Salema, Moon’s Destiny, and Catys Queen: The Three Strong Cards at Palermo
The Clásico The Japan Racing Association (L), contested over 1400 meters, will serve as the feature event this Friday over a turf track expected to be heavily waterlogged; the Especial Bonita Furia and Especial Guapa Mireya round out the stakes program
The Palermo turf track will take center stage this Friday, with the main feature being the Clásico The Japan Racing Association (L-1400 m), reserved for fillies and mares 3 years old and up. Over a track surface that is bound to be heavy, the contest offers an even, highly competitive matchup, with Salema (Il Mercato), Moon's Destiny (Orpen), and Catys Queen (Lizard Island) leading a field where certainty is hard to come by.
Top billing goes to Salema, a 3-year-old filly who has been compiling a solid campaign. She previously shone during the provincial juvenile stakes process at La Plata, where she scored her biggest victory in the Clásico Andrés S. Torres (G3), in addition to securing several high-profile placings.
However, the piece of form that generates the most optimism for this task is her recent runner-up effort behind MOMBASA (Have At It) in the Clásico Asociación Cooperativa de Criadores Sangre Pura de Carrera Ltda. (L), held precisely over the Palermo turf, where she fell by just 1 1/2 lengths. That effort not only confirmed her current sharp form, but also gave her crucial experience over a surface where she still has plenty of upside.
Moon's Destiny, on the other hand, knows every inch of this track. All 5 of her career wins have come on the Palermoturf, including victories in the Handicap Juan Alberto Maldotti and the Clásico Farnesio—credentials that make her a formidable threat.
While her latest outings were slightly below her absolute peak, they were by no means disappointing. First, she finished second to Splash Park (Safety Check) in the Handicap Pennsylvania, and later, in early September, she ran fifth, beaten 4 lengths by Verenna (Cosmic Trigger), in the Clásico Sibila (G2) at San Isidro. If she recovers her best form, she will be a leading contender.
The third major player is Catys Queen, one of the top fillies in the northern circuit during the second half of 2025, when she captured the Clásico Marina Lezcano and placed second in both the Clásico Bayakoa and Clásico Empiric, establishing herself among the best of her generation.
Following a layoff of over 9 months, her comeback performance was subpar, and she failed to fire in her second start back as well. However, she has been steadily working her way back into condition, and in her most recent outing, she finished second, just a length behind Liturgia Latina (Seek Again), in the Handicap Saint Simon. That progressive improvement suggests she is ready once again to contend for a major stakes victory.
Friday's card will also feature two special events catering to horses with racing backgrounds in the provincial interior, a format that frequently uncovers intriguing prospects making their official circuit appearances.
In the Especial Bonita Furia, over 1000 meters, much of the spotlight will be on Blue Ray (Le Blues), who made an encouraging debut when finishing second, 3 lengths behind Lejano Oeste (Vekoma), in the Especial Che Mandrake. That initial effort left a strong impression, and he now gets the chance to build on it.
Meanwhile, the Especial Guapa Mireya, over 1400 meters, looks wide open. Arriving from Córdoba is Morotai(Uncle Chuck), trained by Sergio Carezzana. He carries the added pedigree intrigue of being a half-brother to Marignac (Equal Stripes), winner of the Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1). His background suggests a big performance on debut, though he will need to prove it on the track.
Another Córdoba contender deserving close attention is Thaqab (Forge), who arrives backed by positive reports and credentials strong enough to make him a serious factor in the finish.
Between the quality of the fillies in the feature race, the uncertainty posed by the heavy turf, and the influx of provincial runners seeking a breakthrough, Palermo promises an action-packed program full of competitive puzzles.
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