The Casares and the Casey help build the momentum during Selección's week
A field of 9 3-year-old colts will contest the prep towards the Gran Premio Nacional (G1), while an equal number of runners will shape the traditional marathon
There will be no shortage of reasons to stay tuned to the top-flight racing coming to the dirt track at Hipódromo de Palermo. Unquestionably, Saturday will mark the absolute peak of attention, anchored by the Gran Premio Selección(G1) as the cornerstone of a card that will also feature the Clásico Eduardo Casey (G2-2200m, dirt). But Monday's schedule will hold no less quality, as an intriguing group of stayers steps into the spotlight for a new renewal of the Clásico Vicente L. Casares (G3-2500m, dirt).
The traditional prep towards the Gran Premio Nacional (G1), the historic contest that closes out the Argentine Triple Crown in November, the Casey for 3-year-old colts attracted 9 contenders—a solid field considering the distance demands.
With Hand In Hand (Il Campione), winner of the Clásico Pedro E. y Manuel A. Martínez (G3), having been exported, and Fletcher (Gershwin) suspended following his positive test in the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1), the objective now turns toward finding new standard-bearers heading into the Derby.
With 5 defections from its original entry list, the Casey includes Paulo Sil (Treasure Beach), runner-up to Hand In Hand in the Martínez though still a maiden, and El Gibson (Uncle Chuck), who finished second behind Lunfardo(Daddy Long Legs) in the Clásico Old Man (G3).
Cool Bro (Pneumatic), Héroe Con Gloria (Marconi), Mister Volare (Hi Happy), Pancho Gio (Caravaggio), Pillo Puntano (Village King), Sátrapa (Pneumatic), and Talk to Me (Fortify) will also answer the call at crunch time.
On Monday, October 12, Hipódromo de Palermo will offer racing fans another of its iconic fixtures. The Clásico Vicente L. Casares (G3-2500m, dirt), open to 4-year-olds and up, offers a winner's purse of 16,390,000 pesos.
From the original list of 10 entries, only Sono Perfetto (Tetaze) was withdrawn, highlighting the confirmed return of Butterfing (Angiolo), winner of the Gran Premio de Honor (G1), who has been sidelined since finishing fourth in the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1).
Aspero Soy (Equal Stripes), El Estanciero (Fire Slam), Holy Holy Rim (Remote), King Honorius (Equal Stripes), Mandalorian (Treasure Beach), Nassau (Forge), Santo Rey (Santillano), and The Great Forest (The Great Day) round out his opposition.
