Ayra Stark and a great second-place finish in the Christophe Clement Stakes at Gulfstream

The Argentine mare set the pace from the start and was caught at the wire by Speed Shopper, who had also defeated her in the Florence Stakes at Turfway Park

Ayra Stark, along the inside, hits the stretch in the lead in the Christophe Clement Stakes / ADAM COGLIANESE

HALLANDALE BEACH, Florida (Special for Turf Diario).— On a day charged with emotion during Pegasus World Cup Day, the mare Speed Shopper claimed the Christophe Clement Stakes (G3-2,400m, turf). However, the greatest pride for the region came from the Argentine Ayra Stark (Cosmic Trigger), who delivered a career-defining performance by finishing second, just 1 3/4 lengths from victory, against a top-tier international field.

The race, known until last year as La Prevoyante, was contested for the first time under the name Christophe Clement, in tribute to the renowned trainer who passed away last May, author of 2,576 victories and six wins in this very race. Within a program that distributed over $5.6 million in purses, the stakes held a special place for both its history and its emotional weight.

With John Velazquez delivering a masterful ride, Speed Shopper settled in third, tucked along the rails, while the Argentine Ayra Stark, who went off at 15-1, took the initiative from the jump, setting the pace alongside Weighted Average (English Channel). The fraction of 50s20/100 for the half-mile reflected a steady tempo, ideal for a stayer of her profile.

In the home stretch, Velazquez found the right gap, moved Speed Shopper off the rail, and launched an attack between rivals. The American filly responded with authority and drew clear by 1 3/4 lengths, clocking 2m26s76/100 over firm turf. Nevertheless, behind her, Ayra Stark never gave in: she bravely resisted the bid of Weighted Average and defended the runner-up spot with heart, holding a neck advantage for second place.

For the representative of Argentine breeding, this result represents much more than a mere placing: it is a validation at the highest level against mares of proven class, and over a demanding distance like the mile and a half.

Speed Shopper, who now boasts a record of 3-2-1 in nine starts, was coming off a second-place finish in the Rodeo Drive (G2) and a win in the Florence Stakes (L) at Turfway Park, where she had also caught Ayra Stark near the wire, confirming her excellent form.

Her trainer, Will Walden, highlighted the emotional importance of the win: “Christophe was fundamental in my life. He always cared about the next generation. To win this race in his honor means everything.”

Velazquez, for his part, summarized the strategy simply: “We sat behind the speed and waited. When we found the room, she responded perfectly.”

On an afternoon of big names and millions at stake, Ayra Stark wrote her own page of pride, carrying the Argentine flag to the top of the Gulfstream turf on a day that featured a strong "Albiceleste" touch.