Casaca won the Memorial and Pearlside won the Gran Critérium

Casaca (GB, 2006), ch. filly [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio and ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille, won yesterday the GP Memorial Duque de Toledo (2,400 m, 3yo+, weight for age, 30,000 euros), beating the favourite Pazifizsturm (GER. 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz Ceca and ridden by J.B. Hamel, with Casaca's half brother and stablemate Entre Copas (Sakhee) third and Arnuero (Sakhee) fourth.


Entre Copas was the frontrunner and kept the lead for the first half of the home stretch, in which he was surpassed by Pazifiksturm who looked like he was to win. However, in a long and progressive late charge, Casaca came from last at the beginning of the stretch to win by a margin of one and a half lengths.



This is the most important race won by Casaca, who was the best filly in Spain in 2011 (winning the Premio Kutxa and the Premio Benítez de Lugo) and was 3rd in the Prix Fille de l'Air (Gr. 3). She sustained an injury and reappeared in July in San Sebastián, being 5th, then 3rd in the Premio Kutxa, then 2nd in Madrid in the Benítez de Lugo and now winner of the Memorial.

Casaca beating Pazifiksturm in the Memorial Duque de Toledo 2012. Photo courtesy of gacetahipodromo.com

Here is the video: Memorial Duque de Toledo 2012

In the Gran Critérium (1,600 m, 2yo, 24,000 euros), the winner was also a filly, Pearlside (FR, 2010), bay filly [Alhaarth-Prickly Pearl(Lahib)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by J. Grosjean, beating easily Dagoberto (Dyhim Diamond), with Sleeping Wan (Sleeping Indian) third and Mou the Special (Refuse to Bend) fourth.

Pearlside won the Premio Carlos Sobrino in her previous start and is the half sister to Baldoria (also winner of the Gran Critérium and winner at 3 of the GP Ciudad de Madrid).

Here is the video: Gran Critérium 2012 (includes footage of the 2011 edition)

In the rest of the meeting, winners were:

Mayo (Sakhee) in the 1,400 m race for maiden Spanish bred 2yo

Rayo Rojo (Rakti) in the 2nd part - A- of the split handicap (1,600 m, 3yo+)

Altamir One (Act One) in the 1st part of the handicap

Coside (Cozzene) in the 1,800 m race for 4yo+ with amateur jockeys and

Draco (Baptize) in the  2nd part - B - of the split handicap

GP Memorial Duque de Toledo and Gran Critérium this Sunday at La Zarzuela

Next Sunday at La Zarzuela there is a meeting with 7 races including the Memorial Duque de Toledo (2,400 m, 3yo+, weight for age, 30,000 euros for the winner), one of the highlights of the season and the Gran Critérium (1,600 m, 2yo, 24,000 euros for the winner)


GP Memorial Duque de Toledo
2,400 m,  3yo+, weight for age, 30,000 euros

The field of this year includes four Classic winners: Domeside, Plantagenet, Pazifiksturm and Fortun, along with the winners of the prep races, Kurdo and Ranyan, Arnuero (2nd last year) and G3 placed Casaca. The Memorial Duque de Toledo is included in the list of races under consideration for inclusion at Listed level.  These are the participants:

Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He was second last year to Ayanz. He prefers soft going.

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.Winner of the 2009 Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), he is somewhat irregular

Entre Copas (GB, 2004), ch. gelding [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by A. Gómez. The Horse of the Year in 2011 is not having a good year and stable jockey Crocquevieille has chosen her sister Casaca.

Kurdo (FR, 2008), bay colt [Baptize-La Sayida(Fairy King)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. .He won the preparatory race.

Pazifizsturm (GER. 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz Ceca, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel. Winner of the Mijas Cup,also won in Morocco and the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián. He will be the favourite and his win would mean an outstanding year. He is a Classic winner of the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger)


Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz(Crafty Prospector)], owned by Cuadra Whylar, trained by G Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. Winner of the 2010 GP Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), the first Spanish bred winner in Dubai.


