Ayra Stark and Gran Mirella, two Argentine hopes, head to the most European-style course in the U.S.
- Turf Diario
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
The fillies face a stiff test this Saturday in the Light & Wonder Ladies Marathon Invitational (G3) at Kentucky Downs, with dreams of Del Mar on the horizon…
By Diego H. Mitagstein
Argentine turf will once again have high-class representation this Saturday at one of the most unique and challenging tracks in the United States. Ayra Stark and Gran Mirella, two fillies with international potential, will face top-level competition in the Light & Wonder Ladies Marathon Invitational (G3, 2,100 meters, turf) at Kentucky Downs, a course unlike any other in the country—tight, twisting, with subtle undulations and long straights—making it the most “European” track in the U.S. It’s the perfect test to measure the ambitions of these Argentine runners, who hope not only to shine on the U.S. calendar but possibly earn a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) this November at Del Mar.
On one side is Ayra Stark, trained by Ignacio Correas (h.), coming off a solid allowance victory on turf at Colonial Downs, where she displayed power, rhythm, and a competitive edge. She will be ridden by Vincent Cheminaud, a French jockey with extensive turf experience, an ideal fit for the demands of Kentucky Downs, where tactics often count as much as strength.
Opposite her is Gran Mirella, a G1 winner in Argentina, who has thrived since arriving in the United States. The daughter of Dabster most recently won an allowance on dirt at Horseshoe Indianapolis with authority and will look to prove she is ready to compete at the highest level. She will be ridden by Venezuelan Junior Alvarado, one of the top Latin jockeys in the U.S., and trained by Riley Mott, who has been vocal about his high expectations for the filly.
The challenge could not be stiffer. The field combines established stars and rising talents. Beach Bomb (Lancaster Bomber), multiple G1 winner in South Africa, has already shown her quality in the U.S., winning the Orchid (G3) and The Very One (G3) at Gulfstream Park, later finishing second to the accomplished She Feels Pretty (Karakontie) in the New York Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, and most recently fifth in the Beverly D. Stakes (G2). Also in the field is Spanish Eyes (Zarak), second in the German Oaks (G1) in 2024 and runner-up in the Beverly D. (G2), as well as Nadette (Outstrip), a stakes winner in California.
Other notable contenders include No Mo Candy (Uncle Mo), winner of the Pebbles Stakes (G3) in New York last year; Duvet Day (Starspangledbanner), fourth in the Beverly D. and a stakes winner at Churchill Downs; and Stellify(Justify), entering off three consecutive victories and stepping up in class for trainer Brad Cox.
In this context, the Argentine presence is impossible to ignore. Both Ayra Stark and Gran Mirella have already shown they can adapt and compete on a globalized turf, and they will tackle a layout where strategy is paramount. At Kentucky Downs, raw power is not enough—energy management, course judgment, and perfect timing are decisive.
If they succeed, the possibilities extend to a new level. The Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, set for Nov. 2 at Del Mar, looms as an ambitious but attainable target. The talent of both fillies, coupled with top-tier teams and skilled riders, allows them to dream big.
Argentine turf continues to grow its international presence, and this Saturday, on the most European-style track in the U.S., Ayra Stark and Gran Mirella will seek to take a significant step toward the elite. If there is a place to measure dreams, it is Kentucky Downs.
