Tormenta China will look to jog her memory and capture the Handicap Alfonso L. Salvati

After breaking her maiden in May in the Clásico España (L), she has not been able to cross the wire first since, but this Monday she faces a good opportunity

Tormenta China, following her win in the Clásico España / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo has lined up a modest card this Monday, featuring 12 races in total, headlined by the Handicap Alfonso L. Salvati, contested over 1,000 meters on the dirt for mares aged five and up with at least one win, offering a modest purse of 5,800,000 pesos to the winner.

Picking a likely winner is no simple task given the competitiveness of the field, but Tormenta China may find her way back to the winner’s circle. The Malenchini filly will carry 56 kilos and comes into the race off three outings of varying merit, following her surprise victory in early May in the Clásico España (L) under circumstances similar to those she faces now.

Since that breakthrough win, she was second to Humorada Seattle (Humor Acido), then finished third behind Bayonne (Puerto Escondido) in the Handicap Hyperion, and most recently was again third, this time to Bantia (John F Kennedy), in another competitive affair.

Tormenta China faces a challenge from Amiguita Mechi (Lizard Island, 55 kg), who arrives in top form, having won three of her last four starts, including a four-length victory over Soy Coquita (Valid Stripes) 49 days ago in her most recent outing. She steps up in class, but her current form demands respect.

Also notable is Señora Bagaces (Lizard Island, 57 kg), returning after more than two years to contest another significant prize, carrying the top weight of 57 kilos. A winner of the Especiales Haras El Tala and Curtida Nistel, she was fourth by five lengths to Seré Científica (Exodus) in her last start in the Especial Haras Pozo de Luna.

The wide gate goes to La Puketa (In the Dark, 53.5 kg), who recently notched the fourth victory of her career, edging out Petite Lala (Manipulator) in a determined finish. Lightly weighted, she could easily spring a surprise.

Returning after 156 days off is Una Felicidad (In the Dark), who last saw action finishing fourth in the Clásico España, while Estoy En La Luna (Il Campione, 55.5 kg) brings two consecutive wins into the race. Amanecida Kiss (South Kissing, 53 kg) completes the field.