Poker Mommy vs. Cyboogie: An Exciting Showdown Over 1800 Meters in the Handicap Elías Antúnez

Both G2 winners, they seek a ticket to the Gran Premio Criadores (G1) in one of the two main events of the upcoming Friday in Buenos Aires

Poker Mommy comes off a comfortable victory in her return to the track / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After a pause on Thursday and with the issue surrounding jockey medical care in La Plata still unresolved, the turf will get back in motion this Friday with a 14-race card at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, featuring a dual high-class event, led by the Handicap Elías Antúnez, for mares aged 4 and up, set over 1800 meters.

A preparatory race for the Gran Premio Criadores (G1), scheduled for May 1, which will grant the winner a ticket to the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) in the United States, the race has drawn just 5 participants but two standout names: Poker Mommy (Daddy Long Legs, 57.5kg) and Cyboogie (Galicado, 61kg). Both G2 winners, they are well ahead of the other three contenders, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the first and second positions are already spoken for.

In terms of preferences, Poker Mommy is the favorite, due to the distance, her recent solid return with a comfortable win, and the weight advantage (3.5kg). A member of Stud Los Betos, she was the heroine of the Clásico Francisco J. Beazley(G2) in 2023, and then delivered a strong performance in the Gran Premio Selección (G1), finishing third behind Romance Sea (Seahenge) and Madonna Benois (Angiolo), less than 2 lengths behind.

Health issues have limited her performance, with irregularities on the track and extended breaks. However, after 8 months in the barn, she made a successful return with an 8-length victory, easily winning over 2000 meters locally.

Francisco Leandro will once again take the reins of Poker Mommy, who will have the race at her disposal. Despite all the factors in her favor, she will face a strong challenge from the experienced Cyboogie, who returns after 187 days of absence in new hands. Now trained by Edgardo Martucci for Stud Rodolfo Pedro, she made her farewell in style, winning back-to-back Clásico Chile (G2) and Clásico Ignacio F. e Ignacio Correas (G2) over 2200 and 2500 meters, respectively. She had also finished a close fourth in the Criadores (G1) before that, just behind Che Evasora(Greenspring). Despite the challenges, she will be a formidable opponent.