Casaca (GB, 2007), ch. flly [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille..She was 2nd to Skinside in the Benítez de Lugo. She runs against her brother Entre Copas for the first time.

Arsalan (GB, 2009), bay colt [Halling-Kali(Linamix)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by M. Borrego

Fortun (IRE, 2009), a bay colt [Bachelor Duke-Duckmore Bay(Titus Livius)], owned by Cuadra La Toledana, trained by J. L. Maroto, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. Winner of the Villapadierna (Spanish Derby).

Ranyan (SPA, 2009), ch. gelding [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by J. Claudic

Azafata (SPA, 2009) [Motivator-Anysheba(Alysheba)]. owned by cuadra Chamartín, trained by J. López, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Recent winners of the Memorial Duque de Toledo have been: Ayanz (2011), Karluv Most (2010), You or No One (2009), Blue Ridge View (2008), Young Tiger (2007 and 2005) and Jade (2006)


Gran Critérium
1,600 m, 2yo, 24,000 euros

Acamante (GB, 2010), bay colt [Sakhee-Xaluna Bay (Xaar)], onwed by the Duque de Alburquerque, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by A. Gómez. Debutant.

Calamari (FR, 2010), bay colt [Turtle Bowl-Gold Mine(Gold Away)], owned by R. Cocheteaux, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille

Capearth (IRE, 2010), bay colt [Alhaarth-Antigone(Cape Cross)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel

Dagoberto (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-La Atalaya(Montjeu)], owned by Cuadra Nanina, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

Irish Sand (IRE, 2010), ch. colt [Footstepsinthesand-Knysna(Rock of Gibraltar)], onwed by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz., will be ridden by M. Foulon.

Kiril (FR, 2010), bay colt [Astronomer Royal-Solita(Thunder Gulch)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Horcajada.

Moss (SPA, 2010), ch. colt [Palamoss-Falaris(Humool)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Mou the Special (IRE, 2010), ch. colt [Refuse to Bend-Flagship(Rainbow Quest)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Sleeping Wan (GB, 2010), chestnut colt [Sleeping Indian-Vivre Sa Vie(Nashwan)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz, will be ridden by G. Madero

Pearlside (FR, 2010), bay filly [Alhaarth-Prickly Pearl(Lahib)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. She won the Carlos Sobrino in her last start and she is the half sister to Baldoria, who won the Gran Critérium in 2005

Recent winners of the Gran Critérium are: Matusalén (2011), Volcánico (2010), Adjuge (2009), As de Trébol (2008), Rituss (2007), What a Caper (2006) and Baldoria (2005)

Skinside wins the Benitez de Lugo

Skinside (FR, 2009), bay filly, [Gentlewave-Anais Filly(Verglas)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by Ch. Delcher and ridden by Julien Grosjean, won yesterday the Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo (2,200 m, 3yo+ fillies, 20,000 euros for the winner), the most important race of the meeting and one of the highlights of the autumn season.

Skinside came from last in the stretch, along the rail, to beat the favourite and winner of the 2011 edtion, Casaca (Medicean) by a length, Azafata (Motivator) was 3rd and Relámpago (Observatory), 4th.

Amorebieta led the race with Ketala second, with a comfortable pace, until the final turn, in which there was a sudden increase in the speed. Casaca attacked along the outer side of the field, while Skinside went along the rail and held off Casaca.

Skinside along the rail beating Casaca. Photo courtesy of Hipódromo de La Zarzuela

Here is the video: Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo 2012

In the other races of the meeting:
Duendecillo (SPA, 2010) [Visindar-Chloe(Green Desert)], easily won the Premio Asociación de Criadores, a 1,400 m race for 2yos who were presented at the ACPSIE sales. He beat Sol Dyhim (Dyhim Diamond) by three lengths, with Cotonio (Multazem) third. Here is the race: Premio Asociación de Criadores  . This is the 2nd win in two starts for Duendecillo, who is the first product of Visindar to win.

Negrete (Hold that Tiger) won the 1st part of the split handicap over 1,400 m, beating Altamir One (Act One) and Aguamarina (Ifraaj).

