The historic Gran Premio Nacional (G1) is known as the Argentine Derby and has been contested at Palermo racetrack since 1884. This Saturday it will be simulcast live across the USA, Canada and the Caribbean with commingled pools now available. The live racing action will be available for live stream at skyracingworld.com or via the Sky Racing World App, first post: 11:00 a.m. Eastern or 8:00 a.m. PT.
Niño Guapo looks to be the standout in the race this year. He showed his adaptation to the distance when he won the Eduardo Casey Classic over 1 3/8 miles and will have no problem with the 1 9/16 miles. He is not a Group winner, finishing third in the Polla de Potrillos where El Musical was crowned by half a length. He arrives at the Derby hungry for revenge.
There is also Super Cocktail, who will be ridden by Rodrigo Blanco (winner of the Estrellas Sprint GP and escort of Estrellas Mile) and finished six lengths behind Niño Guapo in the Casey. Although he is not a Group winner, he is a good rival in the last meters of the race, and together with the aforementioned, who are always in the lead, will provide the adrenaline that this type of competition demands.
Billion is also on the list, after finishing third in the Casey behind Niño Guapo and Super Cocktail and winning the Miguel F. Martínez Classic (a prep for the Derby). In the aforementioned Classic, he came behind Easy Way Out (three lengths behind), Code Breaker (one length behind second) and Charrua Saver (three lengths behind third). In addition, Pablo Falero, who already won the National Championship as a jockey with Litigado in 1999, will try to win it as a trainer, betting everything on Fantasma, son of Greenspring (USA).
THE PALERMO AND MAIPÚ, TWO SEPARATE COMPETITIONS
The Palermo Grand Prix will be contested over one mile, with Malibu Spring, who knows this type of distances and has a streak of five consecutive victories, the last ones being the Classic Peru (G2) and the Estrellas Mile GP (G1); Royal Rimoute was close to getting a Group 1 when he came second in the Grand Prix of the Americas (OSAF); and Roman Pleasure, who comes from obtaining second places in the 1,600 and 1,800 meters, New Dandy Classic and Carlos Gardel (L) competitions, respectively.
The Maipú Grand Prix over five furlongs will be meeting the expectation of a great competition due to the names featured in its roster. Labrado, an undefeated colt, specialist in speed and especially in the five furlongs, stands out. He won the Estrellas Junior Sprint Classic (G3) by 11 lengths and the Suipacha Grand Prix (G1), leaving Luthier Blues third. Rudy Trigger escorted Labrado in the Suipacha race, and has power for short distances. Lorenzo Rye comes from two first places and has a lot of experience in this distance.
The post Argentine Derby (Gran Premio Nacional) Preview: Niño Guapo Stands Out appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
