Palermo Honors Brilliantly with a Handicap Packed with Excitement

With 12 races on the card, the feature will pay tribute to one of the standout performers of the 1980s. Nakayama will aim to make a leap up the class ladder and confirm her current form, but she will face strong opposition from Ataka, Aiyanna, and Holy Valley

Nakayama has a solid chance to shine at the higher level / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

On an unusual afternoon, Hipódromo de Palermo will open its gates for a 12-race card, with the feature being the Handicap Brilliantly, in tribute to the unforgettable chestnut mare who was a standout in Argentine racing during the latter half of the fabulous 1980s.

Scheduled at 1,400 meters on turf, which could present a challenging surface, the race will feature mares aged five and older. Nakayama (Señor Candy) will attempt to translate her strong conditional performances to the higher level.

Carrying just 53 1/2 kilos for M. de G., Nakayama comes off a 1 1/2-length victory over La Cosa Buffa (Asiatic Boy), leaving a solid impression. However, she faces the challenge of changing surfaces, having yet to win in two turf outings.

She will meet two highly experienced rivals in the division: Ataka (Señor Candy, 59 1/2) and Aiyanna (Santillano, 59). Ataka captured the Handicaps Haras Chapadmalal and Pensilvania, but overburdened in weight, she finished a distant fourth in a six-horse field in the Handicap Giovanetti. Aiyanna, with a long and successful career, comes off a runner-up effort in the Clásico Jockey Club de Azul over a mile.

Also in contention is Holy Valley (Homage, 54 1/2), who has long earned the right to excel in the handicap ranks. She recently finished third in the previously mentioned Haras Chapadmalal and Pensilvania handicaps. On Palermo’s turf, she has positive results, including two wins and a third in the Clásico The Japan Racing Association (L).

Other mares to consider include Look Happy (Hi Happy, 53 1/2), while the brave Joy Antumalal (Il Campione, 54)could capitalize if she controls the pace to her liking.

There’s more depth to the race: Hi Chasty (Hi Happy, 55) will aim to replicate her third-place finish behind Catch the Bomb (Hit It a Bomb) in the Handicap Good Passion, and Mi Negra Paula (Reflecting, 55) comes off a close second, two lengths behind Funny Polly (Astern) in the Especial Wanna Dance at La Plata.