Iotapa Could Take Hronis From Claim to Fame

With a pair of grade I victories under her belt, a track she likes, and early or tactical speed her rivals must contend with, Hronis Racing's Iotapa looms a threat in this year's $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I).

In fact, many years her resume could make her a favorite in the 1 1/8-mile race for fillies and mares. But this year Beholder figures to be a strong choice to defend her Distaff title off her win in the Zenyatta Stakes (gr. I) Sept. 2 at Santa Anita Park. Iotapa finished third in the Zenyatta, four lengths behind Beholder.

Still, Kosta Hronis, who runs the family racing stable, need only look at Iotapa's two grade I victories this season—in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar, where she rated in second before edging Broken Sword at the wire; and a 10 1/4-length, front-running romp in the Vanity Stakes at Santa Anita—to have confidence. She has run well at Santa Anita, where she has won a pair of graded stakes and placed in four other graded events, three of those being grade I races. As a Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In," race, that Hirsch win will pay Iotapa's starter fees for this year's Distaff. 

Hronis Racing will be looking for its first Breeders' Cup victory after a pair of off-the-board finishes by Lady of Shamrock in the 2012 and 2013 Filly and Mare Turf (gr. I), and a fifth-place finish in last year's Turf with Vagabond Shoes. 

Winning with former claimer Iotapa would be appropriate for Hronis Racing, which acquired its initial horses by claiming with its trainer, John Sadler. Hronis Racing claimed Iotapa for $50,000 out of her debut maiden race victory June 21, 2012 at Hollywood Park. Iotapa, by Afleet Alex  , made that initial start for breeders Gem Inc., Steven Bajer, and Robin O'Hara. She is a 4-year-old out of the El Corredor mare Concinnous.

Iotapa already has provided some special memories for Kosta Hronis, who celebrated her Vanity win.

"To be among the names that have won this race over the years, this is an honor indeed," Hronis said.

Iotapa is likely making her final start for her connections. She is scheduled to be sold at the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale that begins Nov. 4.

The Hronis family grows grapes and oranges at their Hronis and Sons near Delano, Calif., a business founded by parents Jim and Sophia.

Larry Benavidez, an assistant to Sadler, noted after the Clement Hirsch win that while Iotapa typically races on the front end, she does have a second gear for her regular rider Joe Talamo.

"He knows when she switches leads she takes off again and has a better gear," Benavidez said. "When most horses switch leads there's more (energy) left. When she switches leads, she just explodes again."