Claimed for $16,000 by owner Frank Calabrese in her one and only start last out, Verso a Verso upset the $300,000 My Dear Girl division of the 2012 Florida Stallion Stakes series at Calder Race Course & Casino Oct. 13 at odds of 10-1 (VIDEO).
The juvenile daughter of Circular Quay ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:49.95 on a good track, winning by five lengths under jockey Angel Serpa.
Calabrese picked up Verso a Verso and sent her to trainer Luis Ramirez following the Aug. 16 claiming event, which she won by 2 3/4 lengths on a sloppy track at Calder. It was the Florida-bred filly's only start for then-owner Juan Francisco Landaeta, who bought her for $11,000 at the OBS spring 2-year-olds in training sale this year.
In the My Dear Girl, Verso a Verso raced fourth while Jewel in the Sky went a lively opening quarter in :23.86 followed by Candy Coded Kisses, with 4-5 favorite Putyourdreamsaway rating in third after hitting the gate at the start. Jewel in the Sky slowed it down for the half, going in :49.08, with Candy Coded Kisses taking the lead through three-quarters in 1:14.61.
It was after that point that Verso a Verso ranged up to make her move, angling out from her railside stalking position to pounce at the head of the lane. She rallied well to take over in early stretch, and drew away under urging much the best. Ashlee's Princess closed from seventh to get the place, while So Blessed was six lengths farther back in third.
Verso a Verso rewarded her backers with $23.40, $10.20, and $8. Ashlee's Princess paid $13.60 and $9.20, and So Blessed brought $6.80. Putitinmypocket, Cappricio Blue, Putyourdreamsaway, Jewel in the Sky, Candy Coded Kisses, and Nasty Cat completed the order of finish. Nasty Cat was through after six furlongs and eased in the stretch run.
A daughter of the winning Bertrando mare Folk Art, Verso a Verso was bred by Brent Fernung, Crystal Fernung, and Dr. Phil Matthews. She was a $4,000 purchase at the 2011 OBS select and open yearling sale and now has two wins from two starts with earnings of $185,860.