In the 2nd part, the winner was Pichuca (Silent Times), with El Africano (Luth Dancer) 2nd and Ariza (Diktat) 3rd.

Muñeca Brava (Noverre) won the Premio Cruzcampo-Memorial Luis Maroto (claiming, amateur jockeys, 1,600 m, 3yo+), beating Turrialba (Trade Fair) and Blaise Tower (Fantastic Light),

And in the Premio Cría Nacional-Revirado (2,100 m, Spanish bred 3yo), the results were: 1st Gimena (Baptize), 2nd Nonalass (Fol Parade) and 3rd Sukarrieta (Leadership)

Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo next Sunday

The highlight of this Sunday's meeting (2nd meeting of the autumn season) is the Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo, a traditional race for 3yo+ fillies over 2,200 m and one of the most important races for fillies of the Spanish turf. There is a purse of 20,000 euros for the winner.

The participants of this year's edition are:

Amorebieta (SPA, 2008), bay filly [Leadership-Premiere Melody(Night Shift)], owned by Cuadra Madelaine, trained by R. H. Huayas, will be ridden by R. H. Huayas

Casaca (GB, 2007), ch. filly [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. She won this race last year and will be the favourite. She was 3rd in her last start, the Premio Kutxa (beaten by Baronía and Relámpago)

Manivela (SPA, 2008), bay filly [Baptize-Cayena(Indian Danehill)], owned by Cuadra Fantasía, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden byV. Janacek.

Relámpago (GB, 2007), bay filly [Observatory.-River City Moon (Riverman)], owned by Cuadra Tres Y Medio, trained by B. Valenti, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Azafata (SPA, 2009) [Motivator-Anysheba(Alysheba)]. owned by Pilotos 747, trained by J. López, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Ketala (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Gold Away-Afriketa(Desert Story)], owned by Cuadra LAC, trained by J. López, will be ridden by M. Secci. Ketala won the Premio Valderas but has not won since then. The dam of Ketala, Afriketa, won this race in 2006 (Video)

She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia (Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by J. L-. Borrego

Skinside (FR, 2009), bay filly, [Gentlewave-Anais Filly(Verglas)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by Ch. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Grosjean.

Recent winners of the Benítez de Lugo are: Casaca (2011), Para Elisa (2010), Fresneda (2009), Synergy (2008), Jade (2007) and Afriketa (2006).


The rest of the meeting includes a claiming race for 3yo+ over 1,600 m, a 2,100 m race for 3yo  Spanish breds, a 1,400 m split Handicap (with two parts) and the race reserved for horses presented in sales of the Breeders Association (2yo, 1,400 m).

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.

Casaca wins the Benítez de Lugo

Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], the chestnut filly owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio and ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille, won today the Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo (2,200 m, 3yo+ fillies) at the La Zarzuela racetrack in Madrid. Narya (IRE, 2007) [Halling], prop. of Cuadra Miranda, trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by Jorge Horcajada was second, with Clunia (Silent Times) third and Tasha Linda (Where or When) fourth.

The race was commanded by Lisselan Beauty with Narya second until the end of the last turn in which Narya took the lead and entered the stretch along the rail. Clunia charged but couldn't surpass Narya. Casaca came from behind to beat both by one and a half lengths.

Casaca winning the Benitez de Lugo. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Here is the race: Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo 2011. Casaca is a chestnut filly with white blaze and her jockey wears dark and light green vertical lines.

This is the fourth win in five starts this year for Casaca who has won both the main races for 3yo+ fillies in San Sebastián (Premio Kutxa) and Madrid (this Premio Benítez de Lugo).

And this 2011 is being a dream year for owner-breeder Cuadra África, trainer J.M. Osorio (Duque de Alburquerque), jockey Jeremy Crocquevieille .... and dam Priena (Priolo-Isabena), since the siblings Entre Copas (Sakhee) and Casaca (Medicean) have won Mijas Cup, GP de Madrid, Premio Corpa, GP de San Sebastián (Entre Copas) and the two main races for fillies (Kutxa and Benítez de Lugo).

