The defection of Storm Sound shifts the spotlight to Escape Room

With the withdrawal of the Hi Happy colt on account of the footing, the Stud Pauli color-bearer emerges as the morning-line favorite. The promising sophomore will test the mile distance today in the Clásico Carlos Spegazzini, looking to prove he can handle the stretch-out in trip

Escape Room enters the fray on a roll / HLP

LA PLATA.- Highlighting the opening act of Tuesday’s stakes tripleheader at the Bosque, the Clásico Carlos Spegazzini (1,600m, dirt) offers an intriguing clash for 3-year-olds and up. Among the six original entries, the defection of Storm Sound (Hi Happy) has already been confirmed; his performance predictably declines on heavy footing, and recent rainfall has ensured a testing surface for this afternoon.

Under these circumstances, the San Isidro-based Escape Room (Il Campione) will look to extend his impressive winning streak while testing his stamina over a longer trip. He carries the momentum of the formidable partnership between Stud Pauli, trainer Marcelo Sueldo, and jockey Gonzalo Borda. Currently undefeated under these connections, the bay colt stretches out from the 1,200 meters of his recent dominant score in the Clásico Onesto Puente (L), where he cruised to a five-length victory over the veteran Vespaciano (Daniel Boone).

The competition steepens today with the presence of El Ernesto (Señor Candy), winner of the Clásico Orange (L) and several handicap events, who exits a runner-up effort behind Yak Sport (Glory Seattle) in the Clásico Jockey Club de Corrientes.

Another threat to the favorite is the sophomore Vampiro Zen (Zensational), who is regaining the form that made him a divisional standout last season. Following a January victory in the Clásico Oswaldo Aranha (L), he finished a solid fourth in the Clásico Fortunato Novara (G3) and second in the Vilas Light behind the talented Campo Verde (Strategos).

While Seek Wave (Seek Again)—once the top-rated 3-year-old at La Plata—has struggled in recent outings, he remains a class factor capable of a resurgence. Rounding out the field is the 3-year-old Brasilero Francisco (Lizard Island), who looks to rebound following a disappointing seventh in the Clásico Otoño (G2) and return to the form that saw him chase home Vampiro Zen earlier this year.