Pearlside won the Carlos Sobrino

Pearlside (FR, 2010), bay filly [Alhaarth-Prickly Pearl(Lahib)], owned by Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S, ridden by J. Grosjean, won the Premio Carlos Sobrino (1,400 m, 2yo fillies), last Sunday at the La Zarzuela racetrack, beating Zahora (Caradak) by 1 1/4 lengths, with Lolita Pluma (Kheleyf) 3rd and Albuhera (Devil Moon) 4th. This is the first win for Pearlside, half sister to Baldoria, one of the best fillies of recent years (Gran Gritérium, GP Ciudad de Madrid).

Pearlside is thus, unofficially the best 2yo filly in Spain this year.

Here is the video: Premio Carlos Sobrino 2012

In the rest of the meeting, Cantarella (IRE, 2010), chestnut filly [Kheleyf-Deauville Vision (Danehill Dancer)], owned by Cuadra Odisea, trained by I. Gómez won the 1,200 m race for maiden 2yo, by 6 lengths




Celtic Rock (GB, 2009), ch. colt [Rock of Gibraltar-Luna Celtica(Celtic Swing)], owned by Cuadra Habit, trained by J. C. Fernández won the 2,000 m race for 3yo`, beating Turrialba and  Risquillo among others


Valle (USA, 2009), bay colt [E Dubai-Azelna(Tropular)], owned by Cuadra Maldón, trained by M. Delcher and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina won the 1,100 m sprint beating Golfo Pérsico and S Grillo

Via Meydan (IRE, 2009), ch. filly [Sir Percy-Via Scozia(Selkirk)], owned by Cuadra Maldón, trained by M. Delcher and ridden by V. Janacek won the 2,200 m handicap and

El Africano (SPA, 2007), bay gelding [Luth Dancer-Africa's Song(Don Roberto)], owned by Cuadra Los Aguilas, trained by A. Gutiérrez, ridden y A. Alonso, won the 1,400 handicap for amateur jockeys

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

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

Nuredyn wins the Premio Cimera

Nuredyn (FR, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)], the bay colt owned by Cuadra Zurraquín and trained by Mariano Hernández, won yesterday the Premio Cimera (Spanish 2,000 Guineas, 1,600 m, 3yo colts, 24,000 euros for the winner) with jockey Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, beating Riky Rock (Invincible Spirit) by two and a half lengths and Celtic Rock (Rock of Gibraltar), with Joropo (Kheleyf) fourth.

Nuredyn with Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, winners of the Cimera. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Stratvs Canarias and Albret jointly lead the race, with a fast pace, with favourite Matusalén in a comfortable position in the middle of the field and Nuredyn last. In the home straight, Riky Rock attacked in what seemed a decisive way, but Nuredyn came very strongly from the outside to win easily.

Here is the video: http://www.hipodromodelazarzuela.es/carreras/carrera/video/34793 and here is a 15 minutes video (including footage of the previous edition): Premio Cimera 2012

The dam of Nuredyn, Nurenieva, was herself a Classic winner of the Spanish 1,000 Guineas in 2006 and was also second to Jade in the Memorial Duque de Toledo and third in the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger), for the same owners, Cuadra Zurraquín, breeders of the Nuredyn. It's the third Classic for Cuadra Zurraquín that also won the Spanish Derby with Premier Galop. And it's the second Classic win for Dyhim Diamond, sire also of Bannaby, who won the Villamejor.

In the rest of the meeting, Giggolo Star (also by Dyhim Diamond) won the 2,200 m race for Spanish bred 3yo, Paniside (Panis) won the 1,400 m race for maiden 3yo, Ranyan (Gold Away) won the 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo, Don Hernando Hab (Delfos) won the 2,000 m claiming race for 4yo+ and Eco Jar (Wagon Master) won the 2,100 m handicap for 4yo+

Premio Cimera (2,000 Guineas), Sunday 15, La Zarzuela

The highlight of the meeting of this Sunday at La Zarzuela, Madrid ,is the Premio Cimera (1,600 m, 3yo colts, 24,000 euros for the winner) that this year will have a field of 9 colts, after one of the entries (Oberón) died this week in the training track.

The nine participants are:

Albret (IRE, 2009), gray colt [Clodovil-Piccelina(Piccolo)], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by Vaclav Janacek. He won the Critérium Internacional last summer in San Sebastián and was second to Spahirside in the Torre Arias


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

Joropo (FR, 2009), bay colt [Kheleyf-Noble World(Winged Love)], owned by R. Cocheteaux, trained by X. Thomas, will be ridden by R. C. Montenegro.

Matusalen (SPA, 2009), bay colt [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], owned by Cuadra Miranda, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Horcajada. He was champion 2yo in 2011, winning the Gran Critérium and has run in Meydan, being fifth in the Meydan Classic  with a disappointing performance in his second race there.

Matusalén, champion 2yo in 2011, with Jorge Horcajada.  Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Nuredyn (FR, 2009), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. 2nd in the Gran Criterium, third in the Torre Arias.

Otro Gintonic (GB, 2009), bay colt [Trade Fair-Nuit Sans Fin(Lead on Time)], owned by Cuadra Factor Sorpresa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Riky Rock (IRE, 2009), a bay colt [Invincible Spirit-Hataana(Robellino)] owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by Borja Fayos.

