South American Runners Richi and La Kika Set for the Zenyatta Stakes at Santa Anita

The Chilean, already established in the U.S., is among the contenders, while the Peruvian champion will make her U.S. debut, targeting the Breeders’ Cup Distaff as her ultimate goal

Richi Brings Solid U.S. Credentials / BENOIT PHOTO

ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).- South American eyes will be on Santa Anita Park this Sunday, where two mares from the region will take center stage in the 2025 edition of the Zenyatta Stakes (G2, 1 1/16 miles, dirt, $200,000). This is no ordinary race: as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge, the winner will secure a spot in the Distaff (G1) at Del Mar on November 1.

The Chilean Richi (Practical Joke) has already carved out a prominent place in California’s elite. Winner of the Gran Premio Tanteo de Potrancas (G1) at Club Hípico de Santiago, she was exported under the guidance of Hill ‘n’ Dale Equine Holdings, which watched her develop into a multiple stakes winner in the United States. Trained by Bob Baffert, the bay mare counts the Santa Maria Stakes (G2) among her local achievements and finished second to the undefeated Cavalieri (Curlin) in the Beholder Mile (G1). Her record speaks for itself: 15 starts, 8 wins, 4 seconds, 2 thirds, and earnings of $430,424.

The headline newcomer is La Kika (Badge of Silver), one of Peru’s most dominant mares in recent years. She excelled on both dirt and turf, capturing multiple G1s for Stud Amistad. Exported early in the season, the Doug O’Neill-trainedfilly is set for her U.S. debut, with Chilean Héctor Berríos in the irons. Expectations are high: it is rare for a Peruvian champion to compete at this level, and if she performs well, a path to the Breeders’ Cup could open. She is already qualified thanks to her Pamplona (G1) victory at Monterrico, part of South America’s Challenge Series.

The Zenyatta field also features heavy hitters such as the undefeated Cavalieri, absent since March but flawless in four starts, and Sugar Fish (Accelerate), defending champion aiming to replicate her previous triumph. Howin, a daughter of Gun Runner from Team Baffert, rounds out the entrants under Kazushi Kimura.

With a mix of proven stars and exciting new talent, the 2025 Zenyatta Stakes promises to be a must-watch for South American racing fans. It will be the ultimate test of Richi’s class, while also providing the first benchmark to see if La Kika is ready to compete with the world’s elite.