The Selección and Jockey Club de La Plata, between ambition and bad news
The Oaks will be run for the last time as a G1, while the second leg of the Triple Crown promises a shameful winner's purse of $7,510,000 pesos. What provincial Lotería and the Administration are doing already demands immediate accountability
LA PLATA.— One of the most important weeks of the year is approaching at the local racetrack, though any sense of celebration arrives muted upon witnessing the downward spiral into which the Lotería de la Provincia de Buenos Aires and the administration led by Mariano Cowen are plunging the beloved Bosque venue.
The fate of the southern circuit is sad and dim. The addition of alternative betting options, the permanent loss of race status due to massive mismanagement, facilities in disgraceful condition, and a total ignorance of racing and wagering matters that should be unacceptable in a sport like thoroughbred racing all seem to be unfolding right according to plan.
Words blow away with the wind, and when it comes to racing, it does not even take a gale—a light breeze is enough to sweep everything away. November 19 will arrive, and politicians will show up for the cameras, but everyone knows it is merely a photo op. In fact, here is a proposal: do not attend; no poses are needed.
Entries closed this Friday for the Gran Premio Selección de Potrancas (G1-2000m, dirt) and the Clásico Jockey Club de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (G3-2000m, dirt), but both brought terrible news, despite each drawing just 7 prospective starters.
For the Oaks, this will mark the final edition run with top-level status, as starting in 2027, La Plata will retain only one G1 event: the Gran Premio Dardo Rocha. Meanwhile, the Jockey Club will offer a winner's purse of just 7,510,000 pesos—an absolute embarrassment, a sign of disrespect, and an absurdity.
Heading into the Selección, scheduled for Saturday the 19th, the headliner is Personal Filly (Dabster), winner of the Clásico Polla de Potrancas (G2), who should repeat provided no setbacks arise. Among her 6 rivals is Siesta(Cityscape), who is set to run this Saturday in the Alvear (G3) at San Isidro, making her appearance questionable. Agua Danzante (Interdetto), Carry Day (The Great Day), Derry (Nicholas), Everose (Uncle Chuck), and Justa Promesa (Fortify) complete the field.
The same day will feature the Clásico Jockey Club de Santa Fe (1700m, dirt) for 4-year-olds and up, drawing 13 entries highlighted by Blessed Shine (Honour Devil), Paxing (Señor Candy), and Soy La Líder (Manipulator).
On Tuesday the 22nd, it will be time for the second leg of the Triple Crown, which will once again fall vacant due to the absence of Autorretrato (Angiolo), winner of the Polla (G3).
Under these circumstances, Teobaldo (Uncle Chuck), victor in the José Pedro Ramírez (G3), and dual winner Desert Voice (Dabster) stand out as the strongest contenders. Amigo Lucas (Todo Un Amiguito), Célebre (Full Mast), Fuerte y Claro (Daniel Boone), Cahuel Win (Gershwin), and El Pirata (Il Campione) round out the remaining entries.
The card will be completed by the Handicap Haras San Benito (1200m), for 4-year-olds and up with a minimum requirement of 3 wins. Among the 26 prospective runners, the top weight of 61 kilos fell upon Payucano, with Ander Fil (Filoso Emperor, 60 1/2) and Huracán Risk (Security Risk, 60) as the other high weights.
Final ratifications and jockey commitments will be taken until 11:00 AM next Monday, the same day the official fields will be announced in the afternoon.
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