Australia Day won the GP de San Sebastián

Australia Day (IRE, 2003), gray gelding [Key of Luck-Atalina(Linamix)], owned by Skippty & TP, trained by P. Webber won the GP de San Sebastián (2,800 m, 3yo+, 18,000 euros for the winner) last Sunday, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbin, in the last meeting of the San Sebastian summer season.
Casar (IRE, 2008), ch. gelding [Hurricane Run-Thoroughly(Woodman)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, and ridden by V, Janacek, was 2nd, Achtung (SPA, 2008), a bay colt [Sulamani-Aurea(Silvano)], owned by Cuadra Enalto, trained by Roberto López. and ridden by J. Grosjean finished 3rd and Tsarabi (IRE, 2005), bay colt [Hernando-Veronica Cooper(Kahyasi)], owned by Cuadra Eva, trained by A. Imaz, was 4th.

Giggolo Star and Dansico commanded the race at the begining but, at the first pass thorugh the finish line, Australia Day was already leading the race and he was comfortable until the end, winning easily by four lengths. Casar did a chaotic late charge to be second, 4 lengths ahead of Achtung, who, in turn left Tsarabi 4 lengths behind. Entre Copas, winner of the 2011 edition, was fifth

Australia Day was third in the Copa de Oro won by Pazifizsturm.
The owner of Australia Day bought last Saturday the top lot of the Dehesa de Milagro yearling sale.

 Here is the race: GP de San Sebastián 2012



In the rest of the meeting,  there was the Dehesa de Milagro sale race, a 1,400 m race for 2yo sold at the 2011 Milagro sale, with a purse of 30,000 euros for the winner.

The race was won by French raider Show Gorb (SPA, 2010), a bay filly by Caradak and Triple Two(Pivotal)), owned by Claude Uzan and trained and ridden by P. Sogorb. She came from behind to surpass Lolita Pluma (Kheleyf), Briseida (Keltos) and Hizun (Halling).

Here is the video: Premio Dehesa de Milagro 2012

There was also the Premio European Breeder's Fund, a 1,600 m race for 3yo+ fillies, and it was won by Baronia (SPA, 2007), bay filly [Bahhare-Lonia(Royal Academy)], owned by Cuadra L'Etoile, trained by J. L. de Salas, who was ridden by Vaclav Janacek and beat by 1 3/4 lengths New Order (Multazem), with Bellaside (La Vie dei Colori) third and Silent Victory (Silent Times) 4th.
Disappointing performances of Irish Cliff (Marju) and Ketala (Gold Away).

Baronia already won this race and 2011 and won this summer the Premio Kutxa (main race for 3y+ fillies) on 2,200 m

Here is the video: Premio European Breeder's Fund

Matusalén won the GP Claudio Carudel

Matusalen (SPA, 2009), bay colt [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], owned by Cuadra Miranda, trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by Charles Nora, won last Sunday the GP Claudio Carudel (1,600m, 3yo+, 25,500 euros for the winner) at the La Zarzuela racetrack of Madrid, beating Mil Azul (SPA, 2008), bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas and ridden by J. L. Borrego, with Weststow (GB, 2008), ch. colt [Medicean-Summer Sunset(Grand Lodge)], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio in third place and Bellaside fourth.
The rest of the participants were Ariete Arrollador, Jokan, Volcánico, Tirion, Shumookh and Risby

The pace was very fast, with Shumookh and Risby putting some distance between them and the rest of the field. In the straight, Mil Azul was the first to attack, with Bellaside and Weststow, but Matusalén closed very strongly to win by a length.

Matusalén was the unbeaten champion 2 yo in Spain and then travelled to Dubai, where he encountered some problems, including a respiratory illness. Back in Spain he had two disappointing performances in the Cimera and GP Nacional.

Here is the video, with footage also of the 2011 edition : GP Claudio Carudel 2012


In the rest of the meeting:

Collio Side (Caradak) won the 1,200 m race for 2yos, with Zahora and Yakarak 2nd and 3rd, getting a 1-2-3 for Caradak

The 1,200 m race for 3yo+ Spanish breds was won by Azabache (Iceman), with Tagomago (Dyhim Diamond) second

Bipolar (Denver County) won the first part of the split handicap (1,800 m) with Literario (Devil Moon) 2nd

Bouquetot Belle (Graeme Hall) won the 2nd part, with Draco (Baptize) 2nd.

