1

Grezzo

After fourth to Acento Final in the 2000m G1 Gran Premio Jockey Club, he scored comfortably in a G3 last time on his first run over this 2400m and the distance clearly suits him. His winning time interestingly was quicker than that posted by El Kodigo in a G1 over course and distance last month.

2

Forest Gump

This four-year-old colt has won over 2200m and lines up with a last time out third over 2400m on dirt in the G1 Gran Premio Dardo Rocha at La Plata in mid-November.

3

Endeavor

Having only his fourth start here and a tough task ahead of him to play a major role judged on what he has shown on the racecourse up to now.

4

Acento Final

One of the main rivals to El Kodigo and leader of the classic generation after landing the 2000m G1 Gran Premio Jockey Club, the second leg of the Argentinean Triple Crown, at this same track. He has been specifically aimed at the race.

5

Buen Escoses

Stablemate of El Kodigo. Out of luck when beaten over eight lengths in a G1 on dirt last month.

6

El Provocador

This Chilean-bred four-year-old bay lacks the experience of many of his rivals. His two wins from four starts both coming over way shorter than this distance.

7

Jazz Seiver

Back again after finishing fourth in last year’s Pellegrini. A two time G1 winner he made an eye catching comeback after a break in a G1 when he got to within one and a half lengths of El Kodigo at the start of November.

8

Cold Heart

A contender from Brazil who aims to go one better after his compatriot No Fear was only beaten by a head of snatching the Argentine showpiece last year. The four-year-old struggled in G1 company at Cidade Jardim back in May.

9

Crazy Talent

The only one in the field to have got the better of El Kodigo this year. That was in August when he beat the leading fancy over the distance on turf in the G2 Clasico Comparacion. El Kodigo gained quick revenge though in a G1 a month later.

10

Longboard Blue

Only win from six starts came over 1200m. Third in the 2000m G1 Gran Premio Jockey Club, beaten over two lengths by Acento Final.

11

Mozo De Bar

El Kodigo trainer Juan Saldivia’s third runner. By an American sire, the four-year-old grey lines up unbeaten after two races. First time over trip.

12

Don Feres

Peru’s last success in the Pellegrini came back in 1993. Don Feres will have plenty of support to emulate that after a fine second in a G1 at the track last year. Has top South American jockey Carlos Trujillo on board. Lines up after nine wins out of 13. Won when tackling this 2400m trip for first time in G2 company last time out.

13

Honest Boy

This progressive colt has one and a half lengths to make up on Acento Final after chasing the latter home in the 2000m G1 Gran Premio Jockey Club. Considering the way that race was run there is probably less of a difference between the pair than the official winning margin. Bags of potential with only four runs under his belt.

14

Ready Nights

Another contender from Uruguay, this four-year-old was unplaced in a Listed race on latest outing. Two wins, one over this 2400m trip, from 14 starts.

15

Pepe Joy

The veteran is trying to emulate Village King, the last seven-year-old to claim the Pellegrini honours in 2021. Seven wins from 37 starts, including a G1, he is likely to be shown up by younger members of the field.

16

Steinkevjczuk

Three-year-old and another Uruguayan contender for this major event. Looks to face a stiff task. Won over 2000m on third last start. Others preferred.

17

Master Of Puppets

Switched to the stable of talented young trainer Facundo Santesteban in August. On a three-timer since joining Santesteban and appreciates this 2400m trip.

18

Intense For Me

Connections are hoping it’s a case of third time lucky after Intense For Me finished twice behind El Kodigo this season.

19

Springbreak

Another representative from the 2000m G1 Gran Premio Jockey Club, the domestically-bred colt ran respectably in fifth that day, over four lengths adrift of Acento Final.  Warmed up for this massive test in a G1 on dirt on 9 November at Palermo where he narrowly failed to be placed.

20

El Kodigo

The one they all have to beat. This four-year-old home hope lines up with impeccable credentials with three G1 wins this season, including a recognised warm up for the Pellegrini over this course and distance last month.