The Time for a US Debut Arrives for Argentine G1-Placed Carmensita

The daughter of Treasure Beach, runner-up in the 2025 Enrique Acebal, runs this Saturday in a tough allowance race at Saratoga

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special to Turf Diario).– The afternoon of the Belmont Stakes (G1) at Saratogawill feature South American presence by way of the Argentine filly Carmensita, who will make her United States debut in the fifth race, an allowance event carrying a $120,000 purse to be contested over 1700 meters on the turf.

Trained by Horacio de Paz and with Ricardo Santana Jr. confirmed to ride, the daughter of Treasure Beach is listed at 15/1 on the morning line within a field that looks quite challenging on paper.

Now owned by Club Sixty Five Racing, Carmensita was one of the standout names during the second half of 2025 at San Isidro Racecourse, where, after breaking her maiden in her sixth start, she finished third in the Clásico Federico de Alvear (G3) and runner-up to Doña Vainilla (Il Campione) in the Gran Premio Enrique Acebal (G1).

Breaking from post 3, the dark bay enters this engagement with 4 timed workouts on the Belmont Park training track—all of a light nature—highlighted by a final breeze over 1000 meters in 1m3s88/100.

The Irish-bred Eponine (Tamayuz), entrusted to José Ortiz, is the early betting favorite, backed by an excellent local debut when finishing second here in the Lake Placid Stakes (G2), albeit back in August 2025. Previously a runner-up in both the Prix des Lilas (L) and the Prix de Sandringham (G2) at Chantilly, France, it remains to be seen if such a long layoff will take a toll.

Chad Brown will send out the English-bred Marketplaceofideas (Lope de Vega), who enters fresh off breaking her maiden at Aqueduct and from whom many more victories are expected.

Todd Pletcher contributes the name of Imperatrice (City of Light), who owns valuable runner-up finishes in the Forward Gal Stakes (G3) and the Memories of Silver Stakes (L) between Gulfstream Park and Aqueduct.

No less respected than the aforementioned is Curlin's Angel (Curlin), who scored in her debut at Saratoga and subsequently failed to handle tougher assignments, but plans to redeem herself. Added danger will come from Scarlett's Halo (Practical Joke), Brown's other card, who brings competitive allowance form.

Carmensita faces a tough task ahead, but it represents a fine opportunity to make a big impression.