The verdict in the $1 million Derby City Distaff went to Vahva, who took the lead from rival Alva Starr in the stretch and won by two lengths Saturday in the first of three $1 million races on the Kentucky Derby Day undercard.
Trained by Cherie DeVaux and ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., Vahva moved to a 2-1 lead over Alva Starr; Vahva edged Alva Starr in the Raven Run (G2) back in October, and Alva Starr turned the tables in the Madison (G1) on April 6.
Vahva, a 4-year daughter of Gun Runner, improved to 12-5-3-2 and moved onto millionaire’s row in earnings. With the winner’s share of $600,000, Vahva boosted her earnings to $1,589,310. The filly was purchased as a yearling for $280,000.
Winning time for 7 furlongs over a fast track was 1:21,75 and Vahva, the 8-5 favorite, returned $5.44 on a $2 win bet. Alva Starr was the 2-1 second choice.
“The last time I rode her, I didn’t know her very well and it wasn’t one of my best rides,’’ Ortiz said. “Today, I was able to sit a perfect trip and turning for home she really finished strong for me.”
Spirit Wind took the early lead in the field of 10, with Alva Starr close behind under Tyler Gaffalione. As the field rounded the turn, Ortiz asked his filly to get going and she did, passing the leaders by mid-stretch and cruised home for the win.
The Derby City Distaff was race 6 on the Derby Day card.
Strong Quality took the lead shortly after the start and scored a half-length victory over Kupuna in the 1-mile overnight stakes 4-year-olds and up. Trained by Mark Casse and ridden by Florent Geroux, Strong Quality returned $13.02 on a $2 win bet
Cogburn ($18.78) and jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. had clear running from an outside post and went on for a 2 ¼-length victory in the 5 ½-furlong dash for 3-year-olds and up. Winning time was 1:03.16 over a turf course listed as “good.” Filo Di Arianna was second.
Call it the Chad Brown Turf Mile. Chili Flag, with Irad Ortiz, Jr. guiding the filly to a winning stretch run, gave the trainer his fourth win in a row in this race for 4-year-old fillies and mares.
Bred in France, Chili Flag came into the race off a neck victory in the Honey Fox (G3) at Gulfstream Park in March. The 5-year-old mare won by a neck once again, this time beating stablemates Coppice (second) in the final strides, with Delahaye in third.
Chili Flag, at 4-1, returned $10.06.
“She’s great, she knows what she has to do,’’ Ortiz said. “I took her inside and let her sit, let her feel comfortable and find her stride. I was able to roll with her when I had to. Every time that I’ve ridden her, she’s given me that confidence to come running late.”
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