With Heart and Class, Elenika Captures the Aristegui and Eyes Bigger Goals

The Esteban Brown trainee closed strongly down the center of the track and cemented her status as the top filly at La Plata

Elenika Strings Together Back-to-Back Stakes Wins, Thrives with Added Ground / HLP

LA PLATA.- They say getting to the top is hard, but staying there is even harder. Elenika took that challenge head-on Tuesday afternoon at La Plata and delivered once again, reaffirming her dominance in the local 2-year-old filly division.

Having stepped up in a big way in early May with a win in the G3 Clásico Andrés S. Torres, the daughter of Winning Prize left no doubt about her status with a gutsy score in the G2 Clásico Raúl Aristegui over 1500 meters, continuing her progression toward the G2 Polla de Potrancas just around the corner.

Precocious enough to win on debut over 1000 meters in the Jan. 2 Especial Apertura, the Stud Hilda Juanarepresentative has improved steadily with each start, and the added ground has proven a key ally, allowing her to showcase a potent combination of stamina and class.

With William Pereyra taking over the ride from Juan Cruz Rivarola—who had piloted her in all of her previous starts but opted this time for Forti Leaf (Fortify)—Elenika saved every inch of ground early while Mis Locuras (Manipulator) set the pace.

Moto Ninja (Hat Ninja) ranged up entering the far turn to join the fight for the lead, and as the field approached the straight, Pereyra guided Elenika to the three path to avoid traffic. From there, the response was instant. The filly surged to the front at the 200-meter mark and held gamely to the wire, fending off Moto Ninja by a length in 1:33.35.

Forti Leaf checked in third, a head back, with Mis Locuras a game fourth, just a nose away. Well-regarded favorite Calle de Tierra (Strategos) was a non-threatening fifth, beaten six lengths and giving the impression that shorter distances may suit her better going forward.

Bred by Haras La Fortaleza, Elenika now boasts four victories from five starts and heads into the second half of the year with momentum and the clear leadership in her division.