Ayra Stark adds another Argentine-flavored victory at Keeneland

The Haras Juan Antonio-bred mare scored an authoritative victory in a 2400-meter allowance at Keeneland — perhaps Ignacio Correas (h.)’s last win there?

Ayra Stark finished strongly — and gives plenty of reason for excitement…/ KEENELAND

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).– At the close of a high-class day of racing at Keeneland, another story with a distinctly Argentine flavor took center stage. The protagonist was Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger–Delfia, by Exchange Rate), bred by Haras Juan Antonio, who, under the care of Ignacio Correas IV, scored an authoritative victory in the Warrendale Purse, the day’s feature race — leaving behind a lingering sense that it might have been a farewell performance.

Ridden by José Ortiz, the Haymarket Farm representative sat comfortably behind pacesetter Statement Made (Always Dreaming), took command effortlessly turning for home, and drew off in style to win by 4 1/4 lengths, stopping the clock in 2:31.23 for the 2400 meters over firm turf.

It was her second win in five U.S. starts, further validating the quality she had already displayed in South America and reinforcing the hallmark stamina and class long associated with Argentine breeding.

Beyond the numbers, the win carried a deeper meaning. All signs suggest it could be Correas’s final victory at Keeneland before his return to Argentina. The trainer, who left an indelible mark in the United States with champions such as Blue Prize (Pure Prize), Didia (Orpen), and Doña Bruja (Storm Embrujado), is expected to retire and head home following the Breeders’ Cup, where he will saddle Sarawak Rim (Remote) in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

A winner of the G2 Ramón Biaus at Palermo in her last start in Argentina, Ayra Stark had previously captured an allowance at Colonial Downs before a subpar effort on the tricky course at Kentucky Downs.

Now, she will move to a new trainer (yet to be announced), with hopes of continuing her winning ways.

Poppy the Princess (Cairo Prince) and Royal Suite (Tiz the Law) completed the trifecta, well behind an Ayra Stark who once again proved that Argentine class knows no borders.