A victory in Peru June 22 earned Stud Couet's Valiant Emilia a starting berth in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) later this year at Santa Anita Park.
The 4-year-old daughter of the Pegasus Wind (by Fusaichi Pegasus ) won the Clasico Cesar Del Rio (Per-III) at Monterrico for her first stakes victory and 11th from 23 career starts. She covered 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles) in 2:10.01 on dirt. The race, worth $200,000, is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win & You're In" series.
Ridden by Alfredo Clemente for trainer Juan Suarez Fillarroel, Valiant Emilia tracked from third early, seized command on the turn and repelled a persistent challenge from runner-up Shakita through the stretch to win by about 1 1/2 lengths.
Valiant Emilia capped three consecutive stakes wins in the Edgardo Gereda Peschiera March 2 at Monterrico. Fifth next time out in the Felipe Pardo y Barreda a week later, she rebounded to win the Reina Isabel II April 12 before finishing third to 2014 Gran Premio Association Latino Americano Jockey Club runner-up Shakita in the May 10 Clasico Portadora. She resoundingly turned the tables on that rival Sunday.
Valiant Emilia was bred in Peru by Haras La Qallana. She is out of the Aljabr mare Valiant Saint, who also is the dam of Peruvian group II-placed I Am Spying. Valiant Saint is a half sister to Peruvian group III winner Thundering Emilia, who won the 2012 John W. Rooney Stakes at Delaware Park and was group I-placed in her native country. The family includes Peruvian champion mile Domingo.
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