Premio Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), Sunday 3 of June 2012

The Sunday 3 meeting at the La Zarzuela racecourse of Madrid incluids in its racecard the Premio Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), [2,400 m, 3yos, 34,800 euros for the winner]. This edition is, as always a crossroad to test horses coming from different lines, namely the Premio Velayos (won by the unbeaten Galipoli, with Fortun second), the GP Nacional (Alonso, the winner is absent from the Villapadierna, but 2nd, 3rd and fourth will run), the Cimera (Guineas), represented by Nuredyn - 4th in the GP Nacional - and Riky Rock and also raiders from France (Around the Moon, Campillo), etc.

This is the field:

Around the Moon (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Danehill Dancer-Moon Flower(Sadler's Wells)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S. Will be ridden by J. Horcajada. Recntly bought in FRance.

Arsalan (GB, 2009), bay colt [Halling-Kali(Linamix)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez. Will be ridden by R- C. Montenegro.

Campillo (FR, 2009), bay colt [Lando-Milisa(Anabaa)], owned by Cuadra Cholaica, trained by J. L. Maroto. Will be ridden by C. Nora.

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. Crocquevieille. Second to Galipoli in the Velayos.

Galipoli (FR, 2009), bay colt [Sulamani-Sweet Willa(Assert)], owned by Cuadra San Rafael, trained by Teo Callejo. Will be ridden by V. Janacek. Winner of the Premio Velayos 2012. Galipoli is unbeaten in three starts and won the Premio Velayos 2012, traditional prep race for the Villapadierna

Galipoli bearting Fortun in the Premio Velayos. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Giggolo Star (SPA, 2009), ch.colt [Dyhim Diamond-Flamingo Star(Limpid)], owned by Cuadra Magaña, trained by J. C. Fernández R. Will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira. He was third in the GP Nacional.

Gustei (SPA, 2009), bay colt [Baptize-Party Dress(Lahib)], owned by Cuadra Peñarroya, trained by C. Gallipoli, will be ridden by R. Ramos.

Kadmios (FR, 2009), bay colt [Kavafi-Erika(Distant Relative)], owned by Cuadra Nakata, trained and ridden by J. L. Martínez.

Monsieur Opera (FR, 2009), bay colt [Lando-Mensa Sonne(Monsun)], owned by Salvador Márquez, trained by J. López. Will be ridden by O. Ortiz de Urbina. Winner of his only start (beating Sportside, - then 2nd in the Beamonte -, and Giggolo Star).

Nuredyn (FR, 2009), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva(Enrique)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Winner of the Premio Cimera (2,000 Guineas), he was fourth in the GP Nacional.

Nuredyn (Dyhim Diamon) winning the Premio Cimera. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

Phuket (SPA, 2009), ch. colt [Multazem-New Vert(Vert Amande)], owned by María de Salas, trained by J. L. de Salas, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. Phuket was 2nd in his last and best performance to date, in the GP Nacional. He is half brother to Cimera winner Festeiro and GP Nacional winner Newango and also to Listed performer Vert Helice.

Riky Rock (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Invincible Spirit-Hataana(Robellino], owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez. He was second to Nuredyn in the Cimera


The winners of the previous runnings of the Villapadierna were Ayanz (2011), Plantagenet (2010), Domeside (2009), Tsarabi (2008), Premier Galop (2007) and Palamoss (2006). A list of the winners from 1952 can be found here

The rest of the meeting includes:
A 1,100 m race for 2yos, with 7 participants

The Premio Prosegour-Rheffissimo, a 2,200 m race for 4yo+, featuring Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S., the half brother to Harbinger, who was 2nd in the Memorial Duque de Toledo last fall and 2nd to Abdel in his seasonal debut, Don Hernando Hab (Delfos), Meneldor (Barathea), 2011 Beamonte winner  Clunia (Silent Times), Señor Miranda (Fantastic Light) and Karluv Most (Della Francesca)

The Premio Marca-Donagua (1,400 m, 3yo+), with Cielo Canarias, Shumookh, .Dunedain, Risby, El Fenix, Golfo Pérsico, Makaamen, Garajonay, Paniside and Laura Moon

And the two parts of a split handicap for 3yo+ over 2,100 m.

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).

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

Copas de Criadores also this Sunday 9th

This weekend, apart from the ACPSIE-SBA joint yearling sale and the GP Hispanidad, there will be the two Copas de Criadores, 1,500 m races for 2yo (colts and fillies).

The Copa de Criadores for fillies has 9 partants:
Bambola (SPA, 2009) [Federal Trial-Coockie Crips]. Owned by Cuadra Calejaña, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by F. Jiménez

Castellana (SPA, 2009) [Yorik-Fellinia]. Owned by Yeguada Cortiñal, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Fearside (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-Fear to Tread]. Owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean.

Galaxy (SPA, 2009) [Verglas-Yafoul]. Owned by Cuadra San José, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by D. Delgado.

Infinity One (SPA, 2009 [Green Tune-Tropical Chic]. Owned by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by Bárbara Valenti, will be ridden by V. Janacek

Lunchside (SPA, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Free Lunch], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by M. Borrego

Maria Antonieta (SPA, 2009) [Fol Parade-La Yvie]. Owned by Cuadra La Extremeña, trained by J. A. Borrego, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

She Rules (SPA, 2009) [Aussie Rules-Barannia]. Owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Vraivita (SPA, 2009) [Fol Parade-Vraivert]. Owned by Cuadra Luxemburgo, trained by R. López, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

The race for colts hast these partants:
Alfacar (SPA, 2009)[Fol Parade-Alfaca], owned by Cuadra El Fargue, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Horcajada.

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

Dakside (SPA, 2009) [Caradak-La Lola], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríuez, trained by J. Grosjean.

Galileus (SPA, 2009) [Sorcerous-Zone Spirit], owned by Cuadra Río Cubas, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Hamelin (SPA, 2009) [Limpid-Zurriola], owned by Yeguada Militar, trained by J. P. Espinosa, will be ridden by F. Jiménez.

Helsinki (SPA, 2009) [Limpid-Villadalma], owned by Yeguada Militar, trained by J. P. Espinosa, will be ridden by A. Gómez.

Nuredyn (SPA, 2009) [Dyhim Diamond-Nurenieva], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Phuket (SPA, 2009) [Multazem-New Vert], owned by María de Salas, trained by J. L. de Salas, will be ridden by J. E. Jarcovsky.