Labrado Eyes Rematch Against Le Cornette in the Clásico Paraguay

The champion faces off once again against the horse that defeated him in the Estrellas Sprint (G3), in their first showdown among the youngsters

Labrado in one of his many victories / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The Clásico Paraguay (G3 – 1000m, dirt) stands out as the week’s highlight at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, set for next Monday, and it’s shaping up to be unmissable for several reasons.

First, three-time winner Labrado (Le Blues) is seeking revenge against Le Cornette (Emmanuel), who decisively defeated him by four lengths in the Gran Premio Estrellas Sprint (G1). Labrado, who took the title in 2022, 2023, and 2024, will be aiming for a historic fourth consecutive victory.

Secondly, the Paraguay will feature the first clash of the year between older horses and 3-year-olds, with three representatives from the new generation entered: Exclamación Pass (Distinctiv Passion), Naranccello (Le Blues), and Secreto a Voces (Springdom).

Adding further quality, the full field of 12 includes Bailarín de Venecia (Angiolo), Bank One (Lenovo), Bizarrap(Forge), Cerrito Piñón (Manipulator), Land of Promise (Le Blues), Oro Azteca (Empire Aztec), and Qué Buen Vasco(Qué Vida Buena).

The Paraguay carries a winner’s purse of 11,800,000 pesos and is one of the most important sprint contests in the second half of the season on Palermo’s dirt track, serving as a stepping stone toward the Gran Premio Maipú (G1) in November.

Palermo also registered a key race for Thursday, August 21, with the Handicap Brilliantly (1400m, turf) for winning mares aged five and older.

With 15 probable starters, top weight of 59 ½ kilos falls on Ataka (Señor Candy), just over the 59 kilos assigned to Aiyanna (Santillano). The rest of the field includes Cosmic Parade (Cosmic Trigger, 51), Dame Un Beso (Tantos Años, 52), Delaunay (Suggestive Boy, 54 ½), Friendly Miss (Japan, 54 ½), Garden House (So Easy, 51), Hi Chasty (Hi Happy, 55), Holy Valley (Homage, 54 ½), Joy Antumalal (Il Campione, 54), Look Happy (Hi Happy, 53 ½), Mi Negra Paula (Reflecting, 55), Nakayama (Señor Candy, 53 ½), Olimpia de Epiro (Southern Cat, 51), and Señora Maga(Señor Candy, 52 ½) to complete the line-up.