Opikoppi wins the Beamonte

Opikoppi (SPA, 2009), ch. filly [Gentlewave-Noche(Nigh Shift)], owned by Cuadra Ussía Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta and ridden by Vaclav Janacek, won last Sunday the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks) (2,200 m, 3yo fillies, 25,500 euros for the winner), beating the double representation of Cuadra Safsaf, Sportside (Refuse to Bend) and Pompon Coeur (Green Tune). Iune was fourth and Nonalass was fifth.

Barañaín (Dyhim Diamond) lead the race until the home straight in which Pompono Coeur and Sportside attacked first. Opikoppi (who traveled second until the final turn) displayed her charge and, although Sportside fighted well, she was surpassed finally by a neck.

The Valderas winner Ketala finished a disappointing 8th, not showing any danger.

Opikoppi (8), with Vaclav Janace, and Sportside fighting for the Beamonte. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

This was only the 2nd start for Opikoppi, whose 2nd dam, Villablanca, was 2nd in the Beamonte back in 1987. Opikoppi is half sister to the Group performer over hurdles Sam Winner and to the winner Aljarafe.

Here is the video: Premio Beamonte 2012

In the rest of the meeting, Dagoberto (Dyhim Diamond) won the 1,000 m race for 2yo debutants, with Helfa de Rous (Wagon Master) 2nd.

The second race, 1,600 m, 4yo+, was won by Weststow (Medicean), beating Volcánico (Refuse to Bend) and As de Trébol (Tapit). Ariete Arrollador was scratched.

Vega de Castilla won the 2nd part of the split handicap (1,500 m), with Vetonia 2nd.

The winner of the first part was Black Dibel, beating Alhaprince.

In the 1,600 m race for 3yo, Azabache beat Dakside, Alduides and Celtic Rock, with a disappointing performance by Stratvs Canarias

Other races of the Sunday meeting

Besides the Premio Beamonte, the Sunday meeting at La Zarzuela, Madrid, includes two mile races, one for 4yo+ and for 3yo, preps for the GP Claudio Carudel


The race for elder horses, Premio Marca (1,600 m, 9,000 euros for the winner), has the following participants:

Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007), bay colt [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)], owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta. Ariete reappears in Spain after his good performances in Dubai (twice second)
As de Trébol (USA, 2006), gray colt [Tapit-Adelphi(Danzig)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by Borja Fayos.The winner of the Gran Criterium in 2008, also run this year in Dubai.

Volcánico (IRE, 2008), bay colt [Refuse to Bend-Zayana(Darshaan)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, Winner of the GP Claudio Carudel 2011

Bellaside (IRE, 2007), bay filly [Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga(Perugino)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by E. León. Will be ridden by A. Gómez. Reappears.

Risquillo (FR, 2006), bay colt [Ballingarry-Alexia Fedorovna(Steinlen)], owned by Cuadra El Risquillo, trained by A. Carrasco.

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

In the 3yo race, Premio Folie (1,600 m, 9,000 euros for the winner) the field is:

Azabache (SPA, 2009) [Iceman-Tiviski(Desert Style)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez. Will be ridden by O. Ortiz de Urbina.

Stratvs Canarias (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Soviet Star-Hekayaat(Sinndar)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños Gran Canaria, trained by E. León. Will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. The winner of the Handicap Opcional 2012 was 7th in the Cimera (2,000 Guineas)

Valiant Blue (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Moss Vale-Tiltili(Spectrum)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, ridden by B, Fayos.

Celtic Rock (GB, 2009), ch. colt [Rock of Gibraltar-Luna Celtica(Celtic Swing)], owned by Cuadra Habit, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez


Alduides (IRE, 2009), ch. colt [Rock of Gibraltar-Misdirect], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. Winner of his last start, beating Celtic Rock

Dakside (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Caradak-La Lola(Zafonic)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez. Will be ridden by J. Grosjean.

