Victoria Bayern and Giulieta, a hard-to-beat team at Palermo

The two Rubio B. mares go for victory in the Handicap Laguna Blanca (1,200 m, dirt) against a formidable lineup

After an all-San Isidro weekend, live racing returns this Monday to Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, offering a 12-race card anchored by the Handicap Laguna Blanca, set over 1,200 meters on the main dirt track for fillies and mares 5-year-olds and up. A compelling field will take to the track, where Stud Rubio B. boasts a formidable entry with Victoria Bayern (Santillano, 61 kg) and Giulieta (Equal Stripes, 52 kg).

The former makes her return following her victory in the Clásico Estrellas Dirt just over two months ago, aiming to extend a campaign where she has seldom disappointed. Her stablemate, meanwhile, has been the picture of consistency, stringing together four wins in her last six starts, most recently gutting out a hard-fought victory in conditional company.

Standing in their way is La Plata shipper Save Your Tears (Full Mast, 58 1/2 kg), who was denied at the wire by the unstoppable Vieja Amiga Mask (Mask) in the Handicap Servicio Veterinario at Palermo.

The entry list also features graded stakes winner Filippiada (Il Mercato, 59 1/2 kg), coming off a close third-place finish—beaten just a neck and a neck by Moon Scenery (Puerto Escondido)—in the Handicap Giovanetti.

Adding seasoned class to the field is Ataka (Señor Candy, 60 kg), who returns to action after a four-month layoff, alongside San Luis intruder Foto Oscura (Bodemeister), who arrives from Hipódromo La Punta with solid form. Endeia (Idolo Porteño, 51 1/2 kg), Furiosa Vis (Furious Key, 50 kg), Ana de Armas (Angiolo, 52 kg), Rumba Feroz(Hurricane Cat, 51 kg), and Gritala (Touareg, 54 1/2 kg) round out the lineup.