Mil Azul won the Antonio Blasco

Mil Azul (SPA, 2008), bay colt [Russian Blue-Cuittled(Charismatic)], owned by Yeguada Urdiñ-Oriya, trained by J. L. de Salas, ridden by Jorge Horcajada, won the Premio Antonio Blasco (1,400 m, 2yo+) in the La Zarzuela meeting of last Sunday. S Grillo (GB, 2008), gray gelding [Val Royal- Santiago Blue(Relaunch)], owned by Cuadra Ussía-Figueroa, trained by G. Arizkorreta was 2nd, with globetrotter As de Trébol 3rd and Risby fourth.


Negrete led the race with a strong pace, followed by As de Trébol. All five runners used the outer part of the track. Negrete went towards the rail in the home stretch and was surpassed by As de Trébol, and then Mil Azul and S Grillo, who were first and second at the finish line.


Here is the video: Premio Antonio Blasco 2012


There were 5 more races in the card, including the Copas de Criadores (1,500 m, Spanish bred 2yos)

The Copa de Criadores  for colts was won in impressive fashion byAarhus (SPA, 2010), chestnut colt [Dyhim Diamond-Ensis(Zieten)], owned by Cuadra El Molino, trained by J. López and ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina, with Duendecillo (Visindar) 2nd seven lengths behind and Mayo (Sakhee) third.
Here is the race: Copa de Criadores (colts) 2012

In the Copa de Criadores - fillies, the winner was Cariñosa (SPA, 2010), bay filly [Fol Parade-Emerald Princess(Even Top)], owned by Cuadra Donalfa, trained by M. J. Pérez, ridden by Jorge Horcajada, with Artesa (Medecis) 2nd and Albuhera (Devil Moon) third.

Video: Copa de Criadores - fillies 2012

In the rest of the meeting, the winners were:

Tubal (Dalakhani) won the Premio Veil Picard (1,800 m, 2yos), beating Kirilovich (Denver County) by a head

Arsalan (Halling) won the 1,800 Handicap (Premio Victoria Eugenia), beating Porquenotecallas

Duke (Second Set) won the claiming race over 2,200 m

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

Casaca won the Memorial and Pearlside won the Gran Critérium

Casaca (GB, 2006), ch. filly [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio and ridden by Jeremy Crocquevieille, won yesterday the GP Memorial Duque de Toledo (2,400 m, 3yo+, weight for age, 30,000 euros), beating the favourite Pazifizsturm (GER. 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz Ceca and ridden by J.B. Hamel, with Casaca's half brother and stablemate Entre Copas (Sakhee) third and Arnuero (Sakhee) fourth.


Entre Copas was the frontrunner and kept the lead for the first half of the home stretch, in which he was surpassed by Pazifiksturm who looked like he was to win. However, in a long and progressive late charge, Casaca came from last at the beginning of the stretch to win by a margin of one and a half lengths.



This is the most important race won by Casaca, who was the best filly in Spain in 2011 (winning the Premio Kutxa and the Premio Benítez de Lugo) and was 3rd in the Prix Fille de l'Air (Gr. 3). She sustained an injury and reappeared in July in San Sebastián, being 5th, then 3rd in the Premio Kutxa, then 2nd in Madrid in the Benítez de Lugo and now winner of the Memorial.

Casaca beating Pazifiksturm in the Memorial Duque de Toledo 2012. Photo courtesy of gacetahipodromo.com

Here is the video: Memorial Duque de Toledo 2012

In the Gran Critérium (1,600 m, 2yo, 24,000 euros), the winner was also a filly, Pearlside (FR, 2010), bay filly [Alhaarth-Prickly Pearl(Lahib)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S and ridden by J. Grosjean, beating easily Dagoberto (Dyhim Diamond), with Sleeping Wan (Sleeping Indian) third and Mou the Special (Refuse to Bend) fourth.

Pearlside won the Premio Carlos Sobrino in her previous start and is the half sister to Baldoria (also winner of the Gran Critérium and winner at 3 of the GP Ciudad de Madrid).

