Vedette Queen Turns the Tables on Miss Talent in Palermo’s Handicap Cote D'Or

Guided by Francisco Leandro, the daughter of Suggestive Boy went gate to wire to defeat Miss Talent at Palermo, proving she's in the best form of her career

Vedette Queen held off Miss Talent’s late charge down the stretch / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

Vedette Queen (117 lbs.) capped her outstanding current form with a gate-to-wire victory in Friday’s featured Handicap Cote D’Or at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, contested over 1800 meters on the main dirt track rated fast.

The daughter of Suggestive Boy also avenged a previous defeat to Miss Talent (Equal Stripes, 126 lbs.), who had dominated her back in early February over the mile. This time, though still conceding weight, Miss Talent had to settle for second, 1 1/2 lengths behind, despite going off as the heavy favorite.

Ironically, the weight disparity was less pronounced this time around—Vedette Queen had received 13 pounds in their first meeting, but only 7 3/4 here. The added distance and her significant improvement made the difference, along with a race shape that perfectly suited her strengths. Guided confidently by Francisco Leandro, the filly took command early and was allowed to dictate the pace with total freedom.

With the rest of the field content to bide their time, La Esperanza’s homebred carved out early fractions of :25.81, :49.28, and 1:15.65. By the time the field straightened for home and Miss Talent emerged from the pack to launch her bid, the leader had plenty left and repelled the challenge without much trouble.

Alma Vasca (Alma de Acero, 117 lbs.) surprised to complete the trifecta, another 5 lengths behind, as the stopwatch stopped at 1:50.32 for the 1800 meters, with a mile split of 1:37.90.

Trainer Enrique Martín Ferro commented after the race: “The plan was to let her run her race. She’s got a beautiful stride for the distance, and Leandro knows her well. She just finds her rhythm when she’s alone. No one came to challenge her, and she relaxed nicely. Fortunately, she finished up well and held off Miss Talent, who had already beaten us in allowance company. She looks like she’ll handle 2000 meters, she’s in top form, sound, weighing 480 kilos. I see her improving further and adding more to her résumé.”

Vedette Queen is out of a daughter of the brilliant sprinter Vedette Roma (Romanov), one of five stakes-winning progeny produced by Vedette’s Parade (Parade Marshal).