The Clásico Eduardo Casey, a golden opportunity to reach the Gran Premio Nacional
With Paulo Sil seeking his first victory, the returns of El Gibson and Pancho Gio, and several rising 3-year-olds on the sharp upgrade, the G2 over 2200 meters promises to be a revealing contest at Palermo as part of the blockbuster Gran Premio Selección card
The road to the Gran Premio Nacional (G1) will reach its final major stepping stone this Saturday at Hipódromo de Palermo, where the Clásico Eduardo Casey (G2-2200m, dirt) brings together a field of 3-year-olds with aspirations of reaching the most important race of the season for the sophomore crop. It will serve as one of the highlights on a blockbuster program anchored by the Gran Premio Selección (G1).
The Buenos Aires classic process was shaken up by the disqualification of Fletcher (Gershwin) in the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1), while also losing another major player with the private sale of Hand In Hand (Il Campione) to continue his career in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. As a result, the division remains wide open, making the Eduardo Casey an ideal opportunity for new figures to emerge.
Although still officially a maiden, Paulo Sil (Treasure Beach) boasts credentials that many stakes winners would envy. At age 2, he finished second in the Gran Premio Montevideo (G1) and fourth in the Gran Criterium (G1), while in the second half of the season he placed third behind Fletcher and Linguado (Cosmic Trigger) in the Clásico Miguel Cané (G2), followed by a second-place finish, 2 1/2 lengths behind Hand In Hand, in the Clásico Coronel Miguel F. Martínez (G3). His maiden win appears to be only a matter of time, though securing it here would mean far more than simply shedding his maiden tag.
Coming through that very same Martínez form line is Cool Bro (Pneumatic), who finished third that afternoon, 2 1/2 lengths back, while Mister Volare (Hi Happy) and Héroe con Gloria (Marconi), eighth and ninth respectively, will seek redemption.
One of the most intriguing contenders is El Gibson (Uncle Chuck), who returns off a 98-day layoff. He made a winning debut over 1400 meters before being caught virtually on the wire by Lunfardo (Daddy Long Legs) in the Clásico Old Man (G3), failing by just a neck. His talent is beyond question, and if fully fit, he could prove a formidable rival, even as he jumps 800 meters in distance.
Expectations are also high for Satrava (Pneumatic), the Azul prospect who impressed on debut by capturing the Especial Don Bildo, rallying from far back to defeat Roberts Orpen (Emotion Orpen), a subsequent winner. Reserved for provincial horses with previous track starts, that effort left the distinct impression that the winner has the stamina to thrive over longer journeys—a promise he now gets the chance to fulfill.
The red-hot Guillermo Frenkel Santillán sends out Talk to Me (Fortify), who brings a significant advantage to the table: he is already a winner over 2200 meters. That victory came in the Premio San Onofre, where he held off Tres Otoños (Gershwin) by 1 1/2 lengths. Proven stamina works in his favor, though he must now prove he can step up against stakes company.
Another appealing returnee is Pancho Gio (Caravaggio), a Firmamento homebred who won on debut over San Isidro's heavy dirt, defeating Barto (Pneumatic)—a subsequent G1 runner-up—as well as fellow winners Rugbier Boy (Suggestive Boy) and Cavaradossi (Señor Candy).
He subsequently disappointed when finishing sixth, just over 6 lengths behind Roi du Monde (Treasure Beach), in the Gran Criterium. His dam is by Camelot, a pedigree foundation that suggests the added distance should play right into his hands.
Finally, Pillo Puntano (Village King) warrants close attention. After defeating Niño Feliz (Equal Stripes) in a maiden mile event in early July, he changed hands and is now conditioned by Juan Saldivia. Returning from a 98-day break, there are logical questions regarding his progress, but plenty of reasons to respect his potential.
The Eduardo Casey could prove to be much more than a prep race. With the Gran Premio Nacional fast approaching and no undisputed leader in the division, Palermo's 2200 meters offer an ideal stage for one of these 3-year-olds to make the definitive leap into top-tier company.
Comments