Tambaqui Returns in Sunday’s Clásico Malvinas Argentinas

Against modest company, the True Cause colt looks poised for a picture-perfect comeback

Edification has been off form lately, but if he manages to bounce back... he could still be a factor / HLP

LA PLATA, Argentina (Special to Turf Diario) – Friday racing at the Hipódromo de La Plata will offer a modest 11-race card, headlined by a lukewarm renewal of the Clásico Malvinas Argentinas (2100m, dirt), a conditions event for 3-year-olds and up run under the weight-for-age scale.

With an underwhelming ARS 5,130,000 in total prize money for the winner (just over ARS 3 million after deductions), the race reflects the discouraging reality faced by owners, with a field that mirrors the limited incentive on offer.

Standouts are hard to come by. Despite being off the track for 218 days, the returning Tambaqui (True Cause) earns favoritism by default, last seen narrowly defeating Haddok (Interaction) in a local allowance and maintaining a fairly consistent résumé overall.

Che Banquero (Greenspring) finds himself with a rare opportunity to land black-type, his best recent effort a distant third—beaten 8 1/2 lengths—in the local Clásico Comparación (L) behind Rumor de Fuego (Daddy Long Legs).

Once upon a time, Edification (Il Campione) would have toyed with a field like this, but his current form leaves much to be desired. A rebound could make him dangerous, but that remains a big "if."

Don Galeón and Estibador, both by Il Campione, showed mild interest last time out finishing within shouting distance of the winner and could sneak into contention amid the low bar. Meanwhile, El Provocador (Il Campione), Lonely Days(Suggestive Boy), and Super Barty (Super Saver) are left hoping for a miracle.

Though lacking in star power, the race offers a platform for one of these journeymen to step up and seize a rare opportunity in black-type company.