Mi Negra Paula Faces Tough Company in the Handicap Resuello

The Reflecting filly arrives off a victory in the Clásico Etoile (L) and now faces a stiffer test both in terms of weight and opposition

Mi Negra Paula comes off a comfortable victory and looks for more / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Racing returns to Hipódromo de San Isidro, with the Handicap Resuello - APHARA standing out as the feature. Set over 1200 meters on dirt, the race has drawn a highly competitive group of 5- and 6-year-old mares, all giving their best for a meager purse of 4,400,000 pesos—less than what the winner of a maiden optional in the following race will collect.

Owners lose when they have a slow horse, they lose when they have one that barely gets by, and they lose even when they have one that truly shows ability. Racecourses seem not to grasp this reality: purses remain low, and the market is feeling it—just look at the sales results. It’s the same old story everywhere, not exclusive to any single track.

Back to the feature, there’s a range of possibilities, starting with Mi Negra Paula (Reflecting), who comes off a 4-length victory over Look Happy (Hi Happy) in the Clásico Etoile (L). She carried 56 kilos that day, a burden that now climbs to 59. Her runner-up from that afternoon reappears here, though the weight spread between them will widen dramatically—from half a kilo to 4 1/2.

Topweight honors go to Kelly Rose (Il Campione, 61), who was a flat fourth, 2 1/2 lengths behind Guadilu (Señor Candy) in the Handicap Wally, regressing from her previous effort when she had comfortably captured the Handicap Academia Nacional de Agronomía y Veterinaria over that same rival.

Rising from the allowance ranks is Momota (Safety Check, 53), who may get the chance to control the pace and try to open up turning for home. Last time out, over Palermo’s turf, she scored by 3 lengths over her paternal sister Doña Distinta, leaving the impression she’s improving.

Another one worth keeping a close eye on is Candy Gloriosa (Vástago Salvaje, 54 1/2), who not long ago came flying late to capture the Handicap Petite Ecurie.