Patricio (Sulamani) won the 1,600 m handicap, with Sharp Eye (Okawango) 2nd.

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

Casaca was third in the Prix Fille de l'Air (Gr. 3)

Casaca (Medicean), the chestnut filly of Cuadra África trained by J.M. Osorio and ridden by J. Crocquevieille, was third in the Prix Fille de l'Air, a 2,100 m Group 3 race run in the Toulouse racetrack.

With the usual colors of Cuadra África (light and dark green stripes), she travelled around sixth position, to be somehow boxed at the beginning of the home stretch. However, when she found a gap, she finished very strongly.

Bellaside, the other Spanish trained filly of the field, was unplaced.

Video can be seen here:http://www.porunpeloturf.es/?p=1663

In the same meeting, Fearside was last in the Criterium de Languedoc, Señor Miranda was fourth and Flash McQueen (Dyhim Diamon) was second in a race for 2 yos.

Casaca, Bellaside, Matusalen to run Group races in France

Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], a chestnut filly, owned by Cuadra África and trained by J.M. Osorio, has been entered in the Prix Fille de l'Air (Group III), a 2,100 m race for 3yo+ fillies in the Toulouse racecourse, next November 11th.

Casaca is arguably the best filly in Spain, since she has won both the Premio Kutxa in San Sebastián (summer) and the Premio Benítez de Lugo in Madrid (autumn). She was second in both classics (Valderas and Beamonte) in 2009, and she has repeatedly beaten this year both the 2010 and 2011 Oaks winners (Narya and Clunia). She is half sister to Entre Copas, winner of the Mijas Cup and the GP Ciudad de Madrid

Casaca after winning the Benítez de Lugo. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com


Bellaside (IRE, 2007) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga], owned by Cuadra Bolaños and trained by Enrique León, is also entered in the Prix Fille de l'Air. She won the Listed Pietro Bessero (1,600 m) in Milan this year. Bellaside is property of Cuadra Bolaños and is trained by Enrique León.

Meanwhile, Matusalen (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)] is entered in the Gran Criterium (St. Cloud), a Gr. 1 race for 2yo, over a distance of 2,000 m to be run November 12th at St. Cloud. Matusalen has won his 4 starts, including the Gran Criterium, the most important race for 2 yo in Spain. Matusalen belongs to the first crop of Caradak. He is owned by Cuadra Aller and trained by M. Delcher S.

Also from the first crop of Caradak is Fearside, who will run in the Criterium de Languedoc, Toulouse, Nov. 11th.

Abdel wins the GP de la Hispanidad

Abdel (FR, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)], bred, owned and trained by J.M. Osorio (Duque de Alburquerque), won last Sunday the GP de la Hispanidad, a 1,600 m race for 3yo+, weight for age, and one of the highlights of the Madrid Autumn season. He was ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille. Abdel went second behind Tirión for most of the race, and he won easily by two and a half lengths. Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007) [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)] was second, with Bellaside third and Weststow fourth.

Abdel and Jeremy Crocquevieille, winner of the GP Hispanidad 2011. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

This is the fourth win in seven starts for Abdel, who was second last time out in the GP Copa de Oro de San Sebastián (2,400 m) in the summer and third in the GP Nacional (2,200) in the spring. This is also the biggest win for stallion Dyhim Diamond since the wins of the French bred Bannaby.

Here is the video: GP Hispanidad 2011

Dyhim Diamond scored also in the Copa de Criadores for Spanish bred colts, when Nuredyn (FR-asim., 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)] beat Dakside (Caradak) by three quarters of a length. Nuredyn is owned and was bred by Cuadra Zurraquín, his trainer is Mariano Hernández and was ridden by J. Crocquevieille (leader of the jockey standings, who won three times this Sunday). Nuredyn's dam, Nurenieva won the Poule de Potrancas - 1000 Guineas, was fourth in the Beamonte (Oaks), second in the Memorial Duque de Toledo and in the Premio Kutxa and third in the Villamejor (St. Leger). Here is the race: Copa de Criadores (potros) 2011

The equivalent for fillies was won byVraivita (SPA, 2009) [Fol Parade-Vraivert(Vert Amande)], owned by Cuadra Luxemburgo, trained by Roberto López and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, with Castellana (SPA, 2009) [Yorik-Fellinia(War Chant)] second.

