Vahva returned to form with a three-quarter length victory in the $298,250 Chicago Stakes (G2) under the lights June 21 at Churchill Downs, a win that snapped a three-race losing streak that dated back to her victory in last year's edition of this seven-furlong sprint for older fillies and mares.
Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. guided Vahva to victory for trainer Cherie DeVaux and the ownership group of Belladonna Racing, Lynne Hudson, Edward J. Hudson Jr., West Point Thoroughbreds, Twin Brook Stables, W.S. Farish, LBD Stable, Runnels Racing and Manganaro Bloodstock. She ran seven furlongs on a fast track in 1:20.89.
The victory was worth $178,800 and boosted Vahva's earnings to $1,991,010 with a record of 7-3-3 in 17 starts.
"I'm so proud of her that she's back," DeVaux said. "She's been training well and we were hoping she'd bounce back to form. She sat a really good trip and down the lane was just hoping she'd have enough punch left. She really loves this racetrack."
The 5-year-old daughter of Gun Runner added her fifth stakes win as well as her fifth win in six starts at Churchill. One year ago, she scored a 1 1/4-length victory in the Chicago (then a grade 3 event) following her two-length win in the Derby City Distaff (G1). As a 3-year-old, she won the $750,000 Charles Town Oaks (G3) before landing the $350,000 Raven Run (G2).
Longshot Gray Lightning broke on top with Vahva pressing to the outside through an opening quarter mile in :22.82. Just inside a half mile to go, Claret Beret made a decisive three-wide move to join the pacesetters while cruising a half mile in :45.26. At the top of the stretch, Gray Lighting began to tire while Vahva continued to battle with Claret Beret. Inside the sixteenth pole, Vahava began to move clear of her rival.
"She helped me a lot out of the gate to get into a good position early" Ortiz said. "I was able to clear some horses to my inside early but I wanted to bide my time and let her find her stride. We were going a little quick but she was doing it so easy. She showed what she can do. She loves this racetrack; you just have to trust her."
Claret Beret earned a placing in her graded stakes debut.
"I'm so proud of her," said jockey Micah Husbands. "She ran a huge race."
Zeitlos closed late to finish third under jockey Flavien Prat. She was followed in order by Emery, slight 5-2 favorite My Mane Squeeze, Mink's Palace, Pigalle, Brightwork, and Gray Lightning. Vahva paid $7.28, $4.80 and $3.46 as the 5-2 second betting choice.
Bred in Kentucky by Woodford Thoroughbreds, Vahva is out of the stakes-winning Harlan's Holiday mare Holiday Soiree, who has produced six winners from seven starters, including grade 2-placed Signal From Noise and Ahavah.
Vahva is one of six graded stakes winners this year for Gun Runner, who stands for $250,000 at Three Chimneys Farm near Midway, Ky.
