With 8 Confirmed, the 2000 Guineas Heat Up the Argentine Racing Weekend

Colorado del Monte leads a strong entry list for the first major second-half showdown for 3-year-olds, set for this coming Saturday on the turf at Hipódromo de San Isidro

Roi du Monde Seeks Redemption in the Guineas / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Following four scratches from its original nomination list, eight 3-year-old colts were officially declared on Monday to compete this coming Saturday at Hipódromo de San Isidro in the Gran Premio 2000 Guineas (G1), the first major second-half showdown for sophomore males in Argentina and the opening leg of the turf prep series.

The traditional mile event promises a top-tier contest featuring the main representatives of the current generation, serving as a virtual rematch of the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1). The card will be bolstered by two additional feature races on the grass: the Clásico Eudoro J. Balsa (G3-1600m), for fillies and mares 3 years old and up, and the Clásico Bayakoa (L-1600m), restricted to 3-year-old fillies, which steps in to replace the 1000 Guineas after the latter was dropped from the program without any logical explanation.

The focal point of the 2000 Guineas promises to be the talented Colorado del Monte, who arrives off a dominant victory in the event hosted by the Fundación Equina Argentina and currently tops the division standings.

The son of Strategos—who was previously demoted from first place in the Gran Premio Montevideo (G1) at Palermo due to interference—will face off once again against Stay Tune (Fortify), Barto (Pneumatic), and Roi du Monde(Treasure Beach), who finished third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, in the Estrellas.

Roi du Monde, who went off as the post-time favorite that afternoon, was the prior winner of the Gran Premio Gran Criterium (G1) over Stay Tune, and will look to bounce back after a disappointing display.

Carrying the colors of Stud RDI, he will not be flying the stable silks alone, as the Brazilian-bred Redemption Song(Outstrip) is also set to compete, making his stakes debut following an exceptional maiden score.

Grikor (King Guillermo), Hi Pocho (Hi Happy), and Unión de Todos (King Guillermo) round out the field of eight.

The Gran Premio 2000 Guineas will offer a total purse of 70,000,000 pesos, with 35,000,000 pesos allocated to the winner. Second place will receive $12,250,000; third, $7,000,000; fourth, $4,550,000; fifth, $3,850,000; sixth, $3,150,000; seventh, $2,450,000; and eighth, $1,750,000.

Entry fees will total $1,400,000 per runner, which, if all contenders are confirmed, will generate 16,000,000 pesos in revenue that will not be added to the purse. As usual, all entrants must clear a negative pre-race veterinary check.

For the Clásico Eudoro J. Balsa, ten probable starters were nominated: Adi Shakti (Lucullan), Casa Pueblo(Strategos), Casi Toda Candy Ride (Strategos), Dulce Ambición (In the Dark), Finikas (Angiolo), Igual No Soy(John F Kennedy), Orphila (Daniel Boone), Reina Secreta (Victor Security), Samba do Brazil (Springdom), and Stormy Summer (Nicholas).

Meanwhile, the Clásico Bayakoa attracted just 7 potential runners, headlined by Gota Clara Sos (Made You Look), winner of the Eliseo Ramírez (G1), runner-up in the Gran Premio de Potrancas (G1), and coming off an uncharacteristic effort in the Estrellas Juvenile Fillies (G1).

Her prospective rivals are Hi Intense (Hi Happy), Just Dance (Daniel Boone), Uda (Nicholas), Personal Filly(Dabster), the Brazilian-bred Risk Free (Outstrip), and Ruby Rose (Il Campione).