Extrañeza (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Caradak-Watchkeeper(Rudimentary)], owned by MG Racing, trained by M. J. Pérez. Will be ridden by J. Horcajada

There is also a 1,500 m split handicap and a 1,000 m race for debutant 2yos

Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks), Sunday 27, LZ

The highlight of the Sunday meeting is the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks), over 2,200 m, for 3yo fillies (obviously), with 25,500 euros for the winner. Ketala, the winner of the Valderas (Guineas) will try to win the Classic Double, and she will face other 10 fillies. This is the field

Barañain (SPA, 2009), ch. filly [Dyhim Diamond-Zaniah], owned by Cuadra Dosangeles,
trained by A. F. Sánchez. Will be ridden by M. Borrego

Belagua (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Rail Link-Mingora(Mtoto)], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, traned by G. Arizkorreta. Will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

Chatarrilla (FR, 2009), bay filly [Sinndar-Climate Control], owned by Cuadra El Remo, trained by A. Carrasco. Will be ridden by F. Jiménez

Iune (USA, 2009), bay filly [Proud Citizen-Jacira(Sillery)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher. Will be ridden by J. Horcajada. This is only the third start for the daughter of Jacira


Ketala (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Gold Away-Afriketa], owned by Cuadra LAC, trained by J. López. Will be ridden by Marco Secci. Winner of the Premio Valderas (2,000 Guineas), she aims for the Classic Double

Marmara (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Enrique-My Lyck Day(Darshaan)], owned by Cuadra Odisea, trained by I. Gómez.  Will be ridden by A. Gómez

Nonalass (SPA, 2009), gray filly [Fol Parade-Beltza(Kalanisi)], owned by Cuadra Chamartín, trained by B. Valenti. Will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Was third after Infinity One and She Rules in the Premio Comunidad de Madrid. Her dam is half sister to Group performers Persian Ruler and Kashwan

Nonalass (Fol Parade). Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

Opikoppi (SPA, 2009), ch. filly [Gentlewave-Noche], owned by Cuadra Ussía Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta. Will be ridden by V. Janacek

Pompon Coeur (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Green Tune-Villa Sonata(Mozart)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez. Will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia (Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández. 2nd in the Premio Comunidad de Madrid. Will be ridden by Borja Fayos.

Sportside (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Refuse to Bend-Perfect Fun (Marju)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S. Will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Sportside is the half sister to Faramir (winner of the GP Ciudad de Madrid)

Sportside (Refuse to Bend). Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

 The Premio Beamonte is held since 1952 (with the interruption of 1997-2005) in the La Zarzuela racetrack and includes among its winners great names of the Spanish turf, like Robertiya (winner in 1990 and dam of Volvoreta (third in the Arc de Triomphe won by Sinndar)), Teresa (winner in 1987) one of the best Spanish bred fillies of all time, who was 7th in the Arc won by Trempolino. Jockey Claudio Carudel won the Premio Beamonte 13 times.

The winner last year was Clunia and other recent winners were Narya (2010), Carlota (2009), La Galerna (2008), Golding Star (2007)

Domeside won the Premio Corpa

Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S. and ridden by J. Grosjean won last Sunday the Premio Corpa (3,000 m, 4yo+, 15,000 euros for the winner) at the La Zarzuela racetrack, beating Entre Copas (Sakhee) and Karluv Most (Della Francesca).

The race had a very slow pace, lead by Entre Copas until the last turn, in which Domeside and Achtung surpassed him. However, Entre Copas managed to come back for second, while Domeside won comfortably.

Domeside beating EntreCopas in the Premio Corpa 2012. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

Here is the video: Premio Corpa 2012

This is the ninth win for Domeside, who won the GP Villapadierna (Spanish Derby) in 2009. He totalls more than 150,000 euros in prize money


In the rest of the meeting, the 1,800 m race for 3yo+ Spanish breds was won impressively by the heavy favourite Abdel (Dyhim Diamond), with Baronia (Bahhare) 2nd. See the video here: Premio Cría Nacional Plans for Abdel are eagerly awaited.

In the 1,000 m race for Spanish bred 2yo, the winner was Caramoon (Caradak), with Dubrovnik (Dyhim Diamond) 2nd.

Barullo (Fol Parade) won the 2nd part of the 2,100 m split handicap, with Bailongo (Egeo) 2nd

In the first part, the winner was Azafata (Motivator), with Barrocco (Luna Ridge) 2nd.

