Rachel's Valentina Sparkles in Debut

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/02/2015 - 09:49
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Rachel's Valentina Sparkles in Debut
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It took Rachel's Valentina a moment to figure out what this racing thing is all about, but once the 2-year-old filly found her stride, there was no stopping her en route to a sparkling debut victory Aug. 2 in an $83,000 maiden special weight at Saratoga Race Course.

The juvenile daughter of Bernardini   is the second foal out of the champion racemare Rachel Alexandra, but her first foal to race. She ran six furlongs in a final time of 1:10.39 on a fast track under Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez, drawing off late after reeling in pacesetter Awesome Dame to finish two lengths ahead.

Sent off favored at even money in a group of eight young fillies, Rachel's Valentina broke a step slow and was hustled from the gate by Velazquez, but still had significant ground to make up after a quarter in :22.25. The Todd Pletcher trainee made a big rally five wide coming off the far turn, behind a half in :45.75, and took control through five-eighths in :57.94.

Rachel's Valentina returned $4.10, $3.10, and $2.40. Awesome Dame paid $5.40 and $3.30. Louisiana-bred Big World, running well back in third, brought $2.80.

Rachel's Valentina was bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings. Her 3-year-old half-brother, the Curlin   colt Jess's Dream, is also in training for Stonestreet at Saratoga with Kiaran McLaughlin, but has yet to race after having his training delayed because of injury.