La Gran Furtiva and Emergent stand out in Monday's handicaps

The mare goes for the victory in the Handicap Spiny (1,000 m), while the horse aims for the Handicap Good Time(1,600 m); both will carry heavy weights

Emergent is in a standout run of form / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Knowing that this Monday was going to be a holiday, Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo could have proposed a higher-quality program, seeking to attract a larger crowd to its stands. A different event, some novelty, something... However, beyond the handicap doubleheader included in the meeting, the conditional landscape consists mostly of Alternativa and races for veteran horses.

The Handicap Good Time (1,600 m, dirt) will open the stakes action for horses 5 years old and up, with Emergent (Il Campione) looking to continue his great run of form while facing the burden of 61 kilos.

The Stud Mamina runner is coming off an easy win in the Handicap Ultrasonido, defeating by 5 lengths Buen Escosés(Bodemeister)—who would later win a similar contest at San Isidro—and the multiple stakes winner Super Inter(Super Saver).

Such a performance forces him into the main role in the preview, despite having to face rivals of the caliber of Atomic Trigger (Cosmic Trigger, 60 1/2), recent runner-up to the aforementioned Buen Escosés in the Especial El Serranowhen carrying 62 units.

After 305 days, the very consistent Sebi Torres (Sebi Halo, 56) returns to action; he said goodbye by taking the Especial Sideral at La Plata, prevailing over El Ernesto (Señor Candy). If his health lends a hand, he will be tough for anyone.

Finally, El Gazpacho (Bodemeister, 57 1/2) can appeal to all his experience to make his closing rally felt.

Immediately following will be the Handicap Spiny (1,000 m, dirt), for mares 4 years old and up, with La Gran Furtiva(Southern Halo) facing a harsh field and a very heavy 63 kilos. A stakes winner, the chestnut said goodbye in December with a superb fifth-place finish, just 2 1/4 lengths behind El Fortín (Il Campione), in the Gran Premio Félix de Alzaga Unzué (G1), a performance that renders further comment unnecessary.

The greatest challenge will be posed by La Mykonos (Mask, 57 1/2), who is significantly lighter and possesses important speed.