Only 5 Confirmed for the Provincia de Buenos Aires as Another Group Race Is Canceled
The final leg of the Southern Triple Crown will feature a minuscule field; violating international regulations, the Hipódromo Independencia de Rosario (G3) was canceled and rescheduled
LA PLATA.- A wave of major—and mostly unwelcome—news emerged from the track this Monday following scratches, setting a troubled tone for upcoming cards. On one hand, a mere 5 runners were confirmed for the Clásico Provincia de Buenos Aires (G3-2200m, dirt), the closing leg of the local Triple Crown scheduled for Tuesday, October 20. On the other hand, the Clásico Hipódromo Independencia de Rosario (G3)—originally scheduled for the same date—was canceled and rescheduled for Saturday, October 24. This repeated and unregulatory action flies in the face of international guidelines, which dictate that graded races must be run with whatever number of runners are confirmed, even if reduced to a walkover.
The repeated nature of these infractions has kept La Plata under close scrutiny from the Organización Sudamericana de Fomento del Sangre Pura de Carrera (OSAF). The governing body has previously sent warning letters regarding the issue, cautioning that local races risk future downgrades in their international status. However, precedent seems to carry little weight here, where rules continue to be bypassed.
As a result, the Provincia de Buenos Aires will feature Teobaldo (Uncle Chuck)—winner of the Clásico José Pedro Ramírez (G3) and runner-up in the Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (G2)—as the headliner against Célebre (Full Mast), Fuerte y Claro (Daniel Boone), Kandahar (Gershwin), and Licitador (Forge).
Tuesday's 12-race program will begin at 2:30 p.m. and wrap up at 8:00 p.m.
Looking ahead to Thursday, October 22, the feature event at La Plata will be the Clásico Benito Lynch (L-1200m, dirt) for 3-year-olds.
From an original list of 9 entries, 3 were scratched, leaving a field of 6 to line up in the starting gates. The lineup is led by established stakes winners Cadiz (Strategos) and Shiawase (Lucullan).
Rounding out the field after final cuts are Candy Man (Strategos), Lobito de Mar (Il Mercato), Sensei (Storm Embrujado), and Wonderful Winner (Malenchini).
Thursday's fixture will mirror Tuesday's format in both timing and number of races.
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