Sarawak Rim Impresses in Recent Work, Will Be Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. in Breeders’ Cup Distaff

The Argentine Filly Covered 1200 Meters in 1:14.4 on Keeneland Dirt and Will Ship to Del Mar This Thursday

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- Facing the immense challenge of the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), Argentine filly Sarawak Rim wrapped up her final workout on Tuesday and is set to ship to Del Mar, California, this Thursday, where she will make her local debut in what is widely regarded as the toughest race of the year for fillies.

The Remote filly, representing JCB Stables—the northern satellite of Haras Firmamento—breezed 1200 meters on Keeneland dirt in 1:14.4, leaving an excellent impression and pleasing trainer Ignacio Correas (h.), who will conclude his U.S. campaign in the world’s most spectacular series before returning to Argentina in mid-November.

Tuesday also brought news regarding Sarawak Rim’s rider: Irad Ortiz Jr., currently the top-ranked jockey in the U.S., will be in the irons for the Distaff. Originally, José Ortiz had been scheduled to ride the South American contender, but a prior commitment prevented him from taking the mount.

Bred by Haras Firmamento, Sarawak Rim boasts four wins in five starts, including a standout victory in the Gran Premio Criadores (G1) on May 1, marking her most important triumph to date. She also finished second to Martana (Fortify) in the Clásico Arturo R. y Arturo Bullrich (G2), which was her first attempt at stakes level.

Leading up to this prep, the filly had shown strong works: a 1000-meter drill a week earlier in 1:01.20, and an eight-furlong move in 49.6 seconds from the gate, ranking among the best exercises on that Keeneland morning.

While Sarawak Rim’s final workout confirmed her readiness and current top form, her team is fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead. She will be facing the very best older fillies and mares in the Distaff, though notably without Thorpedo Anna (Fast Anna), who was retired following a disappointing effort in the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1).

One of Argentina and South America’s brightest hopes at this year’s Breeders’ Cup, Sarawak Rim will head to Del Mar this Thursday carrying high expectations, fully aware of the formidable challenge that awaits in her U.S. debut at the highest level.Breeders' Cup se llama Sarawak Rim y este jueves viajará rumbo a Del Mar con una valija repleta de ilusiones, más allá de la lógica dificultad de un reto tan importante.