Gun Runner’s Vahva Gets Her Grade I In the Derby City Distaff

[Wandering Eyes]

A running-on second to Alva Starr (Lord Nelson) when making her seasonal return in Keeneland's GI Madison S. Apr. 6, VAHVA (f, 4, Gun Runner–Holiday Soiree, by Harlan's Holiday) was the 8-5 favorite to reverse form with that rival in Saturday's GI Derby City Distaff S. at Churchill Downs and clawed past late for her first win at the elite level. Quickest into stride from an outside barrier, the $280,000 Keeneland September graduate came back nicely into the hands of Irad Ortiz, Jr. and was content to stalk the pace from third as Alva Starr hounded the pacesetting Spirit Wind (Bahamian Squall). Alva Starr, looking to continue a productive weekend for Louisiana-breds, appeared to be going best of all, as she struck to the lead a furlong and a half out while Vahva was up and down for a stride or two. Alva Starr was clinging on grimly as they entered the final furlong, but Vahva found her second wind, overtook her rival at the sixteenth pole and edged clear to become the ninth Grade I winnner for Gun Runner. Flying Connection (Nyquist) won a photo for third with Chi Town Lady (Verrazano). Sales history: $280,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP. O-Belladonna Racing, LLC, Hudson, Jr., Edward J., West Point Thoroughbreds, LBD Stable LLC, Nice Guys Stables, Manganaro Bloodstock, Runnels Racing, Hornstock, Steve and Twin Brook Stables; B-Woodford Thoroughbreds LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux.

 

#10 Vahva gets the late pass and pulls away to win the Derby City Distaff @ChurchillDowns as the 8/5 favorite!

Jockey: @iradortiz
Trainer: @reredevaux

#TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/LfXJZdUnMY

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) May 4, 2024

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