Premio Habitancum and stellar fields in minor races this Sunday

The main race of the Sunday 1 April meeting at La Zarzuela is the Premio Habitancum (1,400 m, 4yo+, 10,800 euros for the winner), with the following participants:

Volcánico (IRE, 2008) bay colt [Refuse to Bend-Zayana(Darshaan)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez and ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the GP Claudio Carudel and of the GP Gobierno Vasco last year.

Compton Park (GB, 2007) ch. colt [Compton Place-Corps de Ballet(Fasliyev)], woned by Racheal Teadale Racing, trained by J. L. Eyre, ridden by I. López.

Mil Azul (SPA, 2008) bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuitled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

S. Grillo [GB, 2008) bay colt [Val Royal-Santiago Blue(Relaunch)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V, Janacek.

Camuray (SPA, 2005) bay colt [Slipstream King-Reina Blanca(Highe Honor)]. Owned by Yeguada Cortiñal, trained by E. León, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

Makaamen (GB, 2006) [Selkirk-Bird Key(Cadeaux Generaux)],. owned by Daniel Roset, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by F. Lynch

Milagrés (GB, 2008) [Delfos-Royal Ulay(Selkirk)], owned and trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by B. Fayos. Winner in his last start, beating Rubens.

Tirion (USA, 2008), bay gelding [Royal Academy-Domenica's Dream(Woodman)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Borja Fayos.

Viva a Franca (USA, 2008) bay colt [Storm Cat-Farda Amiga(Broad Brush)], owned by Cuadra Cortiñal, trained by J. M. Borrego, will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira

Weststow (GB, 2008), ch. colt [Medicean-Summer Sunset(Grand Lodge)], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.


The winner last year of the Premio Habitancum was the ill-fated Amadeo Rey (Intikhab) and the winners of previous editions were Silverside (2010), Flying Blue (2009), King of Cry (2008), British Steel (2007) and Corazón de Oro (2006)


The rest of the meeting has a good number of seasonal debuts of high level horses:

The first race, Premio Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, a 1,600 m race for 4yo+ fillies, with only 6 participants, features Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], the best filly of 2012, winner of the  Premio Kutxa , the Benítez de Lugo and third in the Prx Fille de L'Air (Gr. 3) last year. And also the Beamonte (Oaks) winner Clunia (IRE, 2008) [Silent Times-Doohulla(Stravinsky)], beaten by Casaca both in the Benítez de Lugo and in the Kutxa. Other contenders are Baronia (Bahhare), Cara Blanca (Beat Hollow), La Llanura (El Prado) and Tafadhali (Dyhim Diamond)

Casaca (Medicean). Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

The third race, Premio Día Mundial del Teatro, has also a very interesting field, with Festeiro (Fol Parade), winner of the Premio Cimera and the GP Nacional last year, now trained by M. Delcher S., Nelson Groom (Charming Groom), winner of the Mijas Cup 2010 and also Señor Miranda (Fantastic Light), Don Fernando Hab (Intikhab), Hands Up (Panis), Blackberry Boy (Desert Prince), Risquillo (Ballingarry), Gran Duque (Bachelor Duke) and Rayo Rojo (Rakti)

 There is also a 1,400 m race for Spanish bred 2yo, with Galileus, a handicap race over 1,500 m and a 2,200 m race for 3yo, with the presence of Galipoli (Sulamani) winner of his only start at two.

Saphirside wins the Premio Torre Arias

Saphirside (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Elusive City-Salirisa(Sillery), won yesterday the Premio Torre Arias (1,400 m, 3yo colts) with jockey Julien Grosjean for trainer M. Delcher S. and owner Cuadra SafSaf. He caught the favourite, Albret (IRE, 2009) [Clodovil] near the post to win by a neck, with Nuredyn (FR, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond] third and Celtic Rock fourth.

Saphirside (Elusive City) and J. Grosjean. Winners of the Premio Torre Arias. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

This is the second win in four starts for Saphirside. He will run next in the Premio Cimera (Spanish 2,000 guineas). Saphirside is half brother to Listed winner Balaythous.

