The return of Drive Joy in the Clásico América has been confirmed, setting the stage for a top-level clash against Earth God and El Fortín

A formidable race is set for this Saturday on the San Isidro turf mile, as the Clásico América (G2-1600 m) takes center stage. The program also features the Clásico Paseana (G2-1800 m) as the other standout attraction of the afternoon, while the Clásico Lord At War (L-1200 m) has been rescheduled for Wednesday the 25th.

El Fortín winning the Unzué in December / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Despite the usual round of cancellations in several interesting categories, the Hipódromo de San Isidro finalized the organization of its next three programs this Tuesday. The centerpiece will be Saturday’s card, featuring a compelling stakes doubleheader with the Clásico América (G2-1600 m, turf) and the Clásico Paseana (G2-1800 m, turf), the former for all horses and the latter for fillies and mares, both open to 3-year-olds and up.

Most eyes will be fixed on the América, primarily due to the highly anticipated return of the talented Drive Joy (Fortify). One of the standout two and three-year-olds of last season, the Firmamento chestnut won the Estrellas Juvenile (G1) and finished as the runner-up to Gardel Pass (Distinctiv Passion) in the Polla de Potrillos (G1) in September, before a physical setback forced him into a layoff.

The chestnut will face the multiple G1 winner Earth God (Cosmic Trigger) as well as El Fortín (Il Campione), who takes on a demanding jump in distance following his December victory in the Gran Premio Félix de Alzaga Unzué (G1) over the straight kilometer. Don Latido (John F Kennedy), Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione), and Sabiyano (Fortify) are other names with excellent recent form in a field completed by Last Chance (Hurricane Cat) and Viejo Varieté (Qué Vida Buena).

For the Paseana, nine contenders were confirmed: Dream Serena (Forge), Embrace It (Daddy Long Legs), End of Spring (Il Campione), Masiera Time (Annals of Time), My Pride (Daddy Long Legs), Orpen Rimout (Remote), Podoroska (Lucullan), Soñadora Pícara (Suggestive Boy), and Soy La Líder (Manipulator).

San Isidro will also host racing on Sunday, the 22nd. On that day, the Handicap Whipper In (1200 m, dirt), reserved for 5-year-old and up mares with three or more wins, was canceled, leaving a 14-race program consisting entirely of allowance events.

Finally, on Wednesday the 25th, another stakes race will take the spotlight: the Clásico Lord At War (L-1200 m, dirt), for horses 3 years old and up, held in memory of the legendary champion bred by Diane Perkins and San Francisco de Pilar.

The eight ratified runners are: Coraje Gaucho (Lenovo), Despacito (Sabayón), Encantador Pass (Distinctiv Passion), Fire Class (Emperor Richard), Martinique (Señor Candy), Stormy River (Le Blues), The Great Jazz (The Great Day), and Viejo Cuchara (Il Campione).