Australian-bred Oleksandra returns to stakes winning form in the US and Medaglia d'Oro sires a new Group winner
Australian-bred Oleksandra in Poker
Australian-bred Oleksandra (7 m Animal Kingdom - Alexandra Rose by Caesour) returned to winning ways on Sunday when she won the Poker Stakes (Gr 3, 8f) at Belmont. The Team Valor bred and owned mare had been winless in four starts since she claimed the Jaipur Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) at Belmont last June. Oleksandra began her career in training at Warwick Farm with Bjorn Baker and was placed in three starts. Transferred to the stable of Neil Drysdale, the daughter of Animal Kingdom broke her maiden at her first start in the US and has now won eight times in 20 career starts. She is one of 13 stakes winners and three Group 1 winners for former Arrowfield Stud shuttler Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux) who has also produced Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Angel Of Truth and US Grade 1 winner Duopoly.
The mare!!!! OLEKSANDRA denied Raging Bull in the Poker (G3) with @JRosarioJockey in the irons! pic.twitter.com/YBY3GvzvzR
— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) June 20, 2021
80th Group winner for Medaglia d’Oro
Vigilantes Way (4 f ex Salute by Unbridled) recorded her first victory at Group level when she won Sunday’s Eatontown Stakes (Gr 3, 8.5f) at Monmouth. Winner of the Tropical Park Oaks (Listed, 8.5f) at Gulfstream on Boxing Day, the Phipps Stable homebred Vigilantes Way recorded a two and a quarter length victory over Valletta (Into Mischief) with Counterparty Risk (Australia) and Crystal Cliffs (Canford Cliffs) dead-heating for third. The victory provided former Darley shuttler Medaglia d’Oro (El Prado) with his 80th Group winner.
#12 Vigilantes Way & Paco Lopez get take the G3 Eatontown Stakes at Monmouth Park for Trainer Shug McGaughey & Phipps Stable! pic.twitter.com/7sEdGAS8xq
— TVG (@TVG) June 20, 2021
