Tucumán celebrates its grand fiesta, with the Clásico Batalla de Tucumán taking center stage

Dr. Legasov, Endor Rye, and Ecográfico Rim top the field in the 2200-meter feature race this Thursday; a 17-race card featuring star riders

SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMÁN (Special for Turf Diario).— There are dates that are anticipated all season long and bring together far more than just top-quality horses. For horse racing in Northern Argentina, the Gran Premio Batalla de Tucumán is one of those occasions. This Thursday, Hipódromo de Tucumán will once again serve as the gathering point for hopes, visitors, and key figures from various provinces, featuring a 17-race program with the traditional distance feature as its main attraction.

Run over 2200 meters, the race promises a compelling clash among contenders boasting solid current form and experience in demanding company. Against that backdrop, Dr. Legasov (Catcher In the Rye) stands out as an indispensable benchmark, backed by a winning streak that positions him to cap off his stellar form in the year's most anticipated fixture.

Carrying the colors of Stud Piedra Grande and trained by César A. Assad, he arrives on the heels of three consecutive victories. The sequence includes the Clásico Autonomía Provincial in Santiago del Estero; the Clásico 25 de Mayo over 1800 meters on this surface; and the Clásico 111° Aniversario Caja Popular de Ahorros over 2000 meters. The latter event had already seen him victorious in 2024, a pedigree that underscores his affinity for the track's big afternoons.

Among those seeking to challenge his dominance is Endor Rye (Endorsement), representing Stud Los Molestos and owning valuable graded stakes credentials. He finished second behind El Emporio (Il Campione) in the Clásico Haras Argentinos (G3) over 2000 meters, and third in the Clásico Otoño (G2). Furthermore, he has already locked horns locally with Dr. Legasov, finishing just a half-length behind—a margin that promises another tight duel.

Ecográfico Rim also demands respect. The son of Remote earned his spot among the leading chances by capturing the Clásico Rumbo al Batalla over 2000 meters, scoring by 2 1/2 lengths over Puro Poder Real (Puro Blabla), who will also feature in the starting gate. Prior to that, he took the Clásico Madre de Ciudades over the mile in Santiago del Estero. Given his current form, the additional 200 meters will present a fresh test.

Also set to star is the talented Thor Medina (Motasaadir), winner this year of the Gran Premio Miguel A. Martínez de Hoz (G1) at San Isidro and one of Argentina's representatives in the most recent Gran Premio Latinoamericano(G1); Suffok (Forge), victorious 12 months ago in the Batalla de Tucumán and who could easily take center stage once again; alongside the formidable Rumor de Fuego (Scat Daddy) and Contursi (Full Mast).

The lineup gains additional star power with the presence of Jorge Ricardo and Altair Domingos, two figures with legendary careers. Joining them will be Gustavo Calvente, Pedro Robles, Osvaldo Alderete, and Wilson Moreyra, lending class to a program that generates enthusiasm far beyond provincial borders.

The card will also feature two prominent supporting stakes. In the Clásico Estrellas Tucumanas over 1500 meters, Excelsum Hit (Hit It a Bomb) arrives after finishing a half-length runner-up to El Gran Star (Grand Reward). Arashi (Treasure Beach), coming off a win and a third-place finish in his last two local outings, and Penky Sea(Seahenge), preceded by a second and a third, both possess the credentials to make their presence felt.

For 3-year-olds enrolled in the Carreras de las Estrellas program, the Clásico Fundación Equina Argentina offers a 1400-meter test. Nio Nio (Lizard Island) comes off a quarter-length victory over Get Closer (Nicholas) in the Clásico General San Martín and will renew rivalries with that foe. Nürburgring (Nicodemus), a recent winner, and Saint Nich (Nicholas), winner of two stakes and third in the San Martín, round out the key contenders to monitor.

It will be an afternoon to savor federal racing, with the Batalla standing at the center of attention and one key question awaiting an answer on the track: who will claim ultimate glory in Tucumán.