Jokan (Zamindar) won the 1,600 m race for 3yo+, beating Arrebato (City on a Hill)

Premio Corpa this Sunday

The Sunday meeting at LZ features the Premio Corpa, a traditional 3,000 m race for 4yo+ that has big names among its winners.


There is a field of only 5 horses this year:

Entre Copas (GB, 2004), ch. gelding [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Horse of the Year in Spain in 2011, won this Premio Corpa last year: Premio Corpa, beating Karluv Most

Achtung (SPA, 2008), a bay colt [Sulamani-Aurea(Silvano)], owned by Cuadra Enalto, trained by Roberto López, will be ridden by O. Ortiz de Urbina. Winner of the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger) in 2011.

Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by J. Grosjean.

Casar (IRE, 2008), ch. colt [Hurricane Run-Thoroughly(Woodman)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Horcajada. 2nd to Achutung in the Premio Villamejor (St. Leger)

Karluv Most (FR, 2006), bay colt, [Della Francesca-La Vlatava(Grand Lodge)], owned by Cuadra Cholaica, trained by J. L. Maroto, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. 2nd to Entre Copas in the 2011 running.

 Recent winners of the Premio Corpa have been: Entre Copas (2011), Bannaby (2010), Faramir (2009),
Artium (2008), Palamoss (2007) and Guadalmedina (2006).

The rest of the Sunday meeting includes:
A 1,800 m race for Spanish bred 3yo+, with the presence of Abdel (Dyhim Diamond), Doende (Wagon Master), Don Fernando Hab (Intikhab), Turrialba (Trade Fair), Baronia (Bahhare),

A 1,000 m race for Spansih bred 2yos

The two parts of a 2,100 m split handicap for 4yo+ and

A 1,600 m race for 3yo+

Alonso wins the GP Nacional

Alonso (SPA, 2009), chestnut colt [Green Tune-Lady Cree(Medicean)], won last Sunday the GP Nacional, (2,200 m, Spanish bred 3yos), with jockey Julien Grosjean for trainer Yan Durepaire and owners Cuadra Kif-Kif. Phuket (SPA, 2009), bay colt (Multazem-New Vert(Vert Amande)] was second, Giggolo Star (Dyhim Diamond) was third and Nuredyn (Dyhim Diamond) was fourth.

Alonso (SPA, 2009) (Green Tune), winner of the GP Nacional 2012 with J. Grosjean. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Here is the video: GP Nacional 2012

This is the first race in Spain of Alonso,  who had run only in France. The 2nd, Phuket is a half brother to 2 GP Nacional winners, Newango and Festeiro.


In the rest of the meeting, Ranyan (SPA, 2009) ch. geld [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)] with V. Janacek won a 2,200 m handicap for 3yo, carrying the top weight, with Esgues (Dyhim Diamond) second. Here is the video

In  the second race, a 1,600 m race for 3yos, there was a 1-2 for sire Rock of Gibraltar, with the winner Alduides (IRE, 2009), ch. colt [Rock of Gibraltar-Misdirect(Darshaan)], beating Celtic Rock (who was 2rd in the Cimera). Video: Premio Marca

Albuhera (Devil Moon-Lili d'Aubois(Lycius)], won the Premio Precoz (900 m, 2yo) with Jorge Horcajada for owner Cuadra Cacharela and trained J. A. Rodríguez, with Cartoon Rouge (Vita Rosa) second.

Band Karo GB, 2008) bay colt [Desert Style-Khaiyala(Kahyasi)] won the 4th race, (1,800 m, 4yo+, amateur jockeys), with Del Cossa (Della Francesca) 2nd.

