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).

Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks), Sunday 27, LZ

The highlight of the Sunday meeting is the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks), over 2,200 m, for 3yo fillies (obviously), with 25,500 euros for the winner. Ketala, the winner of the Valderas (Guineas) will try to win the Classic Double, and she will face other 10 fillies. This is the field

Barañain (SPA, 2009), ch. filly [Dyhim Diamond-Zaniah], owned by Cuadra Dosangeles,
trained by A. F. Sánchez. Will be ridden by M. Borrego

Belagua (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Rail Link-Mingora(Mtoto)], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, traned by G. Arizkorreta. Will be ridden by J. L. Borrego

Chatarrilla (FR, 2009), bay filly [Sinndar-Climate Control], owned by Cuadra El Remo, trained by A. Carrasco. Will be ridden by F. Jiménez

Iune (USA, 2009), bay filly [Proud Citizen-Jacira(Sillery)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher. Will be ridden by J. Horcajada. This is only the third start for the daughter of Jacira


Ketala (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Gold Away-Afriketa], owned by Cuadra LAC, trained by J. López. Will be ridden by Marco Secci. Winner of the Premio Valderas (2,000 Guineas), she aims for the Classic Double

Marmara (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Enrique-My Lyck Day(Darshaan)], owned by Cuadra Odisea, trained by I. Gómez.  Will be ridden by A. Gómez

Nonalass (SPA, 2009), gray filly [Fol Parade-Beltza(Kalanisi)], owned by Cuadra Chamartín, trained by B. Valenti. Will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. Was third after Infinity One and She Rules in the Premio Comunidad de Madrid. Her dam is half sister to Group performers Persian Ruler and Kashwan

Nonalass (Fol Parade). Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

Opikoppi (SPA, 2009), ch. filly [Gentlewave-Noche], owned by Cuadra Ussía Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta. Will be ridden by V. Janacek

Pompon Coeur (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Green Tune-Villa Sonata(Mozart)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez. Will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia (Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández. 2nd in the Premio Comunidad de Madrid. Will be ridden by Borja Fayos.

Sportside (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Refuse to Bend-Perfect Fun (Marju)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S. Will be ridden by J. Grosjean. Sportside is the half sister to Faramir (winner of the GP Ciudad de Madrid)

Sportside (Refuse to Bend). Photo courtesy of turfarganda.blogspot.com

 The Premio Beamonte is held since 1952 (with the interruption of 1997-2005) in the La Zarzuela racetrack and includes among its winners great names of the Spanish turf, like Robertiya (winner in 1990 and dam of Volvoreta (third in the Arc de Triomphe won by Sinndar)), Teresa (winner in 1987) one of the best Spanish bred fillies of all time, who was 7th in the Arc won by Trempolino. Jockey Claudio Carudel won the Premio Beamonte 13 times.

The winner last year was Clunia and other recent winners were Narya (2010), Carlota (2009), La Galerna (2008), Golding Star (2007)

Infinity One won the Premio Comunidad de Madrid

Infinity One (SPA, 2009) [Green Tune-Tropical Chic(Thunder Gulch)], owned by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by B. Valenti and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, won last Sunday the Premio Comunidad de Madrid (2,100 m, 3yo fillies, 15,000 euros for the winner), beating She Rules (FR, 2009) (Aussie Rules), with Nonalass (SPA, 2009) (Fol Parade) third. Sportside (Refuse to Bend) was fourth.
Video: Premio Comunidad de Madrid 2012

This Premio Comunidad de Madrid is considered a trial race for the GP Beamonte (Spanish Oaks). This is the second Premio Comunidad de Madrid for owner Cuadra Tres y Medio and trainer Barbara Valenti (they won in 2010 with Manly Dream). Barbara Valenti had also a 1-3, since she trains also Nonalass.

In the rest of the merting, results were:

As de Thomas (Bahri) won the 1,600 m claiming race, with Secretside (Bachelor Duke) 2nd.

Mayerling (full brother to Infinity One) won the 1st part of the 2,100 m split handicap with Eco Jar (Wagon Master) 2nd.

