La Meninha Targets a Repeat in the Cooperativa de Criadores de SPC

The Le Blues filly will look to overcome more than four months on the sidelines as she returns to defend her title

La Meninha Looks to Recreate the Scene One Year Later/ JUAN I. BOZZELLO

LA PLATA.— The classic action on Dardo Rocha (G1) Wednesday opens with the speed-loving mares in the Asociación Cooperativa de Criadores de Caballos de Sangre Pura de Carrera (L), a sharp and vibrant dash over 1100 meters.

Back after more than four months on the sidelines, the ultra-consistent La Meninha (Le Blues) returns with one clear mission: to defend the title she earned in this same race 12 months ago. When last seen, the Stud Tres Jotasrepresentative finished second, two lengths behind Save Your Tears (Full Mast) in the Handicap Roy over the San Isidro turf—a rival she will face again, one who has remained in top form since that victory.

A dangerous group of fillies will also line up, following the pattern seen in the Clásico Eusonio C. Boni (L), where Emprestada (Cosmic Trigger) delivered a brilliant local debut, winning with ease.

Nearly 5 1/2 lengths behind her, Starry Bomb (Hit It a Bomb) checked in fourth, while the favorite Calle de Tierra(Strategos) disappointed and finished sixth—an uncharacteristic effort from a filly whose consistency had been her calling card.

High Rimout (Remote) continues to give away too much at the break, and another slow start will make things difficult—but if she leaves with the field, she warrants consideration. Meanwhile, Gran Celestial (Il Mercato) may not be a metronome, but her résumé includes several performances good enough to keep Stud Tinta Roja dreaming of an upset.