Premio Antonio Blasco and Copas de Criadores tomorrow at LZ

This Sunday, the highlight of the La Zarzuela meeting is the Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m, 2yo+, 12,000 euros for the winner), with the following participants (no 2yos this year):


Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007), bay colt [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)], owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. Scratched.

As de Trébol (USA, 2006), gray colt [Tapit-Adelphi(Danzig)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina Comes from his 6th place in the Nearctic Stakes G1 (Canada).

Mil Azul (SPA, 2008), bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas, will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada

Risby (IRE, 2008), bay gelding [Big Shuffle-Lonicera(Charmer), owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille

S Grillo (GB, 2008), gray gelding [Val Royal- Santiago Blue(Relaunch)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Negrete (SPA, 2009), bay colt [Hold that Tiger-Helena Smile(Southern Halo)], owned by Cuadra Jarilla, trained by F. Pérez, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

The winner last year was Abdel

There are also two 1,500 m races for Spanish bred 2yos, the Copas de Criadores, one for colts and the other one for fillies, with 9,500 euros for the winner of each race:

The Copa de Criadores for colts has the following participants:


Aarhus (SPA, 2010), chestnut colt [Dyhim Diamond-Ensis(Zieten)], owned by Cuadra El Molino, trained by J. López, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Was 2nd in his only start. His dam Ensis was Listed performer.

Dubrovnik (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Delta(Istoriato)[, owned byY. Las Cuevas, trained by J. Calderón, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Winner of 2 races.

Duendecillo (SPA, 2010), ch. colt [Visindar-Chloe(Green Desert), owned by Cuadra Isabel, trained by I. Gómez, will be ridden by A. Gómez, Unbeaten in 2 starts, half brother to Doende (Wagon Master)

Labros (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Sunset Fily (Lil's Lad)], owned by Cuadra Dosemes, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Horcajada. Winner in his 2nd start.

Mayo (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Sakhee-Abril(Anabaa)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizcorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. Winner in his last start.

Pikerson (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-Pashmiyina(Highest Honor)]. owned by Cuadra Cielo dr Madrid, trained by O. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego. He is half brother to Cambalache GR (winner of the GP Nacional)

Recent winners have been Nuredyn (2011), Banbu (2010), Jakemate (2009), Tirillas (2008), Sideside (2007), Newango (2006), Boabdil (2005).

In the Copa de Criadores for fillies, participants are:

Alabarda (SPA, 2010), bay filly [Dyhim Diamond-Eiren Surprise(Danetime)], owned by Cuadra Il Padrino, trained by R. López, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Albuhera (SPA, 2010), bay filly [Devil Moon-Lili d'Aubois(Lycius)], owned by Cuadra Cacharela, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by Nieves García

Artesa (GB, 2010), chestnut filly [Medecis-Pas le Temps(Be My Guest)], owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Briseida (SPA, 2010), gray filly [Keltos-Tiviski(Desert Style)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Cariñosa (SPA, 2010), bay filly [Fol Parade-Emerald Princess(Even Top)], owned by Cuadra Donalfa, trained by M. J. Pérez, will be ridden by J Horcajada.

La Bopperia (SPA, 2010), chestnut filly [Dyhim Diamond-Katherine(Don Roberto)], owned by Cuadra Bolak, trained by J. C. Fernández, will be ridden by  A. Gómez, own sister to Eltso.

Napa Side (SPA, 2010), ch. filly [Dyhim Diamond-Free Lunch(Vettori)], owned by Cuadra Saf Saf, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean

Sol Dyhim (SPA, 2010), ch. filly [Dyhim Diamond-Solin(Songlines)], owned by Cuadra Manola, trained by A. Sánchez, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

Winners in recent years have been Vraivita (2011), Ventura (2010), Cris Cross (2009), Desdella (2008), Sorayah (2007) and Casbah (2006)


The Premio Veil Picard (2yos, 1,800 m), the Premio Victoria Eugenia (Hdcp, 1,800 m, 3yo+) and a claming race for 3yo+ over 2,200 m complete the card

Ariete Arrollador and Valiant Blue won the preps for the Hispanidad

The highlights of yesterday meeting at La Zarzuela were the prep races for the GP Hispanidad (1,600 m, 3yo+, to be run next October 12th), two races over a mile, for 4yo+ and for 3yo.

Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007), bay colt [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)], owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, ridden by V. Janacek, won the Premio Young Tiger (1,600 m, 4yo+, 8,000 euros for the winner), beating by 3/4 length the frontrunner La Llanura (CAN, 2008), gray filly [El Prado-Herzblatt(Cozzene)], owned by Cuadra Tiziano, trained by M. Delcher S, who was ridden by Jorge Horcajada, with Risby (Big Shuffle) 3rd and Weststow (Medicean) 4th.

Here is the race: Premio Young Tiger

In the equivalent race for 3yo, Premio LAE-Partipral, the winner was Valiant Blue (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Moss Vale-Tiltili(Spectrum)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, ridden by V. Janacek, beating Azabache (SPA, 2009) [Iceman-Tiviski(Desert Style)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez and ridden by J. Grosjean with Laura Moon (Russian Blue) third.

