Lissette Island faces a field full of high-quality rivals in the Clásico España

The daughter of Lizard Island is going through a spectacular moment, but she faces one of the most difficult challenges of her campaign

Lissette Island, in a perfect position... / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

While the racing world is still buzzing about the fantastic day experienced last Friday, the Hipódromo de Palermoregains its tranquility with renewed hope this Monday. At Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego, a program of 11 races awaits, highlighted by the very promising Clásico España (L), for mares 3 years old and up over a 1000-meter trip on the sand.

Several of the division's best exponents will gather in the starting gates, featuring the presence of the Cordovan-bred Lissette Island, returning to Palermo after her successful foray onto the San Isidro turf to take the Clásico Olavarría(G3).

The daughter of Lizard Island already knows by heart what it means to perform at a high level on the downtown dirt, where, for example, she won the Clásico General Francisco B. Bosch (G3) and General Arenales (G3). It is clear that to beat her, rivals will have to run a great deal.

A formidable enemy is Tormenta China (Malenchini), who, before running into Le Cornette (Emmanuel) in the Clásico Estados Unidos de América (G3), had secured 4 consecutive victories under the same circumstances she will compete in now, including the Handicap Vitelio and Handicap Tintilla.

La Meninha (Le Blues) will travel from her stall in La Plata in pursuit of returning to the winner's circle, after finishing fourth just a half-length behind Lissette Island in the Olavarría. Her credentials are top-notch, and it will be enough for her to recover her best form to be in the mix.

The always dangerous Eleven Mile (Il Campione), A La Vista (Angiolo), and Enjoy Dancing (Hi Happy) also possess valid credentials, while Free Prize (Winning Prize) always has an ace up her sleeve to surprise.

Finally, it must be noted that after an absence of 1077 days (carefully counted), Forest Rimout (Remote) returns to action. She won 5 of her 6 starts in La Plata, officially saying goodbye in May 2023 by beating Jumpy Spring (Full Mast) by 2 1/2 lengths in the Handicap Fornara. If she manages to win, it will be a feat almost without precedent.