The Pollas drew 10 entries each, featuring notable absentees alongside towering ambitions

Colorado del Monte was not entered in the Polla de Potrillos (reportedly in advanced sales negotiations), while Unica Forma, sold to Japan, pulled out of the Polla de Potrancas

Fletcher, top contender among the colts / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The main Triple Crown circuit has begun its march. Not since 1996, with Refinado Tom (Shy Tom), has a 3-year-old managed to sweep the series—will the streak finally end this season? It sounds unlikely, but dreaming is part of the game.

This Monday, Hipódromo Palermo released the list of entries for the Gran Premio Polla de Potrillos (G1) and the Gran Premio Polla de Potrancas (G1), the iconic mile tests that kick off the series, scheduled on the calendar for Saturday, September 5. That same afternoon will mark the conclusion of the Campeonato Palermo de Oro Verde with the Gran Premio General San Martín (G1), held over 2,400 meters on the turf.

Offering just 50,000,000 pesos to the winners—a purse that wouldn't even allow a winning owner to purchase a mid-pack 2-year-old at one of the top auctions—the Pollas feature notable absentees.

Among the colts, Colorado del Monte (Strategos) was a no-show, confirming rumors of his impending sale abroad. Meanwhile, the fillies will be missing Unica Forma (Full Mast), heroine of the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile Fillies (G1), who was purchased by Japanese connections in recent hours (see separate story).

Only 10 colts were entered for the Polla de Potrillos, a field that could shrink further by final entry day. For instance, the list includes Los Llanos (Le Blues), who is slated to run this Tuesday in the Clásico José P. Ramírez (G3) at La Plata. The standout name is Fletcher (Gershwin), winner of the Clásico Pedro Goenaga (G2) at the Bosque and coming off a dominant victory in the Clásico Miguel Cané (G2) under the exact conditions awaiting him in just over a week.

Autorretrato (Angiolo), winner of the Polla de Potrillos (G3) at La Plata and runner-up to Fletcher in the Goenaga, is another 3-year-old with graded stakes winning credentials. That list is completed by The Great Terms (The Great Day), who took the Clásico Raúl y Raúl E. Chevalier (G3) before a dull effort returning in the Cané.

Fletcher is one of three entries submitted by trainer Juan Saldivia—who will have them saddled by Roberto Pellegatta. His contingent could also feature Hand In Hand (Il Campione), winner of the Clásico Old Man (G3), and Cavaradossi (Señor Candy).

The maiden Buin (Daddy Long Legs), El Volka (Vekoma), Full Lujoso (Full Mast), and Linguado (Cosmic Trigger) round out the field.

In the Polla de Potrancas, another 10 probable contenders are led by Gran Gotera (Il Mercato), the likely Champion 2-Year-Old Filly of her crop. She returns to action after sweeping both the Gran Premio Jorge de Atucha (G1) and Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1) at Palermo and San Isidro, respectively.

The chestnut filly from Stud Tinta Roja missed the Carreras de las Estrellas series as she was not nominated, and she has been prepared specifically for this race. Here, she could face the undefeated Robate Un Beso (Uncle Chuck), fresh off a victory in the Clásico General Luis María Campos (G2).

Another name of interest is Personal Filly (Dabster), who stepped up in class to win the Clásico Polla de Potrancas(G2) at La Plata and will now target the same double achieved by Una Arrabalera (Cima de Triomphe) a few years back.

Candy Unica (Señor Candy), winner of the Clásico Manuel J. Güiraldes (G3); Hi Intense (Hi Happy), fresh off a win in the Bayakoa (L) on the San Isidro turf; La Santa Cándida (Le Blues), recent winner of the Clásico Marina Lezcano on the grass at the Jockey Club; Look At Me (Dabster), second in the Campos; Antolina (Remote); Niña Pastori (Fortify), third behind Personal Filly in the Polla; and Tardona (Gidu), second in the Clásico Miguel Luis Morales (G2), could also join the lineup.

Final ratifications and jockey bookings will be accepted until noon next Monday, with the official post-position draw taking place that afternoon.