Victoria Bayern surged late to defeat Blessed Shine in the Handicap Rafale

The Stud Rubio B. mare achieved the best victory of her campaign this Monday, defeating the favorite by 1 1/2 lengths

Victoria Bayern drew clear of Blessed Shine in the final furlong/ HAPSA

Victoria Bayern finally got it done. After several attempts and a string of solid placings, the Stud Rubio B. maresecured a victory above the standard level. It happened this Monday, during a lackluster card at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, where she prevailed in the final stages to take the Handicap Rafale, contested over 1,400 meters on a standard, but demanding, dirt track.

Coming off a narrow victory in allowance company, the daughter of champion Santillano had more left in the tank than the favorite Blessed Shine (Honour Devil). For the latter, the 61 kilos proved too much to handle in the final furlong against a rival carrying a much lighter 56 1/2 kilos.

The tactical setup was clear from the day entries were taken: regardless of the weight, Blessed Shine would set the pace. Facundo Coria did his job aboard the Stud Aguas Buenas defender, grading the rhythm with fractions of 24s98/100 and 49s3/100, but the truth would be told in the homestretch.

William Pereyra, meanwhile, maintaining his tremendous winning streak, waited patiently with Victoria Bayern, keeping her relaxed in third and ready to make the big effort when it mattered most. That moment arrived in front of the grandstands.

Up front, Blessed Shine did the impossible to hold on, and she wasn't far from succeeding. She had the misfortune of running into a rival who, once she found her gear, was unstoppable, drawing clear in the final furlong to win by 1 1/2 lengths in 1m26s9/100. The final time clearly indicates that the main track in Buenos Aires is in dire need of a heavy rain. Two lengths back, Princesa Candy (Señor Candy, 51) finished third, with another five lengths back to Emma Linda (Emmanuel, 54 1/2), who completed the superfecta.

Bred by Haras La Pasión and under the expert, ever-capable hand of Juan Carlos Etchechoury (h.), Victoria Bayern is out of Vegetta (Zensational)—none other than a maternal half-sister to champion Víctor Security (Stormy Atlantic)and the very good runner and decent sire Vástago Salvaje (Candy Ride).