The spotlight on 16th November rests on the two headline attractions of the afternoon: the COPA DE CRIADORES – COLTS and the COPA DE CRIADORES – FILLIES, the most significant national tests for Spanish-bred two-year-olds. These Category C MAPA races turn the card into a showcase of homegrown ability, drawing together the best early-season performers and the country’s most ambitious breeding programs. With the autumn meeting in full stride at HIPÓDROMO DE LA ZARZUELA, the day blends prestige, developing formlines and competitive depth, creating a compact but compelling programme built around the future stars of Spanish turf.
Highlights of the Day
- Two flagship juvenile races anchor the card
The Copa de Criadores events for colts and fillies, each carrying Category C MAPA status and €13,600 in prize money, stand as the afternoon’s defining contests. They offer a clear look at which youngsters are emerging as the season’s leading Spanish-bred prospects.
- Powerful representation from major studs
Operations like Yeguada Rocío, Cortiñal, Valmodomus, Mediterráneo, and Celso Méndez appear across multiple races, turning the day into a genuine breeders’ showcase. Their presence adds depth and competitiveness to both the feature races and the supporting events.
- Juveniles arrive with meaningful early form
Many of the two-year-olds come in with strong finishing figures, early wins, and notable earnings, signalling fields filled with proven talent rather than raw debut runners. It gives both Copa de Criadores races a sharper, more competitive edge.
- A divided handicap signals strong participation
The José Javier Herreros de Tejada Handicap had to be split into two parts, a clear marker of healthy entries and a well-supported racing population. It strengthens the undercard and creates two balanced, unpredictable contests.
- Leading jockeys take up key rides
Names like Václav Janáček, Gelabert, Tsereteli, Arizkorreta, and Argüinzones bring strong seasonal numbers into the meeting. Their bookings add confidence to several runners and shape the competitive landscape across the programme.
Across the afternoon, the programme unfolds through five tightly timed races from 12:00 to 14:20, each one adding a little more shape, rhythm and momentum to the card. The maidens set the early pulse, the handicaps thicken the competitive edge, and before you realise it, the pace has carried you straight toward the twin centrepieces of the day — the two Copa de Criadores contests.
RACE 1: COPA DE CRIADORES – MANUEL DELGADO SÁNCHEZ-ARJONA (12:00, 1500 metres)
The day begins with the colts’ edition of the Copa de Criadores, a race that always sets the tone by revealing which youngsters are ready to step beyond early promise. CACHOPO, MARCUS ATILIUS and MARIACHI should be among the first to shape the early pattern, but SICILIANO and TOLEDANO could shift the momentum late if they handle the pressure of a true stakes pace. It’s the kind of opener that immediately lifts the energy of the afternoon and hints at which yard might dominate the juvenile scene. Prize money: €13,600
RACE 2: PREMIO FAVALLU (12:35, 1400 metres)
The second race continues the juvenile spotlight, bringing together two-year-olds who already carry signs of progress. NERJA, CUDILLERO, FALASTINI and ECLAIR LANE arrive looking sharp enough to command attention, though MENGANA, PAPELETA and ZENITH CITY may have more to offer if the tempo suits their closing style. This contest keeps the flow steady and adds another piece to the evolving picture of this year’s rising crop. Prize money: €11,900
RACE 3: PREMIO JOSÉ JAVIER HERREROS DE TEJADA (HÁNDICAP DIVIDIDO 2ª PARTE) (13:10, 2100 metres)
The shift to handicap company introduces a different rhythm, with mixed ages and tightly matched ratings raising the uncertainty. LUNA ROSSA, SANTA MONICA and XERAC look capable of dictating their own race if they stay balanced in the early exchanges, while PIONINA, BRUMA and CHENEL could trouble the field if they find the race breaking in their favour. It’s a competitive mid-card event that brings the first real test of strategy and stamina. Prize money: €7650
RACE 4: PREMIO NEMESIO FERNÁNDEZ-CUESTA (HÁNDICAP DIVIDIDO 1ª PARTE) (13:45, 2100 metres)
The higher division of the handicap draws a more seasoned group, bringing together runners with stronger credentials and deeper experience. MACHU PICCHU, LOSE YOUR WAD and PONCE DE LEON have the profile to make an immediate impact, but SPANISH RULER, ANIOL and SOFUNNY remain well within striking range if the race develops into a sustained drive to the line. This clash sets up the afternoon perfectly as attention begins to swing toward the closing feature. Prize money: €11,050
RACE 5: COPA DE CRIADORES – JAVIER NAVARRO REVERTER (14:20, 1500 metres)
The meeting reaches its high point with the fillies’ Copa de Criadores, traditionally a race that unearths the season’s standout young talent. ADRI, LADY CATALINA and PAIPORTA come in with enough form to anchor early confidence, yet TORMENTA, SAETA and AGATHEA loom as genuine threats if they build on their latest efforts at the right moment. It’s a fitting finale for a programme built around assessing the future of Spanish-bred racing. Prize money: €13,600
With five races packed into the 12:00 to 14:20 window, the afternoon moves quickly but carries a steady rise in tempo, building from promising juveniles to seasoned handicappers before ending with the fillies’ Copa de Criadores, the kind of race that often rewrites the pecking order of an entire generation. The flow of the card leaves enough storylines in the air to keep the conversation warm through the week, which works perfectly because racing returns soon. The next meeting on 23rd November brings a shift in scale, highlighted by a Gran Premio, setting up a much bigger stage for the closing stretch of the Madrid season.
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