Here is the race: Premio LAE-Partipral

In the first race, Premio Cruzcampo-Zalduendo, a 1,400 m race for debutant 2yo colts, the winner was Moss (SPA, 2010), ch. colt [Palamoss-Falaris(Humool)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta and ridden by J L. Borrego, the first product of Palamoss (Night Shift) to run, with Rey de la Plata (Leadership) 2nd and Calamari (Turtle Bowl) 3rd. Here is the race: Premio Cruzcampo-Zalduendo

The equivalent race for fillies was won by Cariñosa (SPA, 2010) [Fol Parade-Emerald Princess(Even Top)], owned by Cuadra Donalfa, trained by M. J. Pérez and ridden by J. Horcajada, who beat Irabia (Shamardal) and Daranur One (Falco).

Tresenpunto (Delfos) and Alfred (Egeo) won the 2nd and 1st parts of the 2,100 m split Handicap

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.

Abdel wins the Antonio Blasco in an impressive performance

The heavy favourite, Abdel (FR, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)], the bay colt owned and trained by J.M. Osorio, duque de Alburquerque and ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille, won today the Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m, 2yo+), leaving five lenghts behind Mil Azul (SPA, 2008) [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)] second and Risby (SPA, 2008) [Big Shuffle-Lonicera(Charmer)] third by a head.

This is the fifth win in eight starts for Abdel, who totals 79,000 euros in prize money. Abdel has been third in the GP Nacional (2,200 m), won the prep race for 3yo for the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián, was second in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián (2,400 m) and, running now in shorter distances, he has done two great performances, winning the GP Hispanidad (1,600 m, 3yo+, the most important mile in the autumn) and now this Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m) with a fantastic performance again.

Here is the video: Premio Antonio Blasco 2011. Abdel's colors are: blue body, red sleeves and cap (the popular silks of the Duque de Alburquerque).

Besides Abdel, Dyhim Diamond, had two winners today: Tagomago, winner of the first part of the Handicap and Diamant du Soleil (SPA, 2008), ch. colt, [Dyhim Diamond-Solina], who won his first race, the 7th of the meeting (Handicap Infanta Isabel).

In the first race of the program, for 2 yo, there was a 1-2 for Caradak, when Fearside beat El Crack. Both are owned by Cuadra Safsaf.

In the race for 2yo debutants, the winner was Stratus Canarias (IRE, 2009) a bay colt, [Soviet Star-Hekayaat(Sinndar)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by Enrique León and ridden by Alvaro Gómez, beating Vereda (Kheleyf)(half sister to Lorgan), Vallarta (Devil Moon) and Paniside (Panis).
Video: Premio Marca. The 2nd dam of Stratus Canarias (who left a very good impression with this 4 lengths win) is 3/4 sister to Sakhee.

Stratus Canarias (IRE, 2009) [Soviet Star-Hekayaat(Sinndar)]. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m, 2yo+) Sunday 30th

The Premio Antonio Blasco is a 1,400 m race that represents the first important race for 2 yo+. It is named after the great owner-breeder Antonio Blasco Oller, one of the most important figures in racing in the twentieth century in Spain. He owned the Cuadra Rosales which means he was the owner of some of the best horses in the second half of the century, like Chacal, Teresa, Takala, My Mourne, Casualidad, Richal, Lorgot, Dual Sea, Barilone, Clamor and a very long etc.

He also had horses out of Spain, being the most prominent the Prix de L'Opera winner Dona Barod and Pharly, second to Blushing Groom in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.

The last winners of the Premio Antonio Blasco have been: Peñalén (2010), Mariscal (2009), Lorgan (2008), Lessing (2007) and Prince d'Orange

The partans this year are:

Lince ch. c (GB, 2007) [Singspiel-Cuclone Connie(Dr. Devious)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, ridden by M. Borrego.

Abdel bay c (FR, 2008) [Dyhim Diamond-Leonor de Guzmán(Glauco)], owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, Duque de Alburquerque, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille. He won the GP Hispanidad 2011, and was second in the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián.

Cielo Canarias, bay geld. (IRE, 2008) [Exceed and Excel-Summer Dance(Sadler's Wells)] owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by E. León, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Golfo Pérsico, bay colt (IRE, 2008) [Diamond Green-Bajan Belle(Efisio)], owned by Toneles-Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean.

Mil Azul, bay colt., [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas, will be ridden by J. L. Borrego.

Risby, bay geld. (IRE, 2008) [Big Shuffle-Lonicera(Charmer)], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J.M. Osorio, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

S Grillo, black colt (GB, 2008) [Val Royal-Santiago Blue(Relaunch)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. He won his last start: Premio AEPCC, a 1,100 m sprint, beating Golfo Pérsico by a nose.

Pippa Snudge, bay filly (IRE, 2009) [Strategic Prince-River Grand(Grand Lodge)] owned by Sunshin Racing, trained by P. Haley, will be ridden by A. Gómez. The only 2yo and the only filly of the race. She has four starts with two wins and two seconds.

