Vahva Delivers Again in Chicago Stakes
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Photo: Coady Media/Renee Torbit
Vahva overpowers Society late to win the Chicago Stakes at Churchill Downs
A month after capturing her first grade 1 win, Vahva continued to reign supreme with an assertive 1 1/4-length score in the $250,000 Chicago Stakes (G3) June 22 at Churchill Downs.
Hammered down to 2-5 odds for the Chicago following her resounding display in the Derby City Distaff (G1), the normally late-running Vahva had to overcome a short field and a loose-on-the-lead grade 1 winner in order to secure the victory.
The Steve Asmussen-trained Society , a top-level filly in her own right, was the one to catch in the seven-furlong Chicago. Although Vahva showed a surprising turn of foot leaving the gate, she soon conceded command to Society, unraced since a third-place finish in last November's Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). As Vahva took back a few lengths behind the leader, Society rolled uncontested through opening splits of :22.44 and :44.61.
"Clearly Society was the speed of the race and the rest of the field came from behind," winning rider Irad Ortiz Jr. said. "Vahva has been breaking so good the last couple of times. She broke in front on top of everyone (today) and I let her be there and let her be happy and she was there when I asked for a little more."
Ortiz called on Vahva as the field sped into the turn and the pair quickly were hot on the heels of the pacesetter. Drawing alongside Society at the quarter pole, Vahva raced head and head with her rival down the lane, gaining the upper hand in the final sixteenth. The daughter of Gun Runner motored under the wire in 1:21.01 on a fast main track.
Positano Sunset closed down the middle of the track to edge a tiring Society for second.
"Going into this race there was a little apprehension going against Society, she's obviously a very accomplished horse and you have to have a lot of respect for her," trainer Cherie DeVaux said. "Also her being the only speed in the race and breaking from the rail. I was confident in (Vahva). I just wasn't sure how the race would shape up."
Winning rider Irad Ortiz Jr. and Vahva after the Chicago Stakes at Churchill Downs
Vahva ($2.92), owned in partnership by Belladonna Racing, Edward and Lynne Hudson, West Point Thoroughbreds, Nice Guys Stables, Twin Brook Stables, Steve Hornstock, LBD Stable, Manganaro Bloodstock, and Runnels Racing, took her earnings to $1,732,810 with her fourth stakes victory.
DeVaux indicated that Saratoga Race Course's Ballerina Stakes (G1) Aug. 24, a target the team mapped out for Vahva at the beginning of 2024, would be next on the filly's agenda. The Ballerina could serve as a final prep for the ultimate year-end goal, the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Del Mar.