Mi Negra Paula’s consistency delivered once again

The Reflecting filly from Stud-Haras Los Machitos produced the strongest late run to score on the San Isidro dirt in the Especial Badruddin

Mi Negra Paula has now added a second victory above the ordinary level / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The opening card of the season found its leading light in Mi Negra Paula, who once again leaned on her trademark consistency to land the Especial Badruddin (1200m, dirt), the highlight of a very low-level program that offered a purse of just ARS 3,700,000.

At San Isidro, carrying 58 kilos, the daughter of Reflecting produced a well-timed late run to reel in the front-running Rollanda (Bodemeister, 56), who had been softened up by the sustained pressure applied by the favorite Kelly Rose (Il Campione) almost from the break.

Ridden with confidence by Francisco Lavigna, the winner asserted herself inside the final 150 meters to score by 1 1/2 lengths over the brave Rollanda, with Emalvi (Orpen, 56) charging from well back to complete the trifecta, a head behind the runner-up. Another 2 1/2 lengths back, Kelly Rose settled for fourth. The final time was 1:11.74.

A homebred racing for Stud-Haras Los Machitos and trained by Lucio Salerni, Mi Negra Paula notched the sixth victory of her career from 26 starts, and her second success above allowance level, having previously captured the Clásico Etoile (Listed) a few months ago. Her earnings are now just shy of ARS 32 million.

Once again, Mi Negra Paula dipped into her competitive generosity to add a touch of shine to an otherwise grey afternoon of racing—one of those afternoons that, regrettably, has become all too familiar.