Votá Bien Has Moved Forward From His Comeback and Awaits Blue Caviar With Confidence in the Malvinas Argentinas

An intriguing showdown looms over the 2000 meters on the dirt at Avenida del Libertador and Dorrego, topping a card highlighted by three stakes events

Votá Bien paid the price of a lengthy layoff with an excellent runner-up finish in the República Argentina JUAN I. BOZZELLO

After a Sunday without racing, action returns this Monday to Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, where an attractive 14-race program awaits, highlighted by three stakes events.

While it may be the least important race on the card from a grading standpoint, the Listed Malvinas Argentinas, contested over 2000 meters on dirt, generates considerable interest thanks to a pair of standout names among the entrants.

A continuation of the Campeonato Palermo de Oro, the race is headed by Votá Bien, the talented representative of Stud Don Sinfo, who most recently turned in an excellent performance in the Gran Premio República Argentina (G1). Making his first start off a layoff, he finished a strong second, beaten just one length by Need You Tonight (Hat Ninja) after helping to shape the pace from the outset.

Winner of the Clásico Perú (G2), runner-up to Acento Final (Treasure Beach) in the Gran Premio Copa de Oro (G1), and an excellent fourth behind Obataye (Courtier) in the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (G1), the son of Hi Happy could find himself in an ideal tactical position, controlling the tempo on the front end.

His principal rival is Blue Caviar (Equal Stripes), the full brother to champion mares Blue Prize (Pure Prize) and Blue Stripe (Equal Stripes), and one of the most promising colts of the second half of 2025.

The Haras Pozo de Luna homebred returns from a 205-day layoff.

Victorious in both the Clásico Coronel Miguel F. Martínez (G3) and the Clásico Eduardo Casey (G2), Blue Caviar failed to fire in the Gran Premio Nacional (G1), where he finished eighth as the heavy favorite behind Gordianus (Señor Candy).

The lengthy absence and the presence of a proven rival like Votá Bien represent two significant hurdles, though the colt's class may be enough to overcome them.

Stepping up from allowance company are Mufasa Spring (Greenspring) and Faramond (Il Mercato).

The former, a full brother to Malibú Spring, successfully returned from an extended break with an authoritative victory, while the latter traveled to La Plata and came home with the fourth win of his career.

For both, however, this represents a major test against much tougher opposition.