Here is the video: Premio Torre Arias 2012

In the other races of the meeting:
The Premio Cruzcampo (1,800 m, 3yo maiden fillies) was won by the favourite Infinity One (SPA, 2009), a ch. filly [Green Tune-Tropical Chic(Thunder Gulch)], owned by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by B. Valenti and ridden by Jorge Horcajada, leaving a good impression. (Video). She will run in the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks).

Infinity One (Greem Tune). Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

In the second race, Premio Vértice 360 (1,800 m, 3yo maiden colts), the easy winner was Riky Rock (IRE, 2009) [Invincible Spirit-Hatanaa(Robellino)], owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez and ridden by Borja Fayos. Video: Premio Vértice 360


Fortun (IRE, 2009) [Bachelor Duke-Duckmore Bay(Titus Livius)] won the Premio SEPI, a 2,000 m for 3yos. He was ridden by J. Crocquevieille for trainer J. L. Maroto and Cuadra La Toledana. (Video: Premio SEPI)

Betanzos (SPA, 2008) [Kahwan] and Kalanda (SPA, 2005) [Sorcerous] won the 1st and 2nd parts, respectively, of the split handicap

New management for stallion Visindar (GB, 2003) [Sinndar]

The majority ownership of the chestnut stallion Visindar (GB, 2003) [Sinndar-Visor(Mr Prospector)] has been transferred, along with his management, to Hípica Paraíso, in the same Spanish city of Palencia, where the stallion will remain. Stud fee for Visindar in previous years were around 2,000 euros and are still not revealed for this year.

Visindar (GB, 2003) is a chestnut stallion, by multiple G1W Sinndar and Visor (Mr Prospector), dam of G1W Varenar and the G1 performers Visionary, Visiorama and Visionnaire. The third dam of Visindar, Tuerta, is the dam of Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner Swale

Visindar won the G2 Prix Greffulhe in 2006 (Video) and was fifth in the Epsom Derby (being the heavy favourite) where he was injured.

This is a recent video of the stallion: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz5n18xN9Fw

Premio Torre Arias, Sunday 25 March, La Zarzuela

The third day of the La Zarzuela spring season has as its main attraction the Premio Torre Arias (1,400 m, 3yo colts, 9,000 euros for the winner), traditional trial race for the Premio Cimera. Only six colts will run, and 4 of them ran in the Gran Criterium 2011 last autumn (not Matusalén, the winner, who has being running in Dubai and has just returned to Spain).

The participants are:

Albret (IRE, 2009) is a gray colt [Clodovil-Piccelina(Piccolo)], oned by Cuadra Quinto Real, trained by G. Arizcotrreta, ridden by V. Janacek.. He won the Criterium Internacional in the summer in San Sebastián, beating Celtic Rock

Makalali (IRE, 2009), is a bay colt [Kodiac-Hawateef(Mujtahid)], owned by Cuadra Martel Sánchez, trained by O. Anaya, ridden by I. López. He has won in Dos Hermanas and Mijas this winter.

Nuredyn (FR, 2009) is a bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquin, trained by M. Hernández, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He was second to Matusalén in the Gran Criterium in his last start.

Nuredyn (Dyhim Diamond) with Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

Celtic Rock (GB, 2009) is a ch. colt [Rock of Gibraltar-Luna Céltica(Celtic Swing)], owned by Cuadra Habit, trained by J. C. Fernández, ridden by J. L. Martínez. 2nd to Albret in the Criterium Internacional, 5th in the Gran Critérium

Plenipotenciario (IRE, 2009), is a bay colt [Caradak-Pliaurea(Poliglote)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Hinojosa, traned by J. L. de Salas, ridden by J. Crocquevieille. He won in his debut, beating Saphirside and was third in the Gran Criterim, his second and last start to date

Saphirside (IRE, 2009), is a bay colt [Elusive City-Silirisa(Sillery)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher, ridden by J. Grosjean. 2nd to Plenipotenciario, won his next start and was 7th in the Gran Criterium

Saphirside (Elusive City) with J. Grosjean. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

The winners of the Torre Arias in the last years were: Volcánico (2011), Bombadil (2010), As de Trébol (2009), Yepes (2008), Buxo (2007) and Bolas Nuevas (2006)


The rest of the meeting includes a 1,800 m race for maiden 3yo fillies, a 1,800 m race for maiden 3yo colts, a 2,200 m handicap split in two races and a 2,000 m race for 3yo, with 7 participantes, 4 of them already winners.

