With the Soul of Tango and a Hunger for Glory, Amor de Contramano Eyes His Estrella

Amor de Contramano, trained by Juan Saldivia, will lead the field into Saturday’s Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1) as he bids to reaffirm his status as the top colt of his generation

Amor de Contramano, a Colt That Inspires Big Dreams / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

There are winter mornings when the crisp Palermo air whispers stories, and there are afternoons when the still-warm sun foretells glory. Today, the Buenos Aires track is dressed in its finest for a new edition of the Carreras de las Estrellas, and at the heart of the card, the Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1-1600m, dirt, ARS$40,000,000 to the winner) for 2-year-old colts promises to write one of those chapters destined to be cherished. It’s a race where dreams of greatness dance to the rhythm of destiny, and in that ballet, all eyes turn to a name that sounds like tango and epic poetry: Amor de Contramano.

The gray colt carrying the silks of Stud Las Canarias is no ordinary horse in the gate. He arrives with the aura of one who has proven to be different, capable of redefining his generation. His performance on May 1, when he captured the Gran Premio Montevideo (G1), was simply spectacular – a display of power, composure, and limitless potential that catapulted him to the top of the juvenile ranks. Today, on the same dirt that saw him shine, he will seek a coronation that would cement him as the undisputed Champion 2-Year-Old Colt of the season, sealing an already admirable campaign with golden letters.

However, the path to legend is never smooth. During training just weeks ago, a minor hiccup sparked brief concern – a fleeting sigh of uncertainty that, fortunately, proved to be just that. Amor de Contramano recovered quickly, showing the strength and resilience of champions. Still, that slight question mark adds an extra layer of anticipation to his performance today. Will he be able to maintain his overwhelming dominance?

The answer will not come easily, as his opposition is worthy of the challenge. From San Isidro arrives Drive Joy, boasting outstanding turf credentials. He impressed with authority in the Clásico Chevalier (G2) and later finished a meritorious third in the demanding Gran Criterium (G1). His switch to Palermo’s dirt is one of the race’s great unknowns. Adapting to this surface, in a G1 of the Estrellas’ magnitude, is a trial by fire that will reveal his true potential. Should he translate his notable turf form to the Palermo dirt, he will become a major threat.

The lineup of contenders does not end there. Among them is the unbeaten Nikolai D, a son of Daddy Long Legs who made a tremendous impression on debut. His victory was as commanding as it was promising, leaving the distinct impression there is much more to come.

Another name resonating with promise is Nevado Catedral (Gouverneur Morris). His maiden win left a strong impression, suggesting he possesses the tools to measure up to the best of his generation. While he lacks the Group-winning badge of Amor de Contramano, his progression and potential make him a serious contender to challenge – and perhaps pull off a stunning upset.

Still a maiden, Marruecos (Leofric) will aim to hold his own, while there is hope Neat Colt (Treasure Beach) can produce a performance to catch the eye.

The Gran Premio Estrellas Juvenile (G1) is undoubtedly a race of the highest caliber. It is the culmination of months of work, of dreams nurtured on every farm, and of the hope of seeing a true star born. Amor de Contramano will look to etch his name into the sport’s history, as he faces the challenge of confirming his supremacy against rivals ready to fight to the wire. Palermo’s dirt awaits, ready to tremble with each stride, with each effort, on an afternoon when passion and glory will meet.