Obstacle Tops 11 Entries for the Ramírez, South America’s First G1 of 2026

The Brazilian colt looms as a major contender at Maroñas; Martana and Storm Sound represent strong Buenos Aires-based entries for the Ciudad de Montevideo (G1) and the Pedro Piñeyrúa (G3), while Lanfranco Dettori is set to be part of the festivities

Maroñas Gears Up for Jan. 6 and Its Showpiece Day / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

By Diego H. Mitagstein

At the Hipódromo Nacional de Maroñas, the scent of celebration is already in the air. Jan. 6 is just around the corner—a date that, in racing parlance, is synonymous with the Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1), even as it coincides with Three Kings’ Day on the calendar.

The most important meeting of the year in Montevideo began to take shape on Monday with the receipt of entries for the four marquee events that will headline the card. In addition to the Ramírez, the program features the Gran Premio Ciudad de Montevideo (G1, 2000m, dirt), the Pedro Piñeyrúa (G3, 1600m, dirt), and the Gran Premio Maroñas(G3, 1000m, dirt).

Anticipation continues to build, fueled by details that further elevate the meeting—most notably the participation of Italian superstar Lanfranco Dettori. Added significance comes from the Piñeyrúa’s status as a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In, awarding a berth to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Keeneland.

As expected, the Ramírez commands center stage. The 2026 renewal shapes up with a maximum of 11 runners, notably without Argentine representation and among the smallest fields in recent memory.

All eyes point to Brazilian colt Obstacle (Hofburg) as the standout. He arrives off commanding victories in the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G2) and the Gran Premio Nacional (G2), in addition to a score in the Clásico Criadores Nacionales (L). Potential challengers include the seasoned Pluto (Discreetly Mine), Mucho Loco (Brz–Alcorano), Native Extreme (Brz–Emcee), Turbo Ship (Midshipman), Cuento Marista (Brz–Alcorano), Universal Horse (Brz–Universal Law), Zelenski (Vineyard Haven), Huracán (Brz–Synchrony), Campeón Avenue (Sloane Avenue), and Quixote (T.H. Approval).

Entries were far more numerous for the Ciudad de Montevideo (G1), open to fillies and mares three and up. From Buenos Aires, Martana (Fortify) looms as a major presence, one of Palermo’s proven stayers. She is joined by a deep international group including Voice Out (Brz–Outstrip), Vecchia Signorina (Verrazano), Guitarrera (Mestre Gosik), Linda Muchacha (Brz–Alcorano), Sandrín Royal (Will Take Charge), Fightfirewithfire (Brz–Verrazano), Truco e Flor (Brz–Verrazano), Tantan Royal (Midshipman), Fabi Chita (Ogggiorno), La Belle Julia (Brz–Alpha), Over Force (Brz–Hofburg), Odyssey Princess (Brz–Put It Back), Eureka Springs (Il Campione), Candara (Brz–Can the Man), Miami Fever (Texas Fever), Mucha Energía (Matterhorn), and Albion (Brz–Alpha).

The Pedro Piñeyrúa (G3) drew an outstanding 23 entries, among them Buenos Aires-based Storm Sound (Hi Happy), La Plata’s top miler and recent winner of the Clásico Joaquín V. González (G2). Titleholder Sí Señor (Señor Candy) figures a formidable obstacle, while the Breeders’ Cup ticket could also be contested by Tadow Star (Midshipman), Truco e Flor, Ababor Fever (Texas Fever), Sparco (Brz–Verrazano), Kerr Kitten (Brz–Camelot Kitten), Tupungato (Brz–Forestry), Latte Macchiato (Put It Back), Ave Royal (Sloane Avenue), Save the King (Brz–Forestry), Nuestro Sueño (The Leopard), Samba e Samba (Brz–Rally Cry), Justice Cat (The Leopard), Progreso (Brz–Drosselmeyer), Argentine runners Soldi (The Great Day) and Dolarísimo (Horse Greeley), plus Ormello (Brz–Drosselmeyer), Ocasión (Brz–Put It Back), Ultra Black (Brz–Fortuna Certa), Campeón Avenue, Quixote, and Amaranto (Brz–Camelot Kitten).

Finally, the Gran Premio Maroñas (G3) attracted the largest list, with 29 potential starters, including Peligrosa (Kodiak Kowboy), La Sobrina (Trinniberg), Little Roy (A Little Warm), Leopard Dance (The Leopard), Oliver (Brz–Put It Back), and L’Intrigatore (Brz–Forestry).

Definitive fields for the Ramírez meeting will be announced next week, setting the stage for South America’s first major celebration of 2026.