The son of Hi Happy returns to the track of his Gran Premio Gran Criterium (G1) triumph, looking to get back on track
Unico Happy will shoulder top weight. / JUAN I. BOZZELLO
The Handicap Equalize (1400mT) will provide the feature on Sunday’s 15-race card at San Isidro, which also includes several strong allowance events.
At the head of affairs is Unico Happy (Hi Happy), who will carry top weight of 60 kilos. His résumé includes the 2023 Gran Premio Gran Criterium (G1) and, most recently, the Clásico Joaquín V. González (G2) at La Plata.
After a disappointing trip to Uruguay for the Gran Premio Pedro Piñeyrúa (G3) at Maroñas, the Stud Haras El Angel de Venecia runner resurfaced in the Handicap Potrillazo at Palermo, finishing only seventh. He now returns to the scene of his greatest triumph, hoping to rebound.
Chief among his rivals is Midnight Runner (Forge, 55), who comes back from a three-month layoff after fading in the Clásico Pippermint (G2). Runner-up by only half a neck to El Gazpacho (Bodemeister, 56.5) in the Clásico Mesa del Senado (L) under similar conditions, he will prove tough to reel in if allowed to dictate early.
That same El Gazpacho is also among the key players, as is Quebracho Joy (Fortify, 58.5), winner of the Clásico Japón (L) and most recently third to Ronda de Ases (Forge) in the Clásico New Dandy, run on turf and dirt at Palermo.
Meanwhile, Giant Rimout (Remote, 55.5) is far from the most consistent performer, but if he delivers his best, he’s capable of landing the spoils.