Also in this meeting, in a 1,400 m race for debutant 2 y/os, the winner was Plenipotenciario (IRE, 2009) [Caradak-Poliaurea], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by J. L. De Salas and ridden by Marco Secci, with Saphirside (IRE, 2009) (Elusive City) second and Vraivita (SPA, 2009) [Fol Parade] third. Plenipotenciario is the third winner for Milagro's stallion Caradak, after Fearside and Matusalen (this last, unbeaten in three starts).

Premio Benítez de Lugo (2,200 3yo+ fillies) this Sunday in Madrid

Racing returns to Madrid after the summer season, and the first big race is the traditional Premio Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo, a 2,200 m race for 3 yo+ fillies, with a purse of 21,000 euros for the winner.

The race this year seems like an almost exact reedition of the recent Premio Kutxa, won by Casaca in San Sebastián.

Partants are:

Casaca (GB, 2006) chestnut filly, [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Half to Entre Copas, has 14 starts, 4 wins, 5 placings and 73,463 euros.

Lisselan Beauty (USA, 2006), a bay filly [Black Mambo-Like to Shimmy], owned by Lisselan Farms Ltd., trained by A. R. Acosta, ridden by A. R. Acosta

Monyaar (FR, 2007), bay filly [Montjeu-Iktheyaar], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizcorreta, ridden by M. Secci

Narya (IRE, 2007), bay filly [Halling-Badraan], owned by Cuadra Miranda, trained by M. Delcher S., ridden by J. Horcajada. Winner of the Beamonte in 2010, has been beaten repeatedly by Casaca this year.

Relámpago (GB, 2007) [Observatory-River City Moon], owned by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by B. Valenti, ridden by J. L. Martínez

Tasha Linda (IRE, 2007) [Where or When-Triple Two], owned by Cuadra Paganini, trained by T. Callejo, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

Clunia (IRE, 2008) [Silent Times-Doohulla], owned by Cuadra Brazacorta, trained by G. Villarta, ridden by Borja Fayos. Winner of the Beamonte (Oaks) and best 2yo filly in 2010. Second to Casaca in the Premio Kutxa.

Manivela (SPA, 2008) [Baptize-Cayena], owned by Cuadra Fantasia, trained by T. Callejo, ridden by J. C. Cerqueira. Won the Premio Comunidad de Madrid back in May.

Tafadhali (SPA, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Laida], owned by Cuadra Lajorquín, trained by J. López, ridden by J. Grosjean.

Recent winners of the Benitez de Lugo were: Para Elisa (2010), Fresneda (2009), Synergy (2008), Jade (2007) and Afriketa.

Casaca wins the Kutxa

Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], the chestnut filly, property of Cuadra África and trained by J. M. Osorio, won today the Premio Kutxa ridden by J. Crocquevieille, beating Clunia (IRE, 2008) by two lengths, with Narya third three lengths behind Clunia and Azamor fourth.

Here is the race: Premio Kutxa 2011

This is the third win in four starts this year for Casaca, whose trainer and jockey (and also breeders-owners) are having an outstanding year, winning the Mijas Cup, the Premio Corpa and the GP Ciudad de Madrid with Casaca's half brother Entrecopas and now this Premio Kutxa (the most important race for fillies in San Sebastián) with Casaca.

There was a fall, involving Monyaar and Manivela. Marco Secci, jockey of Monyaar is OK and Oscar Ortiz de Urbina has been transfered to the hospital.

Premio Kuxta tomorrow in San Sebastián

The main race of this Sunday in San Sebastián is the Premio Kutxa, a 2,200 m race for 3yo+ fillies, one of the milestones in the selection of fillies in Spain, with 22,000 euros for the winner

The partants this year are:

Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J.M. Osorio, ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Casaca won the trial race for this Premio Kutxa and is the main favourite. She was 2nd both in the Valderas (Guineas) and the Beamonte (Oaks) in 2009 and is half sister to Entre Copas. Casaca has 13 starts with 3 wins and 51,463 euros in earnings.

