Party Girl heads to the turf at Palermo seeking her first stakes breakthrough

The Stud RDI-owned filly looms large in the Clásico Asociación Cooperativa de Criadores de SPC Ltda. (L) at Palermo

Party Girl scoring at San Isidro. / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

How the weather shapes up will determine the conditions for Friday’s racing card at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, where the spotlight will fall on the Clásico Asociación Cooperativa de Criadores SPC Ltda. (L). The 1,400-meter turf test on the inner course is restricted to three-year-old fillies.

If heavy rain falls, officials could make a last-minute switch to the main track, although any precipitation may not be enough to warrant that change. Everything will ultimately hinge on the weather.

Among the early favorites is the Brazilian filly Party Girl (Outstrip), arriving from San Isidro’s Campo 2 aiming for her third career victory. She comes off back-to-back wins, most recently a decisive 1 1/4-length triumph in the 1,200-meter Premio Del Muñeco, overcoming Embozada City (Cityscape) and fully bouncing back from a misstep in the Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1).

Challenging her will be Hat Tapada (Hat Sócrates), who brings valuable experience having already scored on Palermo turf. In mid-August, she edged out Kalisia (Fortify) by a neck to register her second consecutive win.

Stormy Summer (Nicholas) enters with momentum from a promising debut, immediately following up at San Isidro with a commanding five-length victory over 1,200 meters. Now more seasoned, she will be extremely difficult to beat.

From La Plata comes Mimosa Grey (Zensational), winner of the Clásico Vit Reina, who later ran fourth, 2 1/4 lengths behind Starry Bomb (Hit It a Bomb) in the Clásico Wilfredo Latham (L). If she handles the footing well, her experience could make a difference at this level.

Intrusión (Gouverneur Morris) returns to familiar turf following a misstep in the Clásico Bayakoa (L), while Philadelphia (Treasure Beach) and Mi Gran Chica (Seahenge) complete the field with intentions to spring a surprise.