Stars, Rock, and Glory: Need You Tonight Goes for His Crowning Moment

The El Wing Stud colt starts as the heavy favorite in the Estrellas Classic (G1), on a day that will mark the series’ return to the Hipódromo de Palermo

Need You Tonight paid the supplementary fee to run in the Classic / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The air in Palermo buzzes today with the anticipation of a long-awaited celebration. After two years away, the Carreras de las Estrellas return to Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego for their 35th edition. This won’t be just any day: with nine stakes races—seven of them Grade 1—and promises of packed stands, it’s set to be the true centerpiece of the Argentine racing season. An unmissable event where the history, present, and future of national turf come together in an unparalleled spectacle.

At the pinnacle of this festival lies the Gran Premio Estrellas Classic (G1-2000 m, dirt, ARS 62,000,000 to the winner), the crown jewel, the race that crowns the best older horse of the first half of the year. And this year, all eyes and hopes focus on a name that, beyond sounding like a song, resonates with the strength of a champion: Need You Tonight. The 3-year-old dark bay, whose name evokes the iconic INXS hit, arrives at this challenge with a resume that marks him as the top contender: his dazzling win in the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1), the flagship race on Palermo’s calendar for older horses.

That victory wasn’t just any win; it was a display of superiority, class, and exceptional athleticism that puts him above the rest. But Need You Tonight’s path to the Estrellas Classic came at a cost. His connections, in a clear show of faith and ambition, paid a hefty supplementary fee of ARS 15,000,000 to secure his spot, as the colt was not originally entered in the Estrellas series. This bold move underscores the team’s confidence in his chances and raises the stakes even higher for his upcoming performance. It’s a strong bet only true protagonists dare to make.

The Estrellas Classic is more than a race; it’s a test of class, stamina, and strategy. The 2000 meters on Palermo’s dirt track is a tough examination that only the most complete horses can pass. Need You Tonight has already proven his mettle over the same distance and surface by winning the República, but every race tells a new story—and the pressure of a G1 like this is immense.

He’ll face rivals like Holy Holy Rim (Remote), trained by Roberto A. Pellegatta, who shares the same trainer and is rapidly improving; the consistent Endor Rye (Endorsement); the rising stars Song Kas (Sixties Song) and Kopke (Hi Happy); Acento Final (Treasure Beach), switching to Palermo’s dirt to remind all he won the Jockey Club (G1) in 2024; and a One Thing (Brz-Verrazano) who just caused a stir at San Isidro. Still, Need You Tonight remains the leading candidate.

A special mention goes to the Fundación Equina Argentina (FEAR), the private non-profit organization that has been the soul of the Carreras de las Estrellas since its inception in 1989. Its innovative vision, inspired by the U.S. Breeders’ Cup, transformed the Argentine racing calendar by grouping the best races into a single day. Thanks to their tireless work, the sport’s activity, breeding, ownership, training, and betting are all boosted, providing a world-class spectacle to fans.

Need You Tonight embodies the very essence of the Estrellas: the pursuit of excellence and the ambition to be the best. His name, echoing the melody of a rock ballad, could today become the soundtrack to a historic victory. The Palermo crowd, eager to see their new idol, will be on the edge of their seats, waiting for the moment the dark bay breaks free and gallops into glory.

Palermo’s gates open not just for the races, but for an experience—to feel the adrenaline, passion, camaraderie, and magic that only turf racing can offer. The Carreras de las Estrellas pay tribute to the thoroughbred, the professionals around them, and the fans who love them.

And at the heart of that celebration, Need You Tonight will try to write the brightest chapter of his story on a day that promises to be unforgettable. May the melody of victory accompany the champion.