Lisselan Beauty (USA; 2006) [Black Mambo-ike to Shimmy], owned by Lisselan Farms, trained by A. R. Acosta, ridden by V. Janacek. She has 7 starts with 2 wins.

Monyaar (FR, 20907) [Montjeu-Ikhteyaar] owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, ridden by M. Secci. Eight starts one win and 5 placings.

Narya (IRE, 2007) [Halling-Badraan], owned by Cuadra Miranda, trained by M. Delcher S, ridden by J. Horcajada. Champion 3 y/o filly in Spain in 2010, winning the Beamonte (Oaks) and the previous edition of this Premio Kutxa. Narya is full sister to Group performer Eastern Aria and has 6 starts with 3 wins and 1 placing.

Spain Blues (IRE, 2006) [Anabaa Blue-Strike Alight], owned by Cuadra Ardal, trained by X. Thomas D, ridden by R. C. Montenegro. Nineteen starts, 3 wins, 8 placings.

Tasha Linda (IRE, 2007) [Where or When-Triple Two], owned by Cuadra Paganini, trained by T. Callejo, ridden by J- C. Cerqueira. Eigh starts, 1 win, 4 placings.

Vivement Dimanche (GB, 2005) [Royal Applause-Goodwood Blizzard], owned by Celso Méndez, trained by Ch. Delcher, ridden by D. Morisson. Has run 46 times, 4 wins, 26 placings, 14,025 euros in earnings.

Azamor (SPA, 2008) [Slickly-Red Bravo], owned by Cuadra El Herrojo, trained by G. Arizkorreta, ridden by J. B. Hamel. Seven starts, 1 win, 2nd to Clunia in the Beamonte.

Clunia (IRE, 2008) [Silent Times-Doohulla], owned by Cuadra Brazacorta, trained by G. Villarta, will be ridden by Borja Fayos. Champion 2 y/o filly in Spain, winner of the Beamonte, well adapted to the track, although only 4th in the tral race. 90,450 euros in earnings.

Manivela (SPA, 2008) [Baptize-Cayena], owned by Cuadra Fantasía, trained by T. Callejo, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Eleven starts, 2 wins (including Premio Comunidad de Madrid), 2 placings.

Tafadhali (SPA, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Laida]. Owned by Cuadra Lajorquín, trained by J. López, ridden by J. Grosjean. Four starts, one win.

Some results of these last weeks

While his relatives, the siblings Entre Copas and Casaca keep winning in Spain, Vagabond Shoes (GB, 2007) [Beat Hollow-Atiza(Singspiel)] the 4 yo colt owned by Dr. Salmean and trained by Yan Durepaire, won the Gr. 3 Prix Messidor at Maisons Laffite, Saturday 16 of July, a 1,600 m race for 3 y/o+, beating Biondetti and Polytehnicien. He was ridden by Christophe Soumillon.

Vagabond Shoes was second to Byword in his previous start, in the Gr. 3 Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord.

There will be a half brother to Vagabond Shoes, a bay colt by Tiger Hill in the Dehesa de Milagro yearling sale (September 10th). He has also a 3yo half sister (by Noverre) and a 2yo half sister by Iceman in training.

Meanwhile, Aspasia de Mileto (GB, 2008) [Hurricane Run-Fabulous Speed] was fifth in the Listed Prix Thuberville, a 2,400 m race for 3yo fillies at Longchamp, Thursday 14 of July, in her first start for her new trainer Carlos Laffon. She was ridden by Olivier Peslier. Here is the race: Prix Thuberville 2011.

Blog on vacation but some news

Although this blog is on vacation, I have time to inform telegraphically about some events:

There are now seasons going on in Madrid (La Zarzuela) Thursdays night, Mijas (Saturdays night) and San Sebastián (Sundays afternoon).