Meetings in Mijas, Madrid ...and Nigrán beach (Vigo)

There will be three meetings this weekend in Spain, with races in Mijas Saturday 1st of October, Madrid next Sunday and the first meeting ever in the Nigrán beach, near Vigo, Galicia.

The five races of Mijas include a 1,300 m race for 2 yo that includes, among its 6 partants: Bentayga (IRE, 2009), a ch.geld. [Strategic Prince-Barbera(Night Shift)], winner in his only start, in Mijas. Also winner in her only start is Coco Palm (SPA, 2009) [Fol Parade-Chista(Green Tune)] (see here his win: Premio Cría Nacional

There is also a 1,300 m race (Premio Aryon) for 3 yo+, with Compton Park, Camuray, Corcubión, Laazem, Barking, Valle and Medeside

In the Sunday meeting of Madrid, the main race is a 1,100 sprint with 7 partants:

As de Trébol (USA, 2006), a grey horse [Tapit-Adelphi(Danzig)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S, that will be ridden by Jorge Horcajada (for the first time). He won in his last start, a 1,200 m race in San Sebastián: Premio Albañilería Vertical (beating S Grillo and Rayo Negro)

El Incendio (IRE, 2008) [Clodovil-Duckmore Bay(Titus Livius)], owned by Cuadra Becares, trained by J L. Maroto, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

Golfo Pérsico (IRE, 2008) [Diamond Green-Bajan Belle(Efisio)], owned by Los Toneles-Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. Grosjean.

Rayo Negro (IRE, 2007), a bay colt [Shinko Forest-Chaste(Groom Dancer)], owned by Cuadra San Cristóbal, trained by Jesús López, will be ridden by J. C. Cerqueira.

Risby (IRE, 2008), a bay colt. [Big Shuffle-Lonicera(Charmer)], ownend by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J.M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

S Grillo (GB, 2008), a black colt, [Val Royal-Santiago Blue(Relaunch], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Usaquen (FR, 2008), a bay colt, [Layman-Gold Mine(Gold Away)], owned and trained by J. M. Osorio, Duque de Alburquerque, will be ridden by J- E. Jarcovsky.


In the rest of the meeting, there is the debut of Cuadra Quinto Real's Alduides (IRE, 2009, a colt by Rock of Gibraltar ex Misdirect(Darshaan) in a 1,500 m race for 2yo; a 1,400 m race for 2 yo fillies and an interesting 2,100 m race for 3yo Spanish breds, featuring Azamor (2nd in the Beamonte - Oaks).


The first meeting in Playa América (Nigrán, Galicia) will include 3 races for amateur jockeys.

Doende and Monteagudo Ebro win in Mijas

The meeting of last Friday night in Mijas, the last of the summer season in this racetrack had as its most important race the Gran Premio Cría Nacional - MMAMRM, a 1,300 m race for 3yo+ Spanish breds.

And the winner was Doende (SPA, 2006) [Wagon Master-Chloe], owned by Cuadra Río Cubas, trained by J. C. Fernández and ridden by Ivan López, who beat Risby (SPA, 2008) [Big Shuffle-Lonicera], property of Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio and ridden by J. Crocquevieille, wih Volapie (Multazem) third and Camuray (Slipstream King) fourth. Here is the race: GP Cría Nacional

This is the seventh win for Doende, who has 23 starts, 7 wins and 12 placings, totalling more than 100,000 euros in earnings.

In the first part of the split Handicap (Premio Cabopino), a 1,800 m race, the winner was Monteagudo Ebro (SPA, 2008) [Statue of Liberty-Magic Flight], (Cuadra San Cristóbal, tr.: J. López, joc.: Borja Fayos) who entered the finish line one lenght before Un Monde (later discualified) with Flow Boy (IRE, 2004) [Daliapour-Lost Ring] second after the disqualifying of Un Monde. Monteagudo Ebro has 8 starts with 5 wins and 0 placings.
The video: Premio Cabopino

In the 2 y/o 1,300 m race, the winner was the debutant Precious Rose (USA, 2009) [Elusive Quality-Libre] (Cuadra Bloke, tr: J. A. Rodríguez; joc.: D. Delgado), beating the already winner Pippa Snudge (IRE, 2009) [Strategic Prince-River Grande], with Galaxy (SPA, 2009) [Verglas-Yafoul] third. This is the race: Premio Barney Curley in association with Daimon Group Spain

Newby (GB) wins the Premio Urquijo

Newby (GB, 2005, chestnut colt) [Compton Place-Petarga(Petong)], ridden by Jorge Horcajada for trainer B. Rama and Cuadra Adriana won the Premio Urquijo, the main race of yesterday's meeting in Madrid, a 3y0+ race over 1,200 on turf.

Newby (2) beating Risby (12) and Flting Flute. Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com


Newby was first from the beginning and resisted well the attacks by Flying Flute(GB) [Piccolo-Fledge], who accompanied him most of the race and finished third and then Risby (IRE) [Big Shuffle-Lonicera(Charmer)], the 3yo bay colt who finished second with Jeremy Croquevieille. Barking was fourth.

Here is the race: Premio Urquijo 2011