Avon Ferry (Avonbridge) won the 2nd part of the handicap, with Le Courlis (Broadway Flyer) 2nd

In the 1,800 m handicap, the winner was Leonidas Basileus (Hawkeye) with Kingside (Enrique) 2nd.

and the 1,200 m race for 3yo was won by Otro Gintonic (Tradefair) with Ladykin (Holy Roman Emperor) 2nd

Premio Comunidad de Madrid this Sunday

There will be 6 races tomorrow at the La Zarzuela track, Madrid, being the most important the Premio Comunidad de Madrid [2,100 m, 3yo fillies, 15,000 euros for the winner), a preparatory race for the Premio Beamonte (Spanish Oaks)


This is the field:

Belagua (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Rail Link-Mingora(Mtoto)], owned by Cuadra Quinto Real, traned by G. Arizkorreta. Ridden by V. Janacek, 2nd to Galipoli in her last start.

Extrañeza (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Caradak-Watchkeeper(Rudimentary)], owned by MG Racing, trained by M. J. Pérez. Ridden by M. Borrego. Was second to Ketala in the Valderas

Gimena (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Baptize-Maya Cove(Caerleon)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez. Ridden by J. L. Martínez

Infinity One (SPA, 2009) ch. filly [Green Tune-Tropical Chic(Thunder Gulch)], owne by Cuadra Tres y Medio, trained by B. Valenti. Ridden by O. O. de Urbina. Winner in her last start

La Gobernadora (GB, 2009), chestnut filly [Halling-Cyclone Connie(Dr. Devious)], owned by cuadra Santa Bárbara, trained by G. Arizkorreta. Ridden by J. L. Borrego

Nonalass (SPA, 2009), gray filly [Fol Parade-Beltza(Kalanisi)], owned by Cuadra Chamartín, trained by B. Valenti. Ridden by J. Horcajada. Winner in her last start. Her dam is half sister to Group performers Persian Ruler and Kashwan.

Pompon Coeur (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Green Tune-Villa Sonata(Mozart)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez. Ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia (Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquín, trained by M. Hernández. Ridden by B. Fayos. Was third in the Premio Valderas

Sportside (IRE, 2009), bay filly [Refuse to Bend-Perfect Fun (Marju)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S. Ridden by J. Grosjean Sportside is half sister to Faramir, winner of the GP de Madrid. She won her last start

The last winners of the Premio Comunidad de Madrid have been: Manivela (2011), Manly Dream (2010), Pituss (2009), Synergy (2008), La Flamenca (2007) and Baldoria (2006).


The rest of the meeting includes a 1,600 m claiming race for 4yo+, a 2,100 m split handicap for 3yo+, with two parts, a 1,800 m handicap for 3yo+, and a 1,200 m sprint for 3yo

Ketala wins the Premio Valderas

Ketala (FR, 2009) [Gold Away-Afriketa(Desert Story )] won last Sunday the first Classic of the season, the Premio Valderas (Spanish 1,000 Guineas, 1,600 m, 3yo fillies, 24,000 euros for the winner), coming from the last positions to win in an impressive fashion in her second start. She is owned by Cuadra LAC Internacional, trained by Jesús López and was ridden by Marco Secci.

Extrañeza (Caradak) was second four lengths behind Ketala, with She Rules (Aussie Rules) a closee third and Irish Cliff (Marju) fourth. Flash McQueen (Dyhim Diamond) and Castellana (Yorik) were the front runners, and the field of 14 (after the scratching of Laura Moon and Ladyin) opened wide, with Ketala, from the outside, coming strongly to win. This is the second win in two starts for Ketala, whose dam, Afriketa won the Benítez de Lugo (the most important race for 3yo+ fillies in the autumn) in 2006, beating Jade, Guadalmedina and Johanie Cara and was 3rd in the GP Hispanidad (beaten by Trip to the Moon and Prince d'Orange). Plans for Ketala may include running in France.

Ketala (Gold Away), winner of the Premio Valderas, with jockey Marco Secci. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com

Here is the video:  Premio Valderas 2012. Ketala is a black filly and her jockey wears dark blue and yellow body and yellow cap.


Other winners of the meeting were: Turrialba (Trade Fair) in a 2,200m claiming race for 4yo+ Spanish breds, Band Karo (Desert Style) and Lodosa (Dyhim Diamond) in the first and second parts of the split handicap over 1,800 m, Nonalass (Fol Parade) in a 1,600 m race for 3yo fillies and Shumookh (Mujahid) in a 1,400 m race for 4yo+.

Here is the photo report of the meeting by Turfarganda.blogspot.com

Premio Atlántida this Sunday at La Zarzuela, Madrid

 The six races of the La Zarzuela meeting next Sunday include the Premio Atlántida (1,400 m, 3yo fillies, 9,000 euros for the winner), traditional trial race for the Premio Valderas (1,000 guineas).