Here is the video: Copa de Criadores (potrancas) 2011

GP de la Hispanidad this Sunday

One of the highlights of the Madrid autumn season is this Sunday's GP de la Hispanidad, a 1,600 m race for 3yo+, weight for age.

The partants this year are:
Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007), a bay colt. [Kongsalsa-Proud Douna], owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. Winner of the Cimera (2000 Guineas) last year.

Volapie (SPA, 2007), bay gelding [Multazem-Bassaver], owned by Cuadra Romana Alta, trained by M. J. Pérez, will be ridden by R. H. Huayas.

Abdel (SPA, 2008), a bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán], owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, Duque de Alburquerque, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Has been running in 2200+ races, including his second place in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián, now goes to the mile.

Bellaside (IRE, 2007), a bay filly [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga], owned by Grupo Bolaños-Gran Canaria, E. León, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. She was second to Volcánico in the Gobierno Vasco and then he won the Listed Premio Pietro Bessero in Milan. Was second in the 2010 edition.

Hands Up (FR, 2008), a bay colt [Panis-Bali Bloom], owned by Cuadra Nostrum, trained by J. L. Maroto, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Mil Azul (SPA, 2008) a bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled], owned by Yeguada Ordiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. Salas, will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira.

Tirión (USA, 2008), a bay colt [Royal Academy-Domenica's Dream], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada.

Volcánico (IRE, 2008), a bay colt [Refuse to Bend-Zayana], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Champion 2yo colt in 2010, he has won the GP Claudio Carudel in the spring and the Gobierno Vasco in the summer.

Weststow (GB, 2008), a bay colt, [Medicean-Summer Sunset], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Volcánico winning the GP Claudio Carudel. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

The Gran Premio de la Hispanidad is the most important race over a mile in the Autumn season of Madrid. The last winners were Silverside (2010 and 2009), Shumookh (2008), Solita (2007), Trip to the Moon (2006) and Young Tiger (2005).

In 1993 and 1994, the race was won by Partipral (later Group 1 winner in Hong Kong). And the 1988 edition was won by Isabena, the grand dam of Entre Copas, Casaca and Vagabond Shoes

Bellaside (IRE) wins the Premio Pietro Bessero (Listed) in Milan

Bellaside, (IRE) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga] the 4 yo bay filly owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños Gran Canaria and trained by Enrique León, ridden by Fabio Branca, won this Sunday by a neck the Premio Pietro Bessero (Listed race) a 1,600 m race at the Milan racetrack. Although Bellaside has run in a come-from-behind style in Spain, she took the lead from the start and held off a late attack.

Bellaside was second to Silverside in the 2010 edition of the GP de la Hispanidad and was also second to Volcánico in the recent Premio Gobierno Vasco, the most important mile race in the San Sebastian season. She won the Premio Covarrubias this spring in Madrid.

Here is the race: Premio Pietro Bessero 2011

Volcánico (IRE) wins the Gobierno Vasco

Volcánico (IRE, 2008) [Refuse to Bend-Zayana], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by Francisco Rodríguez, ridden by Julien Grosjean won by two and a half lengths the Premio Gobierno Vasco, one of the most important mile races in the Spanish calendar, beating Bellaside (IRE, 2007) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga], property of Grupo Bolaños Gran Canaria, trained by Enrique León and ridden by J L. Martínez, with As de Trébol (USA, 2006) [Tapit-Adelphi(Danzig)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S, with jockey Borja Fayos third and Shumookh (IRE, 2003) [Mujahid-Midway Lady] Cuadra Los Aspirantes-Dos Tumbos, trained by T. Callejo, with J. C. Cerqueira, fourth. As de Trébol led with a fast pace, with Shumookh some 3-4 lengths behind, until the home stretch. Volcánico, who was third for most of the race, catched the two frontrunners and held off easily the final charge of Bellaside.