The San Sebastián season has begun with a prep-race for the Premio Kutxa (the main race for 3yo+ fillies in San Sebastián) and this prep-race was won by Casaca, the half sister to Entre Copas, bred and owned by Cuadra África, and trained by J.M. Osorio. Casaca was ridden by J. Crocquevieille. She beat two Beamonte (Oaks) winners: Narya (2010) and Clunia (2011).
Here is the race: Premio Diario Vasco 2011

Vagabond Shoes (IRE), 2nd in the Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord (gr.3-FR)

The 4 yo chestnut colt Vagabond Shoes [Beat Hollow-Atiza(Singspiel)] owned by Dr. Salmeán, trained by Yan Durepaire and ridden by Olivier Peslier, was second yesterday in the Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord, a Gr. 3, 1,600 m race for 4yo+ in the Chantilly racetrack. The winner was the heavy favourite Byword (Peintre Celebre), the Gr. 1 winner owned by Khalid Abdullah, trained by Andre Fabre (who saddle four Group winners yesterday in Chantilly) and ridden by Maxime Guyon.

Vagabond Shoes was 6th in his previous start (Prix de Montretout, Listed race) in May 5th. He was fourth in his last start in Spain, back in October 2010, when he was beaten by Silverside, Bellaside and Shumookh in the GP Hispanidad, the most important mile race of the autumn in La Zarzuela, Madrid.

A half sister to Vagabond Shoes, Noviza (GB, 2008) [Noverre-Atiza(Singspiel)], owned by Cuadra África, made her debut this past Sunday, in the 2,100 m race won by Arnuero. The dam of Vagabond Shoes, Atiza, is half sister to Priena, dam of Entre Copas (winner of the MiJas Cup and of the Premio Corpa) and Casaca (2nd in the Valderas and in the Beamonte 2009 and recent winner in Madrid).

The dam of Atiza and Priena, Isabena (Star Appeal), won the GP de la Hispanidad and was 2nd in the GP Ricardo Ruiz Benítez de Lugo (main race for 3 yo+ fillies in the fall at La Zarzuela)

Nelson Groom (FR) wins again

Nelson Groom (FR, 2006) [Charming Groom-Slot Machine(Highest Honor)], winner of the 2010 Mijas Cup, achieved his first win since that race when he went wire to wire in the Premio Guardia Civil under jockey Julien Grosjean for trainer F. Rodriguez and owner Reza Pazooki, last Sunday in the La Zarzuela racetrack. The field for this 2,200 race for 4 yo+ included three classic winners of 2010 in Spain: Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz(Crafty Prospector)], winner of the Villapadierna (Derby), Pazifiksturm (GER, 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], winner of the Villamejor (St. Leger) and Narya (IRE, 2007), winner of the Beamonte (Oaks), also starring Señor Miranda (GB, 2007) [Fantastic Light-Ringing Hill(Charmwood Forest)] (second both in the Villapadierna and the Villamejor), Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], half sister to Entre Copas and 2nd in the Valderas(1,000 guineas) and Beamonte(Oaks) in 2009. Risquillo (Ballingarry), Saruman (Arch) and Tasha Linda (Where or When) completed the field.

Nelson Groom went comfortably in front of the field, followed by Señor Miranda and didn't face great opposition in the stretch, with Plantagenet closing along the rail for second and Señor Miranda third and Risquillo fourth.

Here is the race: Premio Guardia Civil

Casaca (GB) wins the Premio Quíntuple Plus

The main race of the Friday meeting at La Zarzuela, Madrid, a 2,200 m race for 4y/o+ fillies on turf, was won by Casaca (GB, 2006) [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)] a chestnut filly owned by Cuadra Africa, trained by J.M. Osorio and ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille. Apart from having the same team of owner, trainer and jockey, Casaca is half sister to Entre Copas, winner of the last Mijas Cup. She won by 7 1/2 lengths.

Casaca, coming back after her win. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Monyaar (FR) (Montjeu-Ikhtekayaar(Mr. Prospector)] was second, with Criss Cross (SPA) [Green Tune-Zulfaa(Bahri)] third and Midgard [Galileo-Kelpie(Kahyasi)] fourth.

Here is the race:
Premio Quintuple Plus