San Martín and Gnecco, can't-miss stakes features coming up at La Plata

Saturday the 15th will see the distaffers take center stage, while Tuesday the 18th features a blockbuster showdown in honor of the father of the nation

Sabiyano will look to defend his title in the San Martín / HLP

LA PLATA—the local track has begun mapping out its upcoming programs for Saturday, August 15, and Tuesday, August 18, featuring a solid entry list alongside the now firmly entrenched secondary category racing, where horses compete for purses that in some cases fail to cover basic training expenses.

on Saturday's card, center stage belongs to the Clásico Manuel F. y Emilio Gnecco (G3), a staple mile contest for mares four years old and up under weight-for-age conditions.

the action promises to be highly entertaining with the inclusion of established division names such as End of Spring (Il Campione), Guadilu (Señor Candy), and Lancara (Manipulator).

the roster of 13 nominees is completed by Catalina U (Il Campione), Elvees (Leofric), Fontanela (Lucullan), Kissing Chupetina (South Kissing), Melan Song (Malenchini), Night Life (Sixties Song), Red Chilly (Il Mercato), Reina Secreta (Víctor Security), Stella Prize (Winning Prize), and Will Sound (Long Island Sound).

the winner’s share for the Gnecco sits at a meager 9,210,000 pesos, the exact same purse awaiting Tuesday’s winner in the Clásico General José de San Martín (G3), also contested over 1,600 meters for horses four years old and up under weight-for-age conditions.

expectations for Tuesday are equally high, as the 11-horse nomination list features several high-caliber runners. notably, after returning to winning ways, Sabiyano (Fortify) will attempt to defend the title he captured 12 months ago. standing in his way are Storm Sound (Hi Happy), the track's division leader in 2025, El Ernesto (Señor Candy), and Campo Verde (Strategos), all formidable contenders to beat.

rounding out the nomination sheet are Amiguito Don José (Todo Un Amiguito), Boyero Spring (Greenspring), Emblematicu (Lucullan), Llebrenc (Forge), Seek Wave (Seek Again), Tryman (Safety Check), and Vampiro Zen(Zensational).

scratches and jockey call confirmations are due by 11:00 a.m. on Monday, with the official fields set to be released later that afternoon.