Here is the video: Gran Critérium 2012 (includes footage of the 2011 edition)

In the rest of the meeting, winners were:

Mayo (Sakhee) in the 1,400 m race for maiden Spanish bred 2yo

Rayo Rojo (Rakti) in the 2nd part - A- of the split handicap (1,600 m, 3yo+)

Altamir One (Act One) in the 1st part of the handicap

Coside (Cozzene) in the 1,800 m race for 4yo+ with amateur jockeys and

Draco (Baptize) in the  2nd part - B - of the split handicap

GP Memorial Duque de Toledo and Gran Critérium this Sunday at La Zarzuela

Next Sunday at La Zarzuela there is a meeting with 7 races including the Memorial Duque de Toledo (2,400 m, 3yo+, weight for age, 30,000 euros for the winner), one of the highlights of the season and the Gran Critérium (1,600 m, 2yo, 24,000 euros for the winner)


GP Memorial Duque de Toledo
2,400 m,  3yo+, weight for age, 30,000 euros

The field of this year includes four Classic winners: Domeside, Plantagenet, Pazifiksturm and Fortun, along with the winners of the prep races, Kurdo and Ranyan, Arnuero (2nd last year) and G3 placed Casaca. The Memorial Duque de Toledo is included in the list of races under consideration for inclusion at Listed level.  These are the participants:

Arnuero (GB, 2008), bay colt [Sakhee-Penang Pearl(Bering)], owned by Cuadra Medreal, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina. He was second last year to Ayanz. He prefers soft going.

Domeside (GB, 2006), bay colt [Domedriver-Buck's Fizz(Kris)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher S., will be ridden by J. Grosjean.Winner of the 2009 Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), he is somewhat irregular

Entre Copas (GB, 2004), ch. gelding [Sakhee-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by A. Gómez. The Horse of the Year in 2011 is not having a good year and stable jockey Crocquevieille has chosen her sister Casaca.

Kurdo (FR, 2008), bay colt [Baptize-La Sayida(Fairy King)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. .He won the preparatory race.

Pazifizsturm (GER. 2007) [Samum-La Parabol(Trempolino)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz Ceca, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel. Winner of the Mijas Cup,also won in Morocco and the Copa de Oro de San Sebastián. He will be the favourite and his win would mean an outstanding year. He is a Classic winner of the Premio Villamejor (Spanish St. Leger)


Plantagenet (SPA, 2007) [Trade Fair-Crafty Buzz(Crafty Prospector)], owned by Cuadra Whylar, trained by G Arizkorreta, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. Winner of the 2010 GP Villapadierna (Spanish Derby), the first Spanish bred winner in Dubai.


Casaca (GB, 2007), ch. flly [Medicean-Priena(Priolo)], owned by Cuadra África, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille..She was 2nd to Skinside in the Benítez de Lugo. She runs against her brother Entre Copas for the first time.

Arsalan (GB, 2009), bay colt [Halling-Kali(Linamix)], owned by Reza Pazooki, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by M. Borrego

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. L. Borrego. Winner of the Villapadierna (Spanish Derby).

Ranyan (SPA, 2009), ch. gelding [Gold Away-Triple Two(Pivotal)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by J. Claudic

Azafata (SPA, 2009) [Motivator-Anysheba(Alysheba)]. owned by cuadra Chamartín, trained by J. López, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Recent winners of the Memorial Duque de Toledo have been: Ayanz (2011), Karluv Most (2010), You or No One (2009), Blue Ridge View (2008), Young Tiger (2007 and 2005) and Jade (2006)


Gran Critérium
1,600 m, 2yo, 24,000 euros

Acamante (GB, 2010), bay colt [Sakhee-Xaluna Bay (Xaar)], onwed by the Duque de Alburquerque, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by A. Gómez. Debutant.

Calamari (FR, 2010), bay colt [Turtle Bowl-Gold Mine(Gold Away)], owned by R. Cocheteaux, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille

Capearth (IRE, 2010), bay colt [Alhaarth-Antigone(Cape Cross)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel

Dagoberto (SPA, 2010), bay colt [Dyhim Diamond-La Atalaya(Montjeu)], owned by Cuadra Nanina, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina

Irish Sand (IRE, 2010), ch. colt [Footstepsinthesand-Knysna(Rock of Gibraltar)], onwed by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz., will be ridden by M. Foulon.

Kiril (FR, 2010), bay colt [Astronomer Royal-Solita(Thunder Gulch)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Horcajada.

Moss (SPA, 2010), ch. colt [Palamoss-Falaris(Humool)], owned by Yeguada AGF, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek.