With the absence of Irish Cliff, the main favourite is Laura Moon.

These are the participants:
Laura Moon (IRE, 2009), ch. filly [Russian Blue-Partageuse (Green Tune), owned by cuadra Manola, trained by Antonio Sánchez, ridden by V. Janacek.
Precious Rose (USA; 2009), bay filly [Elusive Quality-Libre(Fly so Free), owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, ridden by J. L. Martínez
She Rules (FR, 2009), gray filly [Aussie Rules-Barannia(Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquin, trained by M. Hernández, ridden by J. Grosjean.
Extrañeza (SPA, 2009], bay filly [Caradak-Watchkeeper(Rudementary)], owned by MG Racing, trained by M. J. Pérez, ridden by J. L.Borrego.
Geronima (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Moss Vale-Nasriyda(Darshaan)], owned by Cuadra Peláez Malvar, trained by B. Valenti, ridden by J. Crocquevieille
Goldeneye (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Fragrant Wells-Pashmiyina(Highest Honor)] owned by Cuadra Cielo de Madrid, trained by O. Rodríguez, ridden by J. Horcajada.
Ladykin (IRE, 2009)., bay filly [Holy Roman Emperor-Engraving(Sadler's Wells) ], owned by Cuadra Mazantinni, trained by A. Carrasco, ridden by F. Jiménez.

The rest of the meeting includes:
A 1,400 m race for 3yo+ Spanish breds, with Rubens (Fragran Wells), Tagomago (Dyhim Diamond), Milagres (Delfos), Pichuca (Silent Times), Vodka Lemon (Fruhlingstrum), Blue Sky (Servando), Amorebieta (Leadership), Miura (Sagacity) and Cascabel (Dyhim Diamond)

A 1,600 m race for 3yo Spanish bred debutants, a 2,100 m race for maiden 3yo, a handicap race and a 1,600 m race for maiden 3yo.

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.

Criterium de Potrancas (2 yo fillies) this Sunday

The Criterium de Potrancas (or Premio Carlos Sobrino, as it was called) is a 1,400 m race for 2yo fillies, run at the La Zarzuela racetrack, Madrid.

The seven partants this year are:

Cattiva(FR, 2009), bay, [Zieten-Byre Bird(Diesis)], owned by Cuadra Di Benischi, trained by Bárbara Valenti, ridden by V. Janacek. 3 starts, 1 win, 1 placing

Galaxy (SPA, 2009), grey [Verglas y Yafoul(Torrential)], Owned by Cuadra San José, trained by J.A. Rodríguez, ridden by D. Delgado. 2 starts, 2 placings.

Irish Cliff (IRE, 2008), bay, [Marju-Miss Corinne(Mark of Esteem)], owned by Cuadra Chicago, trained by M. Delcher S, ridden by J. Horcajada. Two starts, one win, one placing.

Laura Moon(FR, 2009), bay, [Russian Blue-Partageuse(Green Tune)], owned by Cuadra Manola, trained by A. Sánchez C, ridden by J. Crocquevieille. Two starts, one win (Premio Primer Paso, one second (in France: Prix Pawneese).

Laura Moon (IRE) after winning the Primer Paso. Photo courtesy of Turfarganda.blogspot.com



Lucciole Lol (FR, 2009), bay, [Sorcerous-Sarayah(Danehill)], owned by Cuadra Cielo de Madrid, trained by O. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J.L. Borrego. One start, one placing

Precious Rose (USA, 2009), bay, [Elusive Quality-Libre(Fly so Free)], owned by Cuadra Bloke, trained by J. A. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez, one start, one win, in Mijas, Premio Barney Curley

She Rules (SPA, 2009), grey, [Aussie Rules-Barannia(Barathea)], owned by Cuadra Zurraquin, trained by M. Hernández, will be ridden by Julien Grosjean. Three starts, one win, one placing

Winners of the last editions of the Criterium de Potrancas (called Premio Carlos Sobrino) are Clunia (2010, video here: Premio Carlos Sobrino 2010), Ercolini (2009), Aiboa (2008), Puntilla Bay (2007) and Nachita.

And in previos editions, some important fillies won this race: Robertiya (in 1989), Teresa (in 1986, video here:Premio Carlos Sobrino 1986) and Manola (in 1982)