Opikoppi wins the Beamonte

Opikoppi (SPA, 2009), ch. filly [Gentlewave-Noche(Nigh Shift)], owned by Cuadra Ussía Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta and ridden by Vaclav Janacek, won last Sunday the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks) (2,200 m, 3yo fillies, 25,500 euros for the winner), beating the double representation of Cuadra Safsaf, Sportside (Refuse to Bend) and Pompon Coeur (Green Tune). Iune was fourth and Nonalass was fifth.

Barañaín (Dyhim Diamond) lead the race until the home straight in which Pompono Coeur and Sportside attacked first. Opikoppi (who traveled second until the final turn) displayed her charge and, although Sportside fighted well, she was surpassed finally by a neck.

The Valderas winner Ketala finished a disappointing 8th, not showing any danger.

Opikoppi (8), with Vaclav Janace, and Sportside fighting for the Beamonte. Photo courtesy of http://turfarganda.blogspot.com

This was only the 2nd start for Opikoppi, whose 2nd dam, Villablanca, was 2nd in the Beamonte back in 1987. Opikoppi is half sister to the Group performer over hurdles Sam Winner and to the winner Aljarafe.

Here is the video: Premio Beamonte 2012

In the rest of the meeting, Dagoberto (Dyhim Diamond) won the 1,000 m race for 2yo debutants, with Helfa de Rous (Wagon Master) 2nd.

The second race, 1,600 m, 4yo+, was won by Weststow (Medicean), beating Volcánico (Refuse to Bend) and As de Trébol (Tapit). Ariete Arrollador was scratched.

Vega de Castilla won the 2nd part of the split handicap (1,500 m), with Vetonia 2nd.

The winner of the first part was Black Dibel, beating Alhaprince.

In the 1,600 m race for 3yo, Azabache beat Dakside, Alduides and Celtic Rock, with a disappointing performance by Stratvs Canarias

Pichuca (GB) wins the Premio Atlántida

Pichuca (GB, 2008) [Silent Times-Milady's Pride] ridden by J. L. Borrego won this Sunday 20th the Premio Atlántida at La Zarzuela (Madrid) for trainer M. J. Pérez and owner Cuadra Pegaso. The Premio Atlántida is a 1,400 m race reserved for 3 y/o fillies. The chestnut filly took the lead early in the race and commanded until the end. Bucovina (SPA) [Dyhim Diamond-Spette Thon(Marathon)] was second in a late charge, with Azamor (SPA) [Slickly-Red Bravo(Red Ransom)] third and the favourite Clunia fourth. This is the second consecutive win for Pichuca, who has a two year full sister entered in the Breeze-Up sale in Madrid next Saturday. Here is the race: Premio Atlántida 2011.

In the first race, a 1,600 m for 3 y/o maidens, the winner was Happy Few [Ballingbarry-Ventolera(Gulch)] a bay colt owned by Cuadra Odisea, ridden by Alvaro Gómez and trained by I. Gómez. Flash Val (SPA, 2008) [Denver County-Lake Coinsance(Lake Coniston)] was second, with Llanes (USA) [Giant's Causeway-Coachella(Danehill)] third.

In the third race, a 1,600 m for unraced Spanish-bred 3 y/o, the winner was Eltso (SPA, 2008), a chestnut colt [Dyhim Diamond-Katherine(Don Roberto)] owned by Cuadra San Cristóbal and trained by J. López, ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Eltso, in a thrilling finish, along with Don Fernando Hab [Intikhab] (second), caught Aljarafe in the post. Aljarafe, [Russian Blue-Noche(Night Shift)] is a half brother to Sam Winner, recent 4th in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) at Cheltenham and Grade 2 winner in hurdles last November.
Here is the race: Premio Cría Nacional


Meanwhile, the sixth race was the first victory in Spain for the stallion Federal Trial (USA), who stands in Orense, when Prince Trial (SPA, 2008] [Federal Trial-Vagabunda(Don Roberto)] found a gap to push through in the stretch, beating the favourite Coside (USA, 2008) [Cozzene-Fairy Heights(Fairy King)]. Prince Trial is owned by Cuadra Zalduendo and trained by J. C. Fernández and was ridden by Alvaro Gómez [who made a hat trick in this meeting]. Here is the race: Premio Sociedad Estatal de Participaciones Industriales

Prince Trial (SPA) beats Coside (USA). Photo courtesy of Cortacabeza.wordpress.com