This is a 13-minute video of the race: Premio Gobierno Vasco 2011, Lasarte racetrack. Volcánico adds this race to his impressive curriculum, winner of the Gran Criterium at 2 and winner of the Torre Arias, the GP Claudio Carudel and the Gobierno Vasco at three. He has never run above 1,600 m. The double Carudel-Gobierno Vasco represents two of the three most prestigious 1,600 m races for 3y/o+, the third being the GP Hispanidad, to be held in Madrid in October. This is the second Gobierno Vasco for jockey Julien Grosjean, winner in 2009 with Aranel.

Gran Premio Claudio Carudel this Sunday

Established only 5 years ago, the GP Claudio Carudel is a 1,600 m race for 3yo+, held in the La Zarzuela racecourse (turf), with a prize of 27,000 euros for the winner. The 2011 edition has the following partants:

Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007) [Kingsalsa-Proud Donna(Kaldoun)]. Winner of the 2010 Premio Cimera, he was second to Amadeo Rey in the Premio Habitancum this season. Owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, he will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Bottega (USA, 2007) [Mineshaft-Sun is Up(Sunday Silence)] is a chestnut colt, owned by Cuadra Madroños and trained by M. Delcher S. He will be ridden by Borja Fayos. Bottega won the Criterium de Languedoc (Listed race) at two. He spent most of his 3yo season running 2,400 m races and has been redirected to 1,600-1,400 m this year. He won his last start in Tarbes (France).

Compton Park (GB, 2007) [Compton Place-Corps de Ballet] Owned by Rachel Teadale Racing, trained by J. L. Eyre, he will be ridden by J. L. Martínez.

Doende (SPA, 2006) [Wagon Master-Chloe(Green Desert)] a bay colt, owned by Cuadra Río Cubas, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by B. Fayos. Doende won the 1,800 m Gran Premio de Nacionales, beating Suntuoso and then was second to Suntuoso in the GP de Andalucía.

Makaamen (GB, 2006), [Selkirk-Bird Key] is a chestnut gelding, owned and trained by T. Callejo that will be ridden by F. Lynch

Peñalen (GB, 2006) [King's Best-Quarter Note] owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Shumookh (GB, 2003) [Mujahid-Midway Lady(Alleged)] owned by Cuadra Los Aspirantes-Dos tumbos, trained by T. Callejo, will be ridden by J. L. Cerqueira. He won in his last start, beating Bellaside

Silverside (USA, 2006) [Pleasantly Perfect-Lyrical Ghost] owned by Cuadra SafSaf, trained by Frederick Sánchez is arguably the best miler in Spain and, along with his starts in Turkey, France and Dubai, he won the 2009 Premio Cimera (2,000 Guineas), beating As de Trébol, the GP de la Hispanidad, twice (2009 and 2010, the GP de la Hispanidad is a weight for age 1,600 mile race in Madrid in autumn) and the last edition of this Gran Premio Claudio Carudel. Silverside was 3rd in the Prix Edmond Blanc Gr. 3 this year.

Suntuoso (SPA, 2005 [Sherman-Ninuca(Ti King)], won the Gran Premio de Andalucía in the Dos Hermanas racetrack (Seville), beating Doende and Compton Park, and has reappeared some weeks ago, beaten by Shumookh, Bellaside

Volapie (SPA, 2007) [Multazem-Bassaver] is a bay gelding, owned by Cuadra Romana Alta, trained by M. J. Pérez, that will be ridden by M. Díaz. Volapie was fourth in the Mijas Cup and then won in the dirt in Madrid.

Bellaside (IRE, 2007) (La Vie del Colori-Brockton Saga] is a bay filly, owned by Grupo Bolaños Gran Canaria, trained by E. León and will be ridden by V, Janacek. She was one of the best fillies at 2, and she was second to Silverside in the GP Hispanidad last autumn. This season, she was 7th in the Premio Habitancum, 1st in the Premio Andrés Covarrubias and 3rd to Shumookh and Lince in her last start.

