Winston and Coro de Rojas, the powerful duo trained by Juan Saldivia, will represent his barn in Saturday's Clásico Old Man (G3) at Palermo

This Saturday's G3 Clásico Old Man at Palermo kicks off the second half of the season for the colts, marking the start of their road towards the Triple Crown

Winston is one of two strong cards for Juan Saldivia in the Old Man / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The colts will also take center stage this Saturday at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, where the Clásico Old Man (G3, 1400m, dirt) marks the start of the second semester’s selection process and the first preparatory step towards the prestigious Polla de Potrillos (G1) in September, the kickoff leg of Argentina’s Triple Crown.

Seven were confirmed for what promises to be a high-caliber contest, with several aiming to step up and position themselves as serious rivals to current division leaders like Drive Joy (Fortify), Amor de Contramano (Gouverneur Morris), or Ardiendo (Remote) on San Isidro’s turf.

Trainer Juan Saldivia will saddle a powerful duo in Winston (Forge) and Coro de Rojas (Daddy Long Legs), both with stakes experience. Winston broke his maiden stylishly at San Isidro before finishing second to Gardel Pass (Distinctiv Passion) in La Plata’s demanding Clásico Pedro Goenaga (G2). Stablemate Coro de Rojas graduated on his third Palermo attempt, then improved further to run second behind the unbeaten Legalized (Dabster) in the Clásico Manuel Anasagasti (L) over San Isidro’s turf.

Highly touted The Outsider (Roman Joy) made a sparkling debut locally on grass, scoring by open lengths. He now switches surface and class level, but connections remain confident he can handle the new challenge.

Piu (Leofric), a half-brother to G1 winner Pulp Fiction (Daddy Long Legs), narrowly defeated Last Chance (Hurricane Cat) to shed his maiden tag and tackles this higher company with optimism. His trajectory mirrors that of Sea (Daddy Long Legs), another stepping up with aspirations.

Coming in from La Plata is Vampiro Zen (Zensational), fresh off a victory in the Clásico Forli, while Liberto (Hurricane Cat) will attempt to rebound after a subpar effort in the Gran Criterium (G1) over the mile, having previously shown promising form.