Horses working at the Somo beach, Cantabria

There is a good number of pretraining/training/resting centers for thoroughbreds in Cantabria, Northern Spain. Here is an image of these beautiful places.

Thoroughbreds working at the Somo beach, Santander, Northern Spain. Cantabric Sea, under the care of trainer Pancho Gutiérrrez.

Precious Rose wins the Premio Atlántida

Precious Rose (USA, 2009) , bay filly [Elusive Quality-Libre(Fly so Free)], owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez and ridden by J. L. Martínez, won today the Premio Atlántida (1,400 m, 3yo fillies, 9,000 for the winner) in the La Zarzuela racetrack, beating Extrañeza (Caradak), Ladykin (Holy Roman Emperor) and Geronima (Moss Vale). The Premio Atlántida is the traditional prep race for the Premio Valderas.

Precious Rose (USA) with J. L. Martínez, winners of the Premio Atlántida. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

This is the video of the race: Premio Atlántida 2012 and here is a 13 minutes video: Premio Atlántida 2012 It's the second win in three starts for Precious Rose.

The meeting opened with the win of Milagrés (SPA, 2008) [Delfos-Royal Ulay(Selkirk)], owned and trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by J. Horcajada, in the 1,400 m race for Spanish breds, with Rubens (Fragrant Wells) 2nd, Tagomago (Dyhim Diamond) 3rd and Cascabel (Dyhim Diamond) 4th. Video here: Premio Cría Nacional

There was a 1-2 for the recently deceased stallion Dyhim Diamond in the 2nd race, a 1,600 m race for 3yo debutant Spanish breds, won by Barañaín (SPA, 2009) ch. filly [Dyhim Diamond-Zaniah(Sorcerous)], owned by Cuadra Dosángeles, trained by Angel Sánchez and ridden by A. Gómez, with Annesthesia (SPA, 2009) , ch, filly [Dyhim Diamond-Santa Francesca(Anabaa)] second. Video: Premio Cría Nacional

1-2 for stallion Dyhim Diamond: Barañain and Annesthesia. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

In the third race, a 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo, the winner was the debutant Monsieur Opera (FR, 2009), a bay colt [Lando-Mensa Sonne(Monsun)], owned by Salvador Márquez, trained by J. López and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Sportside (Refuse to Bend) was second, Giggolo Star was third and Cuentista (Halling), fourth.

Betica (GB, 2006), a bay filly [Noverre-Miss Twinkletoes(Zafonic)] won the 1,600 m handicap race and
Valiant Blue (Moss Vale) won the 1,600 maiden race for 3yo.

The meeting in photos in Turfarganda.blogspot.com.es

Premio Atlántida this Sunday at La Zarzuela, Madrid

 The six races of the La Zarzuela meeting next Sunday include the Premio Atlántida (1,400 m, 3yo fillies, 9,000 euros for the winner), traditional trial race for the Premio Valderas (1,000 guineas).

With the absence of Irish Cliff, the main favourite is Laura Moon.

