Rugiente and Despacito, Emergency Names in the Divisions of the Handicap Juan Udaondo

The trainer will receive his tribute this Friday at Libertador and Dorrego, featuring two 1200-meter dirt contests

Rugiente Stands Out in the First Division of the Handicap / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

A race meeting featuring a mix of intriguing contests alongside somewhat less appealing ones is set for this Friday at Hipódromo Palermo, where the Handicap Juan Bautista Udaondo—split into two divisions—serves as the primary attraction.

For 5-year-olds and up, winners, contesting a distance of 1200 meters, management made a commendable decision to divide the race into two fields, avoiding horse eliminations or overcrowding a single heat beyond reason.

The first division shapes up as slightly more competitive, with top weight of 61 kilos assigned to the seasoned Rugiente, who returns after a hiatus of just over two months. Boasting 10 career victories, several at the stakes level, the son of Il Campione was last seen finishing second to El Resero Con Capa (Angiolo) in the Clásico Julio Corte (L) at La Plata.

He will line up against several formidable opponents, including Hit Rouge (Hit It a Bomb, 59 1/2), a tough contender from Córdoba. A two-time black-type winner, he captured the Handicap Aniversario de la Inauguración del Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo in early May before finishing runner-up to G1 winner El Mejor Recuerdo (Il Campione) in the Clásico Día de la Bandera.

Arriving from La Plata with strong recent form is Colour Vision (Univisión, 56), who looks ready to contend, while the mares Bichita de Luz (Fragotero, 57) and Sir Limonada (Lencelot, 51) will also attempt to make their presence felt.

In the second division, meanwhile, the handicapper was surprisingly lenient with the weight assigned to Despacito(Sabayón), who at 9 years old will be hunting for his 20th career win. Typically burdened with well over 60 kilos, he carries just 59 1/2 today—a rather puzzling assignment—entering off a second-place finish, 4 lengths behind Flaminius(Hi Happy), in the Handicap Candy Stripes on the dirt at San Isidro.

The runner from La Pampa faces serious competition in Amiguito Don José (Todo Un Amiguito, 56), fresh off a victory in the Especial Juan Alberto Maciel; Decan Dall (Víctor Security, 56 1/2), coming off a win in the Especial Snow Cat at La Plata; and Paris Tech (Luhuk, 54), who remains competitive at 10 years of age.