On a Quiet Afternoon, Ilustrado Won the Kind of Race That Keeps Dreams Alive

Having put physical issues and his comeback run behind him, the Stud Los Betos runner shone over 1400 meters and now looks ready to make up for lost time

Clara Manía Was Among Monday’s Winners at Palermo / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

It was far from the kind of Monday card that leaves much to tell at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo. Beyond Bienhechor’s strong display in the Handicap Sideral, there were only a handful of notable storylines.

Perhaps the most meaningful takeaway was the solid wagering volume: a total of ARS 407,637,812, averaging over ARS 37 million per race—quite acceptable for a short, quiet program. Mondays at Avenida del Libertador y Dorrego continue to deliver strong financial results, further consolidating Palermo as the country’s wagering leader, well ahead of San Isidro and La Plata.

In the allowance ranks, Ilustrado’s performance in the Premio Círculo de Periodistas Deportivos (1400m, dirt), for 5-year-olds and up with two wins, was eye-catching. Representing Stud Los Betos, the Cosmic Trigger gelding has had his career slowed by health issues that prevented him from reaching the heights his talent suggested.

After finishing second in his comeback run, he was simply too much this time. Ilustrado took command early, sparred briefly with Buscabusha (Remote), and then drew off with authority in the stretch.

Benefiting from apprentice Martín Montoya’s weight allowance, the Gustavo Scarpello trainee hit the wire five lengthsclear of Al Agua (Daddy Long Legs), rewarding favoritism while stopping the clock in 1:23.57.

Among the professionals, young rider Lucas González left his mark with a sharp double, bringing his season total to 118 wins, solidifying his position week by week after losing his apprentice claim not long ago.

He first guided Che Bahiano (Vástago Salvaje) to the third win of his career in the 1400-meter Premio Sensitivo, for Stud Los Aventureros (Córdoba).In the very next race, the Premio Sweet Sue, González struck again aboard Kurt (Puerto Escondido), scoring by 1 1/2 lengths to earn the colt’s first career victory in eight starts.

Monday at Palermo is now in the books. On Tuesday, new stories will be written—as the Dardo Rocha approaches…