Qué Tarde Gris and Vota Bien Set for Stellar Showdown in Clásico Italia

The G2 Gran Premio 9 de Julio winner and the G2 Clásico Perú hero step up to the demanding 2000 meters in a can’t-miss clash

Vota Bien Dominant in the Perú / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Monday’s double-feature card at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo will culminate with a highly anticipated edition of the Clásico Italia (G3, 2000m, dirt), one of the strongest second-half tests of the year for older horses at the distance on Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego.

A small but high-quality field of five will go to post, led by two standout contenders: Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione) and Vota Bien (Hi Happy).

Qué Tarde Gris, long regarded as being in top form, bypassed the G2 Ecuador at San Isidro to focus on this event. He will be stretching out to 2000 meters for the first time after impressing with a determined rally to narrowly defeat Adorado Rim (Remote) in the G2 Gran Premio 9 de Julio over a mile on turf. This jump in distance represents his main challenge in the Italia for the Stud Tres Jotas runner.

Vota Bien, meanwhile, aims to cement his status in the division after a commanding victory in the G2 Clásico Perú, covering 1800 meters with a four-length score over Acento Final (Treasure Beach), who would later take the G1 Gran Premio General San Martín, defeating Need You Tonight (Hat Trick) and Crazy Talent (Equal Talent). Like Qué Tarde Gris, Vota Bien tackles 2000 meters for the first time, though the distance test is slightly less demanding than for his rival.

Race dynamics could favor Vota Bien, who may be able to control the pace more comfortably than in the Perú, where he had to contend with the speed of Storm Sound (Hi Happy). If he assumes command, Gustavo Calvente aboard Qué Tarde Gris will need to position his mount carefully to avoid conceding too much ground.

Davalos (Hi Happy), a fresh runner-up to Jardín Secreto (Endorsement), could complicate Vota Bien if he moves freely into the clear, while Billion (Galicado)—a standout colt of his generation and G3 Martínez winner—will be closely watched after an unimpressive comeback.

Completing the quintet is Valle Barun (Vástago Salvaje), a veteran enjoying a strong run with two consecutive wins.