Volcánico (IRE, 2008) [Refuse to Bend-Zayana], a bay colt, is the only 3 yo of the race. He was champion 2 yo, and began well his 3yo season, winning the Torre Arias, but was 5th in the Premio Cimera and third in his last start. He is owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez and will be ridden by R. C. Montenegro.


The race is named after Claudio Carudel, the French jockey, established in Spain for a long time, almost a household name in Spain for anyone and who was the jockey for Villapadierna, Beamonte and then Cuadra Rosales, a historical stable owned by the late Antonio Blasco. Carudel came to Spain from Chantilly (France) at 19, in 1958 and retired from racing in 1989, after winning a great number of the biggest races in Spain, including 12 times the GP de Madrid.

Winners of the previous editions of the race are: Silverside (2010), Lorgan (2009), Yepes (2008), Trueno Negro (2007) and Dirce (2006). Here is the video of the last running of this race: GP Claudio Carudel 2010, with Silverside beating the frontrunner Shumookh, both partants this Sunday.

Shumookh and Don Hernando Hab won the miles

There were two races over a mile in the Sunday meeting, one for 4yo+ and the other for 3 yo.

The first one was won by Shumookh (IRE, 2003), the bay gelding owned by Cuadra Los Aspirantes-Dos Tumbos, trained by T. Callejo and ridden by J.C. Cerqueira. He won wire to wire, with Lince second and Bellaside third. Shumookh seems in good form for his third attempt to win the GP Claudio Carudel, the main mile for 3 yo+ in the spring at La Zarzuela. He was second to Silverside last year. Shumookh [Mujahid-Midway Lady] has now 31 starts with 10 wins, 14 placings and more than 190,000 euros in prize money.

Cerqueira checks his rivals aboard Shumookh. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

This is the race: Premio Patrimonio Nacional


Meanwhile, in the mile for 3 y/o, the winner was the Spanish bred Don Fernando Hab [Intikhab-Flying Fulmar], who took advantage of the movement of Volcánico (IRE) towards the stand side, losing some ground. Del Cossa (FR) was second and Volcánico, third.

Also this Sunday, two miles and first product of Caradak

Besides the Premio Beamonte, the meeting of this Sunday includes two interesting races over a mile:

The Premio Patrimonio Nacional, for 4 yo+, includes among its partants Shumookh [GB, 2003, bay gelding] [Mujahid-Midway Lady] owned by Cuadra Los Aspirantes-Dos Tumbos, trained by T. Callejo and ridden by J. C. Cerqueira and Bellaside (IRE, 2007, bay filly) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga], owned by Grupo Bolaños-Gran Canaria, trained by E. León and ridden by E. León, the 2-1 of the recent Premio Andrés Covarrubias.

Suntuoso (SPA, 2005) reappears after his win in the GP de Andalucía, a 1,600 m race in the Dos Hermanas racetrack (Seville).

Guerendiain (SPA, 2007) [Dyhim Diamond-Sharp and Star], owned by Cuadra San Cristóbal and trained by J. López, has won 4 of her 5 last starts and her last 4 starts in Madrid. She will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Peñalén (GB, 2006) [King's Best-Quarter Note], a bay gelding owned by Cuadra Viguria and trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.
Other partants are: Turrialba, Lince and Whoswithya

The 6th race, Premio Wildsun, a 1,600 m race for 3 y/o, with only 6 partants has, however, the presence of Volcánico (IRE) [Refuse to Bend-Zayana], winner of the Premio Torre Arias and best 2 y/o in 2010, who will face Dixlesio (IRE) [Ifraaj-Sabaah Elfull], winner of 3 of his last 4 outings, and second in the other, Del Cossa (FR) [Della Francesca-La Frandiere], recent winner in his third start, Don Fernando Hab (SPA) [Intikhab-Flying Fulmar], El Incendio (IRE) and Don Pablos (IRE).


