Kuccini Aims for Jackpot Score at La Plata

Facing 17 rivals, Palermo's based runner will need both talent and luck to prevail in the Especial Independencia

Juan Saldivia, Trainer of Kuccini, the Leading Contender / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

LA PLATA.- It borders on delirium to have left 18 unraced 2-year-olds in Tuesday's Especial Independencia (1500m, dirt), the feature at Hipódromo de La Plata and one that is expected to unfold over a very heavy track. With a meager prize of 5,130,000 pesos to the winner, the race could have easily been split to reduce risk—but here we are.

In such a scenario, it’ll take both talent and luck to emerge victorious, and preference leans toward Kuccini(Manipulator), who ships in from Buenos Aires under the respected tandem of Juan Saldivia and Jorge Peralta, boasting a set of solid morning works.

Tejano Time (Annals of Time), who has the unofficial advantage of a win in Azul, will look to overcome the outside post—a tall task under these conditions.

At the opposite end, breaking from the rail, is Gatao (Daddy Long Legs), whose 1:29 for the 1400-meter distance earned him respect and makes him a serious threat on debut.

Trainer Gustavo Fabbian has been turning heads with his juveniles for Stud El Rey S.A.O., and here he saddles Picasso(Lucullan), a colt that’s been painting masterpieces in early-morning drills down south.

Local knowledge could play a role too, with Candy Cato (Il Mercato) and Regalo del Sol (Lucullan), representing El Gruñón, showing solid preparation according to the clock.

Con Frac (True Cause), a sister to a couple of notable winners, debuts with the backing of Angel Piana, a conditioner known for striking first time out.