Martana Seeks Redemption as Coni Fizz Eyes Crowning Glory

The Estrellas Distaff (G1) presents one of the afternoon’s biggest challenges at Palermo, featuring top contenders, rising talent, and a crown waiting for its new owner

Martana suffered a surprising defeat in the Criadores, but now she’s aiming for the Distaff / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

At the vibrant heart of the Carreras de las Estrellas, where tradition merges with pure emotion, today’s Gran Premio Estrellas Distaff (G1-2000 m, dirt, $50,000,000 to the winner) at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo stands as one of the most thrilling challenges of the day. This is the ultimate test for older fillies and mares in the series—a battle for supremacy over 2000 meters—with this year’s crown waiting for a new queen. The absence of Sarawak Rim(Remote), winner of the Gran Premio Criadores (G1), throws the gates wide open, inviting an open contest where every brave contender has a chance to etch her name in history.

Palermo’s track will witness a clash of styles and ambitions. One natural candidate to capitalize on Sarawak Rim’s absence is Martana. The daughter of Fortify has previously shown she can dominate that very rival, emphatically winning the Clásico Bullrich (G2) by several lengths. That victory was a clear statement of intent, establishing her among the elite. While her subsequent efforts didn’t meet expectations, great champions are forged in resilience and the ability to bounce back. Martana arrives with a chance to redeem herself, to display again the overwhelming version that took her to the top, and to claim her rightful place on the podium. Her talent is undeniable and her fighting spirit guarantees a thrilling spectacle.

From the camp of rising stars comes Coni Fizz. By Marconi, she arrives with two impressive consecutive classic wins, marking her as an unstoppable figure on the rise. She has dominated both sprint and middle distances with impressive ease. Yet, today’s challenge is formidable: stretching out from a mile to the 2000 meters of the Estrellas Distaff. If Coni Fizz can extend her crushing stride to this new distance, her crowning achievement will be complete, and her name will echo powerfully throughout Argentine turf.

But Palermo’s dirt will also welcome other serious contenders, each with their own stories of resilience and hope. Poker Mommy (Daddy Long Legs) is one. The air hints at her return to the form that made her shine as a juvenile when she convincingly took the Clásico Beazley (G2). Her current form shows gradual improvement, edging closer to that excellent standard. A G1 victory would confirm her comeback—a grand return to the pinnacle.

Another strong name with ambitions is Obra Clásica (Suggestive Boy), who has impressed over middle distances with versatility and a strong finishing kick that make her very dangerous. Now, the challenge is to stretch out to 2000 meters—a distance that could enhance her strengths or demand extra effort. Her solid campaign and good current form place her as a key piece in this elite puzzle.

No G1 race narrative is complete without mentioning possible surprises—fillies and mares with less illustrious records but the talent to strike. Bella Marieta (Cosmic Trigger), with a brief yet effective campaign, has shown that every run leaves a mark; Herd Immunity (Forge), fresh off a wide-margin stakes win in La Plata, brings strong momentum and confidence to the event. Finally, International Look (Cosmic Trigger) is another mare who has placed in many major races, always showing courage and heart. Coming off a solid victory, she carries the confidence to deliver a decisive blow when her rivals least expect it.

The Gran Premio Estrellas Distaff (G1) is more than just a race—it’s a saga written on the track, an opera of galloping efforts. With the reigning queen absent, the stage is set for a new figure to rise and claim the crown, proving that in turf racing, glory is fleeting but legend is eternal. Palermo awaits with bated breath…