La Kika Set the Record Straight, Earns Breeders’ Cup Berth

2024 Horse of the Year in Peru, she remained at Monterrico to capture the G1 Clásico Pamplona, earning a berth in the G1 Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar in November; Argentine-bred Queen Siena finished third

Diego Lozano celebrates aboard La Kika / JCP

LIMA, Perú (Special for Turf Diario).- In another performance brimming with grit, La Kika (Badge of Silver) once again left her mark on the turf at Monterrico. Crowned Peru’s 2023 Horse of the Year, the Stud Amistad colorbearer edged out a valiant Mathilde (Eye On Jacob) in the G1 Gran Premio Pamplona (2000m, turf) to earn an automatic, expenses-paid berth in the GI Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar as part of the “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series.

Patiently handled by Diego Lozano and trained by Luis Quimper, La Kika launched her rally from well off the pace, sweeping widest of all in the stretch. Fidenzia (Hurricane Cat) led early, with Mathilde saving ground in fourth and La Kika biding her time near the rear. By the two-furlong pole, Boudica (The Lieutenant) and Argentine invader Queen Sienna (Fortify) had taken over, only to be swallowed up by the late surging top two.

The closing stages saw a thrilling duel unfold between Mathilde and La Kika, with the latter finding a touch more in the final strides to prevail by half a length in 2:03.86, securing the sixth win of her career and third at G1 level—arguably the most important of all.

Queen Sienna and Boudica followed them home in a field reduced to 13 after a late scratch.

Already a dual G1 winner this year, having taken the Polla de Potrancas on dirt and the Augusto B. Leguía National on turf, La Kika once again showcased her versatility and class—this time with an international ticket punched. As long as she is officially nominated by Oct. 20, the Breeders’ Cup will cover her entry and travel expenses.

Out of the memorable Azarenka (Street Hero) and bred by Haras Los Azahares, La Kika’s résumé also features wins in the G3 Felipe Pardo y Barreda and G2 Enrique Ayulo Pardo, and she bounced back here after a pair of subpar efforts in the Listed Ernesto Ayulo Pardo and G3 República Argentina.