Okuni provided Sovereign with his first stakes victory at Monterrico as a sire

The Haras La Leyenda-bred filly captured the Clásico Libertador José de San Martín over 1400 meters on the turf, giving Sovereign his first stakes winner at Monterrico as a sire

LIMA, Peru (Special to Turf Diario).- The arrival of young stallions is always accompanied by hope, expectation, and patience. Every freshman sire represents a new story, and when the first stakes victory arrives, the feeling is multiplied. That was precisely the case last Saturday at Hipódromo de Monterrico, where Argentine-bred Okuni delivered the first black-type success for Sovereign, the remembered Irish Derby (G1) winner now standing at Haras El Mallín.

The 2-year-old bay filly responded in the best possible fashion in the Clásico Libertador José de San Martín, contested over 1400 meters on the Lima turf for fillies of the new generation, producing a performance that fueled expectations not only for her own future, but also for the early development of the son of Galileo, whose profile has always pointed toward turf racing and classic distances.

Bred by Haras La Leyenda de Areco and racing for Stud Doña Licha, Okuni confirmed that she possesses both talent and stamina in equal measure. Following an encouraging debut, the trainee of Raphael Herrera showed notable improvement to secure her first victory in only her second career start, with Rito Almanza shining aboard.

The race featured changing scenarios and a demanding pace from the outset. While several of the favorites sought forward positions, Okuni was handled patiently, never rushed, simply waiting for the right moment to unleash her rally. And once Almanza found clear running in the stretch, the filly’s response proved decisive.

With a determined stride and tremendous heart, the daughter of Sovereign and Opera Lily (Street Cry) steadily reduced the margin before sweeping past late to defeat Tomo La Punta (Meal Penalty) by a quarter of a length after that rival had offered stubborn resistance. Another 1 1/4 lengths back, Tomasa (Galapiat) completed the trifecta just ahead of Lunareja (Meal Penalty).

Fractions of :23.30, :47.49, and 1:12.14 reflected a solidly run affair before Okuni sealed the victory in a final time of 1:25.37 for the 1400 meters.

For Sovereign, the result carries special meaning.

The son of Galileo assembled a high-class racing career in Europe, reaching his crowning achievement in the 2019 Irish Derby when defeating none other than the powerful Anthony Van Dyck (Galileo) at The Curragh. Possessing an imposing physique and an outstanding pedigree, the bay only recently began his stud career in Argentina, and Okuni has now become the first representative of his initial crop to visit the winner’s circle.

The accomplishment becomes even more significant considering that Sovereign’s first runners are only beginning to appear at the races, making this success an ideal calling card for the Haras El Mallín stallion.

The victory also once again confirmed the outstanding moment currently enjoyed by Argentine breeding at Monterrico, where week after week horses born at Argentine farms continue to emerge as major protagonists, strengthening an increasingly powerful influence within Peruvian racing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqj38eBYUYE