Eleven Mile Leaves No Doubt in Handicap Con Brio Score

The Il Campione filly made it look easy, drawing off to a commanding 5-length victory over Valga La Pena

Martín Valle took command early and never looked back aboard Eleven Mile / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

It may have taken a bit more effort than expected, but on an uncharacteristic Thursday card at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, Eleven Mile returned to top form and found her way back to the winner’s circle. The feature event on the program, the Handicap Con Brio (1000m, muddy dirt), was one of only two races above the standard condition level, and the Stud Los Del Vallesenses runner delivered a dominant performance.

Ridden by Martín Valle and carrying 58 kilos, the daughter of Il Campione flashed the same kind of ability she showed last November when capturing the Listed Clásico La Troienne over the turf at San Isidro, or even in her eighth-place finish in the G1 Gran Premio Félix de Alzaga Unzué, where she was beaten just 4 3/4 lengths by Arellano (Angiolo).

Quick from the gate, the dark bay was in the thick of things from the outset, racing in close attendance to favored Hit Dubai (Hit It a Bomb, 54 1/2 kg), who was intent on staying glued to the rail. Several fillies appeared to be in contention through the early going, but once Valle gave her the cue, Eleven Mile kicked into another gear, opening up swiftly and cruising to the wire with flair.

She crossed the line 5 lengths clear of the inconsistent Valga La Pena (Fortify, 54 kg), with Jugadoraza (Winning Prize, 55 1/2 kg) checking in third, another length back. Hit Dubai followed in fourth after 54.69 seconds of honest running.

Bred by Haras El Paraíso and trained by Mario Villamarín, Eleven Mile is the best performer to date out of Night Walker (Sebi Halo), and hails from the same female family as speedy mare Winehouse (Majestic Warrior). Her tail-female line, Argentina’s prolific 3-b from Haras Ojo de Agua, has produced such standouts as Gioconda (Good Manners), Fire Wall (Incurable Optimist), Forty Greeta (Roar), Venerancia (Lode) and her G1-winning son Vundu(Suggestive Boy), as well as For the Top (Equal Stripes), a Derby winner.

Versatile on both turf and dirt, Eleven Mile regained her confidence and looks poised to reenter the fray among the top sprinting fillies and mares, where Lagoa Azul (Lenovo) currently sets the pace—but the throne is far from secure.