In the first race, a 1,000 m race for 2 yo debutants, Fearside will be the first product of the Dehesa de Milagro stallion Caradak to race (at least in Spain). She is a bay filly by Caradak-Fear to Tread(Peintre Celebre), owned by Cuadra SafSaf and trained by F. Rodríguez.

Indiano (SPA) wins the Premio Velayos and Bellaside (IRE) wins the Covarrubias

Indiano (SPA, 2008) [Intikhab-Badaayer(Silver Hawk)], bay colt owned by Cuadra El Potro Club and trained by G. Arizkorreta, won today the Premio Velayos with jockey Vaclav Janacek. Llanes (USA, 2008) [Giant Causeway-Coachella(Danehill)] took the lead from the beginning, with a fast pace, and kept it until the home stretch in which Indiano was the first to attack and held off the charge of Arnuero (GB, 2008) [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)] who was third and Francesco Cara (FR, 2008) [Della Francesca-Magic Cara(Akarad)] who was second. Malkova (FR) finished fourth.

Indiano (SPA) beating Francesco Cara and Arnuero. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Video: Premio Velayos 2011

This is the first win for Indiano (SPA), who was fourth, third and second in his previous starts.

In the Premio Andrés Covarrubias, the winner was Bellaside (IRE, 2007) [La Vie dei Colori-Brockton Saga(Perugino)] a bay filly owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by Enrique León and also ridden by Vaclav Janacek. She charged in the home stretch to catck the front runner Shumookh (IRE, 2003) [Mujahid-Midway Lady(Alleged)] who finished second, holding off a final attack by Ariete Arrollador (GB), third, with As de Trébol (USA), fourth in is return to Spain.

Bellaside (IRE) (green and red) beating Shumookh, Ariete Arrollador and As de Trébol. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


This is the video: Premio Andrés Covarrubias

Premio Velayos and Premio Covarrubias this Sunday 8th

The Sunday May 8th meeting in Madrid (La Zarzuela) features two very interesting races: the Premio Velayos (2,200 m, 3 yo, traditional trial race for the Villapadierna - Spanish Derby) and the Premio Andrés Covarrubias (1,400 m, 4 yo+) with the return to La Zarzuela of As de Trébol (USA), recent Gr. 3 placed in Dubai.

In the Premio Velayos, the third race of the card, the favourite is Arnuero (GB) [Sakhee-Pennang Pearl], the half brother to Harbinger who won his last (and second) start: Premio SEPI. Arnuero is owned by Cuadra Bering and trained by M. Delcher S. He will be ridden by Borja Fayos.

Arnuero (GB, 2008) after his win in March 27th. Photo courtesy of: turfarganda.blogspot.com

Arnuero will face other five partants:

Fleche d'Arcis (FR) [Anabaa Blue-Feale(Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Talismán, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. He won in his last start, but this race seems beyond his reach.

Francesco Cara (FR, 2008) [Della Francesca-Magic Cara] is half brother to Johannie Cara (filly, 2003) (Johann Quatz), third in the Spanish Oaks and in the Gran Premio de Madrid. He has two starts with a third and a fourth. He is owned by Cuadra Santa Bárbara and trained by T. Callejo and will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira.

Indiano (SPA, 2008) [Intikhab-Badaayer], owned by El Potro Club, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. He was beaten by Arnuero (see race above) and then he was second to Abdel in this race

Llanes (USA) [Giant's Causeway-Coachela(Danehil)]. Owned by Cuadra Bering, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada

Malkova (FR) [Xaar-Bonne Gargotte(Poliglote)]. Owned by Luis Alberto Núñez, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Llanes and Malkova were second and third, respectively, in the Premio Nouvel An won by Happy Few


The Premio Andrés Covarrubias (1,400 m, 4 y/o+) also has a very interesting field: Ariete Arrollador, winner of the Premio Cimera in 2010, As de trébol (USA), back from Dubai, Amadeo Rey, recent winner of the Premio Habitancum, Shumookh, the highly versatile gelding, Peñalen (GB), winner of the Premio Antonio Blasco last year, Bellaside (IRE), Ave Titus (GB), Magic Victory (GB), Montalban (FR) and Whoswithya (IRE).