Mou the Special (IRE, 2010), ch. colt [Refuse to Bend-Flagship(Rainbow Quest)], owned by Cuadra Los Toneles, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez

Sleeping Wan (GB, 2010), chestnut colt [Sleeping Indian-Vivre Sa Vie(Nashwan)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by Ana Imaz, will be ridden by G. Madero

Pearlside (FR, 2010), bay filly [Alhaarth-Prickly Pearl(Lahib)], owned by Cuadra Madroños, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. She won the Carlos Sobrino in her last start and she is the half sister to Baldoria, who won the Gran Critérium in 2005

Recent winners of the Gran Critérium are: Matusalén (2011), Volcánico (2010), Adjuge (2009), As de Trébol (2008), Rituss (2007), What a Caper (2006) and Baldoria (2005)

Cielo Canarias won the GP Hispanidad

Cielo Canarias (IRE, 2008), a bay gelding [Exceed and Excel-Summer Dance(Saddler's Wells)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by E. León and ridden by J. L. Martínez won last Friday at the La Zarzuela racetrack the GP Hispanidad (1,600 m, 3yo+, weight for age, 24,000 euros for the winner), beating easily Weststow (Medicean) by four lengths, with Jakemate (Denver County) and Mil Azul (Russian Blue) close third and fourth.

This fourth consecutive win of Cielo Canarias means he has won two of the top miles of the year (Gobierno Vasco and GP Hispanidad), which makes him the best miler in Spain.

Cielo Canarias winning the GP Hispanidad 2012. Photo courtesy of www.gacetahipodromo.com

 Here is the video (including footage of the previous edition, won by Abdel): GP Hispanidad 2012

The favourite Ariete Arrollador didn't have a good travel and Silverside finished last in his reappearance after one year without racing.


Other winners of the Friday meeting were:

Labros (Dyhim Diamond) in the 1,400 m race for Spanish bred 2yos

Don Hernando Hab (Delfos) in the 1,800 m claiming race for amateur jockeys

Monte (Singspiel) in the 2,000 m race for maiden 3yo and

Teobaldo (Singspiel) in the 2,800 m  handicap

GP de la Hispanidad tomorrow at La Zarzuela

 This Friday, National holiday in Spain, is the running of the GP de la Hispanidad, one of the highlights of the autumn season and one of the six races under consideration for upgrading to Listed level next year. It is a 1,600 m race for 3yo+, with a purse of 24,000 euros for the winner.

These horses will run this year.

Ariete Arrollador (GB, 2007), bay colt [Kingsalsa-Proud Douna(Kaldoun)], owned by Cuadra Albero, trained by G. Arizkorreta, will be ridden by V. Janacek. Probably the favourite, he won the preparatory race for 4yo+. He was 2nd to Abdel last year

Cielo Canarias (IRE, 2008), bay gelding [Exceed and Excel-Summer Dance(Saddler's Wells)], owned by Cuadra Grupo Bolaños, trained by E. León, will be ridden by J. L. Martínez. He won his last three starts, including the Gobierno Vasco in San Sebastián (also considered for Listed level)

Dunnboinee (IRE, 2008), ch. colt. [King's Best-For Starters(In the Wings)], owned by Cuadra Martul, trained by A. Imaz, will be ridden by G. Madero. He has run mostly over 2,000 m

Jakemate (SPA, 2007), bay gelding [Denver County-Shiva(Policy Matter)], owned by Cuadra Cruceña, trained by J. López,, will be ridden by Oscar Ortiz de Urbina.

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 J. L. Borrego

Silverside (USA, 2006), bay colt [Pleasantly Perfect-Lyrical Ghost(Silver Ghost)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by M. Delcher, will be ridden by J. Grosjean. This globetrotter won this race in 2009 and 2010. He was Classic winner of the Premio Cimera (Guineas) in 2009 and has run in France, Germany, Dubai, Norway, England and Spain.. He has the best rating of the race, but comes from almost a year without running.

Weststow (GB, 2008), ch. colt [Medicean-Summer Sunset(Grand Lodge)], owned by Cuadra Viguria, trained by J. M. Osorio, will be ridden by J. Crocquevieille.

Dakside (SPA, 2009), bay filly [Caradak-La Lola(Zafonic)], owned by Cuadra Safsaf, trained by F. Rodríguez, will be ridden by J. B. Eyquem

La Llanura (CAN, 2008), gray filly [El Prado-Herzblatt(Cozzene)], owned by Cuadra Tiziano, trained by M. Delcher S, will be ridden by J. Horcajada

Valiant Blue (IRE, 2009), bay colt [Moss Vale-Tiltili(Spectrum)], owned by Cuadra Agrado, trained by Teo Callejo, will be ridden by J. B. Hamel. Winner of the prep race for 3yo.



Last winners of the GP Hispanidad are: Abdel (2011), Silverside (2010 and 2009), Shumookh (2008), Solita (2007), Trip to the Moon (2006) and Young Tiger.(2005)


Other races of the card are a 1,400 m for Spanish bred 2yos, a 1,800 m claiming race for 3yo+  (including Bottega and Hispanidad winner Shumookh), a 2,000 m race for maiden 3yos and a 2,800 m handicap

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