These are the participants:
Laura Moon (IRE, 2009), ch. filly [Russian Blue-Partageuse (Green Tune), owned by cuadra Manola, trained by Antonio Sánchez, ridden by V. Janacek.
Precious Rose (USA; 2009), bay filly [Elusive Quality-Libre(Fly so Free), owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, ridden by J. L. Martínez
She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia(Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquin, trained by M. Hernández, ridden by J. Grosjean.
Extrañeza (SPA, 2009], bay filly [Caradak-Watchkeeper(Rudementary)], owned by MG Racing, trained by M. J. Pérez, ridden by J. L.Borrego.
Geronima (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Moss Vale-Nasriyda(Darshaan)], owned by Cuadra Peláez Malvar, trained by B. Valenti, ridden by J. Crocquevieille
Goldeneye (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Fragrant Wells-Pashmiyina(Highest Honor)] owned by Cuadra Cielo de Madrid, trained by O. Rodríguez, ridden by J. Horcajada.
Ladykin (IRE, 2009)., bay filly [Holy Roman Emperor-Engraving(Sadler's Wells) ], owned by Cuadra Mazantinni, trained by A. Carrasco, ridden by F. Jiménez.

The rest of the meeting includes:
A 1,400 m race for 3yo+ Spanish breds, with Rubens (Fragran Wells), Tagomago (Dyhim Diamond), Milagres (Delfos), Pichuca (Silent Times), Vodka Lemon (Fruhlingstrum), Blue Sky (Servando), Amorebieta (Leadership), Miura (Sagacity) and Cascabel (Dyhim Diamond)

A 1,600 m race for 3yo Spanish bred debutants, a 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo, a handicap race and a 1,600 m race for maiden 3yo.

Stratvs Canarias wins the Handicap Opcional

Stratvs Canarias (IRE, 2009) [Soviet Star-Hetayaat(Sinndar)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by E. León and ridden by J. Crocquevieille, won the Handicap Opcional (1,600 m, 3yo, 9,000 euros for the winner), beating Otro Gintonic (GB, 2009) [Trade Fair-Nuit Sans Fin(Lead on Time)] by 3/4 of a length, with Castellana (SPA, 2009) [Yorik-Fellinia(War Chant)], third and Esgues (SPA, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond] fourth.

Stratvs Canarias (Soviet Star) and Jeremy Crocquevieille, winners of the Handicap Opcional. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Carrying the top weight, Stratvs Canarias won almost wire to wire, taking the lead soon after the start and holding off the final attack of Otro Gintonic. The first two left the third in the post our lengths behind. This is the second win in two starts for Stratvs Canarias.

Here is the race: Handicap Opcional 2012


Meneldor (IRE, 2008) [Barathea-Cartesian(Shirley Heights)], owned by Gonzalo Hernando-Aboin, trained by A. Carrasco and ridden by F. Jiménez won the Premio Fernán Núñez (2,200 m, 4yo, Handicap), beating Royal Imari (Royal Academy) and Ramallah (Federal Trial). Video of Premio Fernán Núñez 2012


In the 1,600 m race for debutant 3yo fillies, Premio Cruzcampo, the winner was Ketala (FR, 2009) [Gold Away-Afriketa(Desert Story)], owned by Cuadra LAC international, trained by J. López and ridden by Marco Secci, who caught Hello Snow (Gold Away) in the final strides with a strong finish, with Chatarrilla (Sinndar) third. Afriketa, the dam of Ketala, won the Benítez de Lugo, at three, beating Jade, Guadalmedina and Johanie Cara, among others

Here is the video: Premio Cruzcampo

The equivalent race for colts, Premio El Corte Ingles, was won by Kadmios (FR, 2009) [Kavafi-Eriza(Distant Relative)], owned by Cuadra Nakata and trained and ridden by J.L. Martínez. Riky Rock (Fantastic Light) was second and Jokan (Zamindar), was third. Video: Premio El Corte Inglés


In the other two races, a split handicap over 1,800 m, 4yo+, the winners were Jakemate (Denver County) in the first part and Bailongo (Egeo), in the second part. They are both products of Shiva (Policy Matter)

Racing in La Zarzuela this Sunday, with the Handicap Opcional

After the Mijas season, it's time for the La Zarzuela racetrack of Madrid.

The first racecard of the spring season includes 6 races, with the highlights of the Handicap Opcional and the Fernán Nuñez. There will be also two 1,600 m races for 3yo debutants (one for colts and the other for fillies).

