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