Dona Clota Will Seek to Confirm Her Progress in a Demanding Stayer Contest at Saratoga

The Chilean mare will face a crowded field of rivals this Sunday in the Glens Falls Stakes (G2), following her G3victory at Delaware Park

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).— Heavy rains forced changes to the Saratogaschedule, moving the Glens Falls Stakes (G2) from its original Thursday slot to Sunday. The shift has done nothing to dampen the appeal of a contest that gathers several of the top turf stayers in the United States, while holding strong South American interest thanks to the presence of Chilean filly Dona Clota, a recent graded stakes winner ready to test her mettle against top-flight competition.

Representing Resolute Racing and trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., the daughter of Ivan Denisovich enters with soaring confidence after securing her first North American victory on June 13 at Delaware Park in the Robert G. Dick Memorial Stakes (G3). That triumph, earned via a powerful late charge to prevail by a neck over Alluring Angel(Fastnet Rock), confirmed the complete adaptation of the two-time G1 winner from Chile.

In her homeland, Dona Clota built a illustrious career, capturing both the Gran Premio Nacional Ricardo Lyon (G1) and El Ensayo (G1) during 2024—credentials that established her as one of the region's elite stayers prior to embarking on her American campaign. After several attempts where victory proved elusive, she finally found the reward her pedigree demanded and will now look to take an even bigger step forward.

The task, however, will be far more demanding. The Glens Falls, run over 2,400 meters on the Saratoga inner turf, features a field of immense quality led by French-bred Gezora (Almanzor), winner of the Prix de Diane (G1) and the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1), who will attempt to bounce back following two subpar efforts this season.

Now under the care of Bill Mott, she finished second in the Modesty Stakes (G3) before trailing the field in the New York Stakes (G1), a result her trainer prefers to write off. "You just have to draw a line through that race. I believe she is much better than what she showed," stated the conditioner, confident that the return to a longer distance will play heavily in her favor.

Mott will also saddle Alluring Angel, the runner-up to Dona Clota at Delaware Park. The experienced mare will seek revenge after coming up just short that afternoon, returning to a course setup that suits her style perfectly.

Among the leading contenders is Speed Shopper (Quality Road), a proven long-distance specialist. Carrying the silks of Gary Barber, Bridlewood Farm, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, she captured both the Christophe Clement Stakes (G3) and the Bewitch Stakes (G3) at marathon trips this year, and arrives following an unplaced effort in the New York (G1), where a two-turn trip failed to play to her strengths.

Another runner of high intrigue is European import Survie (Churchill), making her United States debut. Conditioned by George Boughey, she brings high-class form against top stayers in Europe, backed by notable performances in Saudi Arabia and Royal Ascot, along with multiple G1 placings in France.

Saffie Joseph Jr. will not rely solely on Dona Clota, as he also saddles French-bred Venencia (Recoletos), winner of the Dowager Stakes (G3) and recent runner-up in the Keertana Stakes (L), forming a potent two-pronged attack for a race that promises a grueling tempo and a stretch duel tailored for late closers.

With twelve runners and an elite lineup, the Glens Falls represents a far tougher test than the one Dona Clota passed at Delaware. Nevertheless, the Chilean mare arrives in peak form since her arrival in the United States, backed by restored confidence. If she can replicate the explosive turn of foot shown in the Robert G. Dick, she possesses all the credentials to play a starring role once more and keep South American hopes high at one of North American racing's most demanding venues.