Kopke Seeks Redemption in the Clásico Japón; the Provinces Celebrate with Two Special Events

A marathon card is on tap this Saturday at the corner of Libertador and Dorrego, featuring an 18-race program and a stakes tripleheader

The racing week will wrap up this Saturday at the Hipódromo de Palermo, with Sunday left vacant in anticipation of the World Cup final and the dream of another coronation for the Argentine national team. The card will feature no fewer than 18 races, highlighted by the Clásico Japón (L-1400 m, turf) and two versions of the Especial Encuentro Provincial Invierno (1000 m, dirt), one for 3-year-olds and another for older horses.

The first of those features will see just 7 runners in the starting gates, but with plenty of quality on display, which is what always matters. The occasion could serve as the perfect opportunity for the highly regarded Kopke to get back on track following two subpar performances at the highest level.

Winner of the Clásico Ecuador (G2), runner-up in the Gran Premio San Isidro (G1), and fourth in the Gran Premio Palermo (G1), the son of Hi Happy disappointed in the Gran Premio Joaquín S. de Anchorena (G1) and went on a layoff. He only returned in the Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1), but failed to threaten there as well. Now, dropping down in class, he should give positive signs.

In his path stands Río New (Hurricane Cat), winner of the Clásico Mesa del Senado (L) and subsequently fifth in the Clásico Southern Halo (G3), where Colifato Novo (Lenovo) prevailed.

Talented Hit (Hit It a Bomb) returns from a long absence and has the tools to make his presence felt, as does Bluclette Rim (Remote), fresh off a runner-up finish in the Clásico Juan Carlos Etchechoury.

The Especial Invierno for 3-year-olds seems well within reach for Venerado (Pneumatic), who dominated by 6 1/2 lengths at the Hipódromo La Punta in San Luis to take the Clásico Estrellas - Provincias Argentinas - Copa Lito Bestani. There are also good reports on the La Pampa representatives Despintado (Safety Check) and Daisy Texana (Nashville Texan).

Among the older horses, Equal Hidden (Equal Legítimo), Emperador Sun (Long Island Sound), and Chuck Spring(Chuck Berry) already know what it takes to win at Palermo, while the Tucumán invader Quotidiano (Holy Boss) will be extremely tough to beat.