54), Full of Glory (Full Mast, 54), and Reina Mirta(Mask, 53.5) could spice things up at longer odds.