Verrazano Gets First Winner in Chile

Ashford Stud's multiple grade 1 winner and freshman sire Verrazano  was represented by his first winner Aug. 18, when Copia Ciega won in her debut by 4 1/2 lengths at Hipodromo Chile in Santiago.

The filly, out of the Street Cry daughter Dharana, races as a homebred for Haras Doña Icha and is trained by Carlos Hernandez Urbina. She was the only entrant in the 14-horse field making her first start. 

Copia Ciega grabbed the early lead in the five-furlong race on dirt and never conceded her position. She took the field through fractions of :22.83 and :46.27 before stopping the timer at :59.64.

Dharana was bred by Darley and acquired by Haras Doña Icha for $40,000 out of Taylor Made Sales Agency's consignment at the 2015 Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale. The mare was carrying Copia Ciega in utero when she was sold. Though Dharana was actually bred to Verrazano in the U.S., the 8-year-old son of More Than Ready  has been a part of the Chilean Thoroughbred breeding scene, having shuttled there in 2016 and 2017. The stallion also shuttled one season to Australia in 2015.

Verrazano has been represented by 21 starters worldwide to date. His chief earner to date is Kentucky Juvenile Stakes runner-up Myhotrodlincoln. Verrazano stood at Ashford this year for $17,500.