Palermo Racing Is Back on Track with Juvenile Clashes and a stakes Doubleheader

The Handicap Platería and the Especial Juan A. Maciel stand out on an afternoon where the rain will also take center stage

Moon's Destiny Is Much Better on Turf Than on Dirt / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After another Sunday without racing, the action returns this afternoon with a 15-race card at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, with rain taking center stage. Among several conditions races for 2-year-olds, there will be 2 events above the ordinary level.

On one hand, mares 4 years old and up will clash in the Handicap Platería, scheduled for the turf course, although given the track conditions, it might switch to the dirt. Later in the evening, it will be time for the Especial Juan Alberto Maciel(1200 m, dirt), reserved for horses 5 years old and up with 3 or more wins under the victory-based weight scale.

If the conditions change, everything changes in the Platería. On the turf, Moon's Destiny (Orpen, 58 1/2) is nearly infallible, and she would face a rematch against Filippiada (Il Mercato, 57) and Splash Park (Safety Check, 53), her close pursuers in the Handicap Juan Alberto Maldotti. But if there is a switch to the dirt, her rivals seem to possess better weapons to defend themselves.

Breaking from stall 1 will be Ma Perque (Cosmic Trigger, 57), who comes in riding a 4-race winning streak, having found her latest celebration in the Handicap British Empire by defeating Bichita de Luz (Fragotero) by a head on the dirt.

As for the tribute to the "Fiera" Maciel, everything looks quite well-balanced. On an altered track and carrying 58 kilos, the La Pampa native Príncipe Soñado (Fragotero) could Loom large, following two performances in which he was not seen at the top of his game.

In terms of quality, Royal Rimout (Remote, 62) outclasses the category, but at 7 years old, with many physical issues and the top weight of 62 kilos, it will be no easy task for him to stand out, even though he comes off a victory in a similar, but conditions race, on the San Isidro alternate track.

Cerrito Piñón (Manipulator, 60) was baffling in his most recent outings, running far below his usual form. However, he finds a field here that could help him return to his former self.

Finally, in the realm of upsets, Sebi Torres (Orpen, 56) is gradually getting into shape after a long layoff, and perhaps now he is at the right point to return to the winner's circle.