Martana Seeks Further Glory, Stepping Up to 2,500 Meters with the Clásico Correas in Her Sights

The daughter of Fortify stretches out further than ever before in terms of distance, aiming to secure another high-profile triumph on a card at Hipódromo de Palermo that boasts multiple feature attractions

Making the most of the bridge holiday Friday, Hipódromo de Palermo has structured a highly enticing card, featuring several closely watched allowance races, attractive wagering incentives with guaranteed pools, and a stakes tripleheader that promises plenty of action.

Amidst the sprinting contests offered by the Diamond Jubilee (L) and the Guillermo Paats (L), the stayers will take center stage in one of the most demanding events of the season for fillies and mares: the Clásico Ignacio, Ignacio F. e Ignacio Correas (G2). This race honors the legendary family that shaped the history of Haras Las Ortigas—a true emblem of Argentine racing—whose legacy endures today through Ignacio, Ricardo, and Benjamín, all deeply connected to the sport they carry in their blood.

The grueling 2,500-meter journey will require a perfect blend of class, tactical ability, and stamina from a very capable field, headlined by Martana, who kicks off her 6-year-old campaign as the definitive filly to beat.

In an outing that could potentially mark her racetrack swan song before heading to the breeding shed—a decision ultimately in the hands of trainer Enrique Martín Ferro and owner-breeder Alessandro Misserocchi—the daughter of Fortify looks to maintain the exceptional form she has displayed for several months.

To illustrate her consistency, the dark bay mare has finished no worse than second in her last eight starts, a spectacular run that includes a triumph in the prestigious Gran Premio Ciudad de Montevideo (G1) at Maroñas, Uruguay, as well as victories in the Clásico Arturo R. y Arturo Bullrich (G2) and the Clásico Chile (G2).

For Martana, the assignment presents her first test over two and a half kilometers, which will thoroughly examine her stamina. In her most recent appearance, she missed by a mere nose behind Herd Immunity (Forge) in the Gran Premio Criadores (G1), battling relentlessly through the length of the stretch without ever giving in.

Accustomed to tracking the pace near the front, she is expected to employ similar tactics here. Her most formidable challenger appears to be Portal Maya (Portal del Alto), an opponent she already defeated in both the Bullrich and the Criadores. The Stud As de Picas color-bearer, who captured the Clásico Apertura (G2) back in January, also seeks to begin her 6-year-old season with a high-profile victory.

Slightly further down in the preferences is the honest Doña Lucila (Equal Talent). While occasionally inconsistent, she enters off a solid third-place effort in the Clásico Partícula (G2) and previously hit the board when third in the aforementioned Apertura and second in the Clásico Francisco J. Beazley (G2) during her juvenile season.

Trainer Juan Saldivia sends forth Angelic Champ (Cima de Triomphe), who finished a commendable second, 1 1/2 lengths behind Ceniza Pampa (Hat Ninja), in this very renewal a year ago and returns to exploit her affinity for the marathon distance.

Coming off encouraging allowance victories, Remoulina (Remote), Foggy of Song (Sixties Song), and Che Samaritana (Vástago Salvaje) step up in class with the ambition of proving they belong at the graded level, while Master Jane (Mastercraftsman) also boasts form in this event, having finished second by three lengths to Cyboogie (Galicado) in the 2024 edition, notably finishing ahead of several rivals who would figure among the top choices today.