Treasure Island sets sights on defending his Gran Premio Dardo Rocha crown and returns to El Bosque in search of another victory

The Treasure Beach colt looms as a top contender for the Clásico Federación Argentina de Jockey Clubes e Hipódromos (2200m)

Treasure Island winning the 2024's Dardo Rocha / JUAN I. BOZZELO

LA PLATA, Argentina – With the second half of the season now in full swing, the road to the Gran Premio Dardo Rocha (G1) will pass through a key checkpoint Tuesday at El Bosque, as the Clásico Federación Argentina de Jockey Clubes e Hipódromos (2200m) brings together a high-quality cast of older runners.

Leading the field is none other than Treasure Island, the reigning winner of the region’s most prestigious race, who at age 7 continues to hold his own among top-level company. After a dull showing in Uruguay’s Gran Premio José Pedro Ramírez (G1) at Maroñas, the Treasure Beach son bounced back with a third-place finish behind Crazy Talent (Equal Talent) in the Gran Premio de Honor (G1) and a respectable fourth to Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja) in the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1), showing he still has more to offer.

The road won’t be easy this time around. He’ll have to deal with serious threats such as Che Banquero (Greenspring), who comes into the race in top form after landing the Clásico Antonio Cané (G3) just a few weeks ago.

Trainer Nicolás Martín Ferro will also saddle the consistent stayer Look Portal (Portal del Alto), third last time out to Rammel (Fortify) in the Clásico General Belgrano (G2) at Palermo, and a stakes winner here in January’s Clásico Uruguay.

Boyero Spring (Greenspring) is another name that commands attention. Nearly an upset winner at Palermo when finishing a close second to Tiznow Forever (Midshipman) in the Handicap Picapleitos, he returns to home turf and can never be overlooked.

After 227 days on the sidelines, trainer Juan Saldivia brings back Buen Escosés (Bodemeister), who finished fifth behind Treasure Island in last year’s Rocha before going off form in the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1).

And don’t sleep on Sofware (Treasure Beach), a horse who once posed a serious threat over La Plata’s longer trips — he just might surprise again.