The Clásico 9 de Julio Draws 11 Contenders Aiming to Solidify Their Status

Scheduled for this coming Saturday, the feature event will anchor a weekend of exclusive racing action at Hipódromo de San Isidro

The two upcoming programs for next week at Hipódromo de San Isidro have been finalized, with the track taking full ownership of the weekend by opening its doors on both Saturday and Sunday.

The weekend's main attraction will be the historic Clásico 9 de Julio (G2), contested over 1,600 meters on the turf for horses 4-year-olds and upward. As has been the trend for some time now, the race faces a challenging calendar position due to its proximity to the Gran Premio Estrellas Mile (G1), resulting in an absence of the division's top-tier superstars.

With no defections from the original entry list, a field of 11 contenders will go to the post. The lineup is spearheaded by Don Griego (Long Island Sound), Comando Secreto (War Command), and Cosmic Stripes (Cosmic Trigger), all boasting strong credentials in stakes company.

They will be joined in the starting gates by Blue Dollar (Orpen), Capital Boss (Daniel Boone), Concord (Remote), El Gazpacho (Bodemeister), Energizing (Il Campione), Nuestro (Leofric), Viejo Varieté (Qué Vida Buena), and Zaatar (Hurricane Cat).

The Clásico 9 de Julio will not stand alone on Saturday's stakes schedule, as the turf will also play host to the Clásico Espirita (L). Staged over 2,000 meters, this handicap event is tailored for fillies and mares 4-year-olds and upward.

Following a pair of scratches, only five runners remain in contention: Abrazo Al Cielo (Treasure Beach, 58), Argomasa (Lucullan, 56 1/2), Icilia (Lizard Island, 49 1/2), Niebla Peligrosa (Daddy Long Legs, 51 1/2), and Soy La Líder (Manipulator, 57).

Saturday's 13-race card will kick off at 1:30 p.m. and conclude around 7:30 p.m. to clear the evening schedule, as the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland is scheduled for 10:00 p.m.

For Sunday, action at the Jockey Club Argentino will commence at 2:00 p.m., featuring the Handicap Candy Stripesas the afternoon's centerpiece. Contested over 1,200 meters on the dirt, the race is open to 5-year-olds and upward, winners.

More than half of the original entries were scratched from the event, reducing the final field to eight participants. The veteran speedster Despacito (Sabayón, 62) will shoulder the top weight of the race, facing off against the mare Naimabad (Il Campione, 56), Flaminius (Hi Happy, 51 1/2), Cerrito Piñón (Manipulator, 56 1/2), Mario's Rim (Remote, 53 1/2), Don Pichi (Qué Vida Buena, 56), Soy Isleño (Long Island Sound, 56), and Twist (Daddy Long Legs, 52).

The Sunday curtain-closer is scheduled for approximately 7:30 p.m.