And Kurdo (Baptize) won the 2,200 m handicap race for amateur jockeys, with Blanca de Navarra (Limpid) 2nd

Premio San Isidro tomorrow

The meeting of tomorrow Friday in Madrid, La Zarzuela, includes the Premio San Isidro, a 1,200 m sprint over the turf track, with a 10,800 euros prize for the winner and with the following field:

S Grillo (GB, 2008), gray gelding [Valo Royal- Santiago Blue(Relaunch)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta

Makaamen (GB, 2006), bay gelding [Selkirk-Bird Key (Cadeaux Generaux)], owned by Daniel Roset, trained by Teo Callejo

Rayo Negro (IRE, 2007), bay colt [Shinko Forest-Chaste (Groom Dancer)], owned by Cuadra Nanina, trained by J. Calderón

Retainer (IRE, 2008), gray gelding [Acclamation-Felicita(Catrail)], owned by Cuadra Laberinto, trained by R. Aón

Tashqeel (GB, 2008), bay colt [Medicean-Ulfah(Danzig)], owned by Cuadra San Acadio, trained by O. Anaya

Totxo (IRE, 2008), bay colt [Diktat-Mehany(Danehill)], owned by Cuadra Carambola, trained by R. Avial

Valle (USA, 2009), bay colt [E Dubai-Azelna(Tropular)], owned by Cuadra Maldón, trained by M. Delcher

Albret (IRE, 2009) [Clodovil-Piccelina(Piccolo)], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, trained by G. Arizkorreta

Azabache (SPA, 2009) [Iceman-Tiviski(Desert Style)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez.

Saphirside (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Elusive City-Silirisa(Sillery)], owned by Cuafdra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S.


The other four races of the meeting are the two parts of a split handicap for 3y+ over 1,800 m and two 1,400 races for maiden 3yos, one for fillies and the other one for colts.

Infinity One won the Premio Comunidad de Madrid

Infinity One (SPA, 2009) [Green Tune-Tropical Chic(Thunder Gulch)], owned by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by B. Valenti and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, won last Sunday the Premio Comunidad de Madrid (2,100 m, 3yo fillies, 15,000 euros for the winner), beating She Rules (FR, 2009) (Aussie Rules), with Nonalass (SPA, 2009) (Fol Parade) third. Sportside (Refuse to Bend) was fourth.
Video: Premio Comunidad de Madrid 2012

This Premio Comunidad de Madrid is considered a trial race for the GP Beamonte (Spanish Oaks). This is the second Premio Comunidad de Madrid for owner Cuadra Tres y Medio and trainer Barbara Valenti (they won in 2010 with Manly Dream). Barbara Valenti had also a 1-3, since she trains also Nonalass.

In the rest of the merting, results were:

As de Thomas (Bahri) won the 1,600 m claiming race, with Secretside (Bachelor Duke) 2nd.

Mayerling (full brother to Infinity One) won the 1st part of the 2,100 m split handicap with Eco Jar (Wagon Master) 2nd.

Avon Ferry (Avonbridge) won the 2nd part of the handicap, with Le Courlis (Broadway Flyer) 2nd

In the 1,800 m handicap, the winner was Leonidas Basileus (Hawkeye) with Kingside (Enrique) 2nd.

and the 1,200 m race for 3yo was won by Otro Gintonic (Tradefair) with Ladykin (Holy Roman Emperor) 2nd

Vetriano won the Premio Primer Paso

Vetriano (IRE, 2010), bay colt [Namid-Russian Countess(Nureyev)], owned by Cuadra Nanina, trained by Teo Callejo, ridden by V, Janacek. won the Premio Primer Paso (800 m, 2yo) last friday, beating Caramoon (SPA, 2010), b.c. [Caradak-.Hunting Moon(Cherokee Run)] by 2 3/4 lengths, with Lolita Pluma (GB, 2010), b. f [Kheleyf-Doohulla(Stravinsky)], third and Devil Black (Devil Moon) fourth, in the traditional first race for 2yo in the LZ turf racetrack of Madrid.

Here is the video: Premio Primer Paso 2012

Vetriano is half brother to Crown of Light, who was 3rd both in the Epsom and in the Yorkshire Oaks

In the rest of the meeting, over the dirt track, results were as follows:

Blue Sky (Servando) won the 1,600 m handicap, with Xamuray (Numerous) 2nd

Gomariz (Fragrant Wells) won the 1,800 m race for 3yo colts, with Obla Di (Wagon Master) 2nd

Dime Que Sí (Shirocco) won the equivalent for fillies, with Samsara (Green Tune) 2nd.

And Colorin (Captain Rio) won the first part of the 1,600 m handicap, with Medeside (Medecis) 2nd.

