Speedmaster takes his rise to a handicap boasting stakes quality

The son of Fortify is the chosen card in the Copa Regimiento de Infantería 1 de Patricios, over the San Isidro dirt mile; Sabiyano will shoulder top weight of 61 kilograms in a highly elite field

Boasting 4 victories in his last 6 starts, including 2 in his 3 most recent outings, Speedmaster possesses all the credentials to take another major step forward. The son of Fortify will face a test perfectly tailored to his progression in the Handicap Copa Regimiento de Infantería 1 de Patricios, the centerpiece of this Wednesday's card at Hipódromo de San Isidro, open to 4-year-olds and up over 1,600 meters on the dirt.

The lineup bears far more resemblance to a stakes race than a traditional handicap. It features group winners, veterans with proven form in major events, and several returns that add intrigue to the contest. In this setting, the current form of the top selection tips the scales, though he will need to validate it against opponents capable of making things exceedingly difficult.

Always highly regarded by his connections, Speedmaster has been delivering on the track. In his latest outing, he scored by 1 1/2 lengths over stakes winner Alado Frank (Gidu) over this same distance on the Palermo dirt. Prior to that, he finished third, just 2 lengths behind champion 2-year-old Drive Joy (Fortify), in the Clásico Perú (G2)—a performance that strongly bolsters his claims. Carrying 57 1/2 kilograms, he now faces the challenge of translating that stellar form back onto the track.

The field's highest assignment belongs to Sabiyano (Fortify), who will shoulder top weight of 61 kilograms and bring his multiple group victories to the table. Winner of the Clásico 9 de Julio (G3) at La Plata on Independence Day, he subsequently finished third to Tryman (Safety Check), beaten 3 lengths, in the Clásico José de San Martín (G3), also at the Bosque. San Isidro is equally familiar territory: on January 7, he captured the Handicap Condal, defeating Tryman by precisely 3 lengths.

Another heavy hitter is Nevado Catedral (Gouverneur Morris, 57), returning to action after a hiatus of just over two months. In April, he reached one of his career peaks by winning the Clásico Benito Villanueva (G2), though he subsequently fell short of that standard in the Gran Premio de las Américas (G1), the Carreras de las Estrellas Mile(G1), and the Clásico Perú. Dropping down in class could help him regain his winning touch, though the field affords very few concessions.

Meming Penguin (Strategos) will once again enjoy a favorable weight assignment, set to carry 54 1/2 kilograms. Just over a month ago, he capitalized on a light burden to spring a surprise in handicap company, and he will look to repeat the formula against a demanding group.

Also making his return is Mannarino (Cosmic Trigger), a group winner since his juvenile campaign in the Clásico Pedro E. y Manuel A. Garcés and winner of the Especial Alejandro Korn in March. His last appearance resulted in a fourth-place finish in the Clásico Comparación (L) at La Plata in April. Adding to the layoff is a distinct shift: he returns to the mile for the first time in over a year, having regularly competed over 2,000 meters or beyond.

Rounding out the field is 7-year-old Kavak (Cityscape, 54), whose career has suffered interruptions due to health setbacks. Highly thought of, he reached his peak by winning the Handicap Pure Prize in late 2024 and has also placed in stakes events. He comes off a third-place finish in conditional company and will need to step up to contend in a race that promises plenty of sparks.