Nostalgia Frank Set for a Perfect Launch in Career Debut

Gran Muñeca's Filly Favored for Sunday’s Especial Independencia

Team Gran Muñeca Eyes Another Notable Victory/ JUAN I. BOZZELLO

LA PLATA.- Heavy ground is likely to be a key factor this Sunday at La Plata for the Especial Independencia (1500m, dirt), the traditional feature for unraced juvenile fillies that offers a modest first prize of ARS$5,330,000.

A field of nine has been confirmed, with several fillies showing encouraging morning drills to suggest a winning debut could be within reach. Chief among them is Nostalgia Frank (Gidu), who has drawn strong reviews for her works over San Isidro’s Campo 2. Her final prep, a smooth move clocked just over 1:28 on the track’s fourth strip, along with a flashy gate breeze, make the Gran Muñeca homebred the one to beat.

Omar Labanca ships in from Palermo with Lupe Candy (Señor Candy), a filly that has posted a variety of eye-catching works and appears geared up to fire at first asking, continuing a hot streak for her trainer.

Local hopes are pinned on Nevada Top (Puerto Escondido), a half-sister to G2 winner Look Portal, and Good Cana(Safety Check), both of whom have gone about their morning business in a way that hints at ability.

Two other Palermo shippers, Surf End (Endorsement) and Equal Tejana (Equal Talent), both trained by Daniel Marsiglia Lalinde, have shown professionalism in their preparations but, like the rest of the field, will have to contend with what promises to be a testing surface.

Rounding out the line-up are Gaucha Preciosa (Sea Dog), Estás a Tiempo (Il Campione), and Latina Curiosa (Valid Stripes), all aiming to make a splash in a tricky debut scenario.