Stormy Summer, a step above in a classic loaded with top-class promise

Unbeaten on Palermo’s turf, the daughter of Nicholas aims to add the República Oriental del Uruguay (G3) to her résumé

Stormy Summer is undefeated over Palermo's turf track / HAPSA

In the lead-up to the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), racing shifts to the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, where an 11-race program awaits, highlighted by the Clásico República Oriental del Uruguay (G3-1400m, turf) on the inner grass course.

A high-quality contest appears assured, with a field of fillies and mares that brings plenty to the table. Notably, the majority are 3-year-olds—something of a rarity at this stage of the season—some already proven at the top level, others looking to take that decisive step forward.

Finding a clear-cut favorite is no easy task given the apparent parity, but Stormy Summer offers not only youth, but also a proven and seamless adaptation to both the surface and the setting. The daughter of champion Nicholas broke her maiden on San Isidro’s turf before capturing the Asociación Cooperativa de Criadores de SPC Ltda. (L) and The Japan Racing Association (L), both under conditions identical to those she will face here.

In the care of José C. Blanco, Causeway Girl (Dabster) remains unbeaten and appears to be rounding back into her best form, as evidenced by her recent efforts in the Handicap Potrizaris and Handicap Polar Star. A stakes winner with proven power, she will be a formidable rival despite conceding 5 1/2 kilos to the younger fillies under the weight-for-age scale.

Juan Saldivia sends out Indiana Candy (Señor Candy), unbeaten in two starts and making her first foray into stakes company. She debuted with a 5-length win and followed up with a nose victory, both over 1200 meters.

La Plata’s champion 2-year-old of last season, Elenika (Winning Prize), seeks a new profile away from her home track. Her first attempt elsewhere was encouraging, finishing fourth, just 3 1/2 lengths behind Fiesta Porteña (Fortify) in the Clásico Carlos P. Rodríguez (G2) at San Isidro. The turf should be in her favor.

Splash Park (Safety Check) put on a show at La Plata, a filly long held in high regard. She impressed so much in victory that her connections now raise the bar, aiming to see her break through at the stakes level. She will not be easy to deny.

Amour d’Été (Sixties Song) and Intrusión (Gouverneur Morris) round out the lineup, adding further depth to what shapes up as a terrific renewal of the República Oriental del Uruguay.