The return of Antiguo Secreto and the red-hot form of Valdobbio highlight action at the Jockey Club de Azul

A can't-miss clash of speedsters is set for El Bosque, with eyes on a potential run in the Clásico Ciudad de La Plata (G2)

Antiguo Secreto captures the Paats at Palermo / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

LA PLATA.- The Clásico Jockey Club de Azul (L-1100 m, dirt) for 3-year-old colts promises to be a major attraction and could serve as a springboard toward the upcoming Clásico Ciudad de La Plata (G2).

Everything points to a thrilling race, with most of the division’s leading names in the lineup, making the selection of a favorite particularly challenging.

After a three-and-a-half-month break, Antiguo Secreto (Angiolo) returns to action for trainer Gastón Sessa, having made headlines at Palermo by defeating the now triple winner El Fortín (Il Campione) in the Clásico Guillermo Paats (L).

Runner-up in the General Lavalle (G3) over the same 1,100-meter distance, Valdobbio (Hit It a Bomb), representing Stud Chichín, measures his progress off two consecutive wins, the latest in the Clásico José M. Boquín (L), where he convincingly beat Garboso Frank (Gidu) by 2½ lengths.

Vendaval Joy (Roman Joy) was third in that contest and aims to improve on that placing, relying on his vast experience. Following a similar path is Viejo Cuchara (Il Campione), who was a shadow that day after winning the Clásico Club Hípico de Tandil (L), where Valdobbio finished just fourth.

Undefeated over this distance, Encantador Pass (Distinctiv Passion) has only faltered when racing at San Isidro. His authoritative performance a month ago over a similar layout impressed greatly, and he will be a formidable rival.

Andrin (Manipulator) reached his peak when defeating Viejo Cuchara, Vampiro Zen (Zensational), and Vendaval Joy in a conditional race, but has shown mixed results since, including a second-place finish in the aforementioned Clásico Club Hípico de Tandil.

Two-time winner Norte (Leofric) ran a solid race in the Clásico Candy Ride at San Isidro, finishing sixth but just 3¼ lengths behind The Outsider (Roman Joy) over heavy turf. If he finds the lead early, he could be a serious factor.

This promises to be a highly competitive edition of the Jockey Club de Azul, with multiple contenders capable of shaping the outcome.