Premio Comunidad de Madrid this Sunday

There will be 6 races tomorrow at the La Zarzuela track, Madrid, being the most important the Premio Comunidad de Madrid [2,100 m, 3yo fillies, 15,000 euros for the winner), a preparatory race for the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks)


This is the field:

Belagua (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Rail Link-Mingora(Mtoto)], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, traned by G. Arizkorreta. Ridden by V. Janacek, 2nd to Galipoli in her last start.

Extrañeza (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Caradak-Watchkeeper(Rudimentary)], owned by MG Racing, trained by M. J. Pérez. Ridden by M. Borrego. Was second to Ketala in the Valderas

Gimena (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Baptize-Maya Cove(Caerleon)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez. Ridden by J. L. Martínez

Infinity One (SPA, 2009) ch. filly [Green Tune-Tropical Chic(Thunder Gulch)], owne by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by B. Valenti. Ridden by O. O. de Urbina. Winner in her last start

La Gobernadora (GB, 2009), chestnut filly [Halling-Cyclone Connie(Dr. Devious)], owned by cuadra Santa Bárbara, trained by G. Arizkorreta. Ridden by J. L. Borrego

Nonalass (SPA, 2009), gray filly [Fol Parade-Beltza(Kalanisi)], owned by Cuadra Chamartín, trained by B. Valenti. Ridden by J. Horcajada. Winner in her last start. Her dam is half sister to Group performers Persian Ruler and Kashwan.

Pompon Coeur (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Green Tune-Villa Sonata(Mozart)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez. Ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia (Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández. Ridden by B. Fayos. Was third in the Premio Valderas

Sportside (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Refuse to Bend-Perfect Fun (Marju)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S. Ridden by J. Grosjean Sportside is half sister to Faramir, winner of the GP de Madrid. She won her last start

The last winners of the Premio Comunidad de Madrid have been: Manivela (2011), Manly Dream (2010), Pituss (2009), Synergy (2008), La Flamenca (2007) and Baldoria (2006).


The rest of the meeting includes a 1,600 m claiming race for 4yo+, a 2,100 m split handicap for 3yo+, with two parts, a 1,800 m handicap for 3yo+, and a 1,200 m sprint for 3yo

Premio Primer Paso tomorrow

Tomorrow's evening meeting features the Premio Primer Paso, traditicional 2yo race, over 800 m, with 7,200 euros for the winner on the turf track.

The participants are:

Caramoon (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Caradak-Hunting Moon(Cherokee Run)]. Owned by Cuadra Luxemburgo, trained by R. López, will ridden by O. O. de Urbina.

Devil Black (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Devil Moon-Lady Woo (Woodman)], owned by Yda, Cortiñal, trained by J. C. Fdez, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Lolita Pluma (GB, 2010), a bay filly [Kheleyf-Doohulla(Stravinsky)], owned by Safsaf-Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Half sister to Beamonte (Oaks) winner Clunia and to Xanadou (Peintre Celebre), winner in France

Mesena (SPA, 2010), a ch. filly [Fol Parade-Miss Leader(Numerous)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by R. Martín Vidania, will be ridden by Borja Fayos

Shirgita (SPA, 2010), a bay filly [Egeo-Al Shirley(Slip Anchor)], owned by Cuadra Corralejo, trained by R.- H. Huayas will be ridden by R. H. Huayas

Vetriano (IRE, 2010), a bay colt [Namid-Russian Countess(Nureyev)], owned by Cuadra Nanina trained by TeoCallejo, will be ridden by V. Janacek. Half sister to Crown of Light (Mtoto), who was 2rd in the Epsom Oaks (G1) and in the Yorkshire Oaks (G1)

Yakarak (SPA, 2010), a bay filly [Caradak-Yafoul(Torrential)], owned by Yda. Milagro, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Recent winners of this race were Laura Moon (2011) and Irish Field (2010). Irish Field went on to win the Robert Papin Gr. 2 and was exported to Hong Kong.

The rest of the meeting are for races on dirt: the two parts of a split handicap over 1,600 m for 3yo+ and two 1,800 m races one for colts and the other one fillies not winners of 2 races.