In the first race, Premio Cruzcampo (1,600 m), for debutant 3yo fillies,among the field of 15 participants, Ablita (SPA, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Katherine(Don Roberto)] is a chestnut filly, own sister to Eltso (2nd to Ayanz in the Villapadierna - Derby), Gaelica (SPA, 2009) [Wagon Master-Femme Epanouie] is a chestnut filly, half sister to Buxo (2nd to Newango in the GP Nacional).
Also interesting is the pedigree of Sixteen Rose (IRE, 2009), a bay filly [Sakhee-Rose Noble(Vaguely Noble)], half to Listed performer Dowager and whose dam is half sister to Grand Lodge, La Persiana and Papabile.


In the third race, Premio Fernán Núñez (2,200 m, Handicap, 4yo+, 5,000 for the winner) the participants include the 2nd, the 3rd and the 4th in the last year's Premio Villamejor : Casar (IRE, 2008) [Hurricane Run-Thoroughly(Woodman)] is the half brother to Prix Conde (G3) winner Midnight Beauty and was second. The third that day was Lionel Star (SPA, 2008) [Silent Times-Lady Cree] and the 4th was Francesco Cara (FR, 2008) [Della Francesca-Magic Cara]. The other participantes are: Porquenotecallas, Calamargo, Jimmy Falabella, Meneldor, Persicus, Royal Imari, Ramallah, Rolandino and Prince Trial


In the Handicap Opcional (1,600 m, 3yo), the participants are:
Stratvs Canarias (IRE, 2009), bay colt, [Pivotal-Hekayaat], owned by Grupo Bolaños Gran Canaria, trained by E. León and ridden by J. Crocquevieille
Otro Gintonic (G, 2009), bay colt, [Trade Fair-Nuit Sans Fin], owned by Cuadra Factor Sorpresa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, ridden by V. Janacek.
Castellana (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Yorik-Felinia], owned by Cuadra Cortiñal, trained by J. C. Fernández, ridden by J L. Martínez
Garajonay (FR, 2009), bay colt [First Samurai-Hapster], owned by Asoc. SafSaf-Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, ridden by J. Grosjean
Illunbe (FR, 2009), ch. colt [Archange d'Or-Konigin Von Saba], owned by Cuadra Cielo de Madrid, trained by O. Rodríguez, ridden by J. Horcajada
Negrete (SPA, 2009) is a bay colt [Hold that Tiger-Helena Smile],. owned by Cuadra Jarilla, trained by J. Pérez, ridden by J. L. Borrego
Lucena (GB, 2009) is a bay filly [Trade Fair-Yarrita], owned by Cuadra Realejo, trained by G. Arizkorreta, ridden by M. Secci
Esgues (SPA, 2009) is a ch. colt [Dyhim Diamond-Mar], owned by Cuadra La Sueca, trained by J. C. Lopera, will be ridden by A. Achard.
Veleza (SPA, 2009) is a bay filly [Fragrant Wells-Fitway]. owned by Cuadra San José, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, ridden vy Claudine Cazalis.

Pazifiksturm wins the Mijas Cup 2012

Pazifizsturm (GER. 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz Ceca and ridden by J. Auge, won today the XII Mijas Cup (2,200 m, 4yo+, 43,000 euros for the winner) at the Mijas racecourse, beating Entre Copas (2nd) and Señor Miranda (3rd), with Nelson Groom fourth.

Loch Etive commanded the field with Nelson Groom second for most of the race. Nelson Groom took over in the last turn, but the attack of Pazifiksturm was decisive. Entre Copas and Señor Miranda closed strongly and caught Nelson Groom, but not Pazifiksturm.

Pazifiksturm was second to Bannaby in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián 2010 and won the Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger) that year. His 2011 campaign was somewhat disappointing both in Spain and in France, but this win puts him again at the top of Spanish stayers. Plans for Pazifiksturm may include the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián in the summer and the Memorial Duque de Toledo in autumn, although obviosly depending on the evolution of the horse in his next starts

Video (22 minutes): Mijas Cup 2012