Gun Runner’s GISW Vahva Digs In for Chicago Repeat

[Wandering Eyes]

It's been a long time between drinks for Vahva (Gun Runner), the 2024 GI Derby City Distaff Stakes winner whose last career win came exactly a year ago in the Chicago Stakes at Churchill Downs, when it was a Grade III event. Upgraded to Grade II this year, the Chicago Stakes was targeted by Vahva's connections after the now-5-year-old made no impact in this year's edition of the Derby City Distaff.

Irad Ortiz, Jr. kept her a little closer to the pace than usual in the Chicago, as she tracked 62-1 Gray Lightning (Social Inclusion) through fractions of :22.82 and :45.26. On the far turn, Claret Beret (Not This Time) joined Vahva to her outside as she pounced on Gray Lighting and the two raced in tandem for several strides. Classy as ever, Vahva edged free to defend her Chicago win by about a length despite Claret Beret–winner of a May 11 Gulfstream handicap by 19 3/4 lengths–holding her own while drifting slightly. Multiple stakes winner Zeitlos (Curlin) got up for third.

The final time for the seven furlongs was 1:20.89.

Sales History: $280,000 Ylg '21 KEESEP. O-Belladonna Racing LLC, Lynne Hudson, Edward J. Hudson, Jr., West Point Thoroughbreds, Twin Brook Stables, W.S. Farish, LBD Stable LLC, Runnels Racing, and Manganaro Bloodstock; B-Woodford Thoroughbreds, LLC (KY); T-Cherie DeVaux; J-Irad Ortiz, Jr.

This story will be updated. 

 

Vahva wins the G2 Chicago Stakes! pic.twitter.com/hwJTA0kKVI

— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) June 22, 2025

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