Saphirside (IRE, 2009), a bay colt [Elusive City-Silirisa(Sillery)], owned by Cuadra SafSaf, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the Premio Torre Arias , beating Albret, Nuredyn and Celtic Rock.

Stratvs Canarias (IRE, 2009),a bay colt [Soviet Star-Hekayaat(Sinndar)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by Enrique León, will be ridden by J Crocquevieille. Unbeaten in two starts, he won the Handicap Opcional  beating Otro Gintonic

Stratvs Canarias. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

The winner of the Cimera last year was Festeiro (Fol Parade)


The rest of the Sunday meeting includes a 2,200 m race for Spanish bred 3yos, a 1,400 m race for 3yos, a 2,100 m race for 3yos, a claiming 2,000 race for 4yos and a 2,100 m handicap for 4yos,

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.

Matusalén wins the Gran Critérium

Matusalén (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], owned by Cuadra Aller, trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by Jorge Horcajada, won today the Gran Critérium (1,600 m, 2yo) in the La Zarzuela racetrack, with Nuredyn (FR, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)] (Cuadra Zurraquín, tr. by M. Hernández, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina) second, one and a half lengths behind and Plenipotenciario (IRE, 200) [Caradak-Poliaurea(Poliglote)] (Cuadra Ussía-Hinojosa, trained by J. L. de Salas, ridden by Ryan Moore) third another length behind. Gran Chipi was fourth.

Saphirside took the lead and maintained it until the beginning of the home stretch. Nuredyn launched his attack (with somewhat immature ways), but a more serious Matusalen catch him to win. Plenipotenciario came from behind to finish third.

Matusalen (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare(Xaar)], winning the Gran Criterium. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Matusalén remains unbeaten in four starts, and his wins include the Criterium Nacional (San Sebastián, Spanish bred 2yos, the Premio Dehesa de Milagro (bonus race for the Milagro Sale) and this Gran Critérium, the top race for 2yo. His win represents the first win in the Gran Critérium for a Spanish bred since the reopening of La Zarzuela in 2005.

Caradak wins the most important race for 2yo with his first crop, scoring also the third place of Plenipotenciario.

Here is the video:
Gran Critérium 2011

Gran Critérium, 1,600 m, 2 yo, Sunday 23th in Madrid

One of the highlights of the autumn season in Madrid (La Zarzuela) is the Gran Criterium, a 1,600 m race for 2 yo, the most important race for two year olds, that will be run this next Sunday. The 2011 edition has the added interest of the presence of one of the leading jockeys in England, Ryan Moore, who will ride Plenipotenciario.

The partants this year, next Sunday are all colts:

Celtic Rock (GB, 2009) [Rock of Gibraltar-Luna Celtica], owned by Cuadra Habit, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Second to Albret in the Criterium Internacional in San Sebastián.

Gran Chipi (FR, 2009) [Green Tune-Cerita], owned by Cuadra Popular, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. Gran Chipi is half sister to Abril (Anabaa), a very good filly (Dual Classic placed and winner of the Premio Kutxa)

Matusalen (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Bixaare], owned by Cuadra Aller, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by J. Horcajada. Unbeaten in three starts, including the Criterium Nacional in San Sebastián and the Premio Dehesa de Milagro, beating the then Listed placed Monte Napoleone

Nuredyn (SPA, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He won the Copa de Criadores in his last start.

Otro Gintonic (GB, 2009) [Trade Fair-Nuit Sans Fin], owned by Cuadra Factor Sorpresa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Plenipotenciario (IRE, 2009) [Caradak-Poliaurea], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Hinojosa, trained by J L. de Salas, will be ridden by Ryan Moore. Winner of his only start: video beating Saphirside and Nuredyn.

Saphirside (IRE, 2009) [Elusive City-Silirisa], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Beaten by Plenipotenciario, he won his next start.

Last winners of the Gran Critérium have been: Volcánico (2010), Adjuge (2009), As de Trébol (in 2008), Rituss (2007), What a Caper (2006) and Baldoria (2005).

Albret (IRE) wins the Criterium International

Albret (IRE, 2009) [Clodovil-Piccelina], a gray colt, owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, trained by G. Arizcorreta, ridden by I. Mendizábal won yesterday the Criterium International, 1,500 m race for 2 y/o in the San Sebastián racetrack, by a length, with Celtic Rock (GB, 2009), a chestnut colt, [Rock of Gibraltar-Luna Celtica] owned by Cuadra Habit, trained by J. C. Fernández, second under jockey J. Crocquevieille.

Extreme Cara (FR, 2009), bay colt [Hurricane Cat-Magic Cara], owned by Guy Cherel, trained by Ana Imaz and ridden by Jorge Horcajada was third a head behind Celtic Rock, after commanding the race in the last turn.

Albret was unplaced in his previous start, a Listed race at La Teste de Buch (France) in which he didn't enjoy a comfortable travel. That race was won by Vladimir, who was later third in the Prix Morny (Gr. 1 - France).

Cuadra Quinto Real, owners of Albret, are also owners of Ayanz, the Villapadierna (Derby) winner, who hasn't run since that win.

The San Sebastián racecourse organized a tribute to Ioritz Mendizábal (4 times winner of the jockey standings in France), in his first visit to San Sebastián for a long time and it couldn't turn out better, since he won the Gran Criterium along with another race of the meeting.

Here is the race: Gran Criterium 2011. Albret's jockey wears pink. He takes the outermost part of the track in the far stretch.