Haymarket Farm’s Ira Stark, an Argentinian Group 2 winner who impressed with a Keeneland allowance victory, led a competitive field of 12 fillies and mares in the opening race of the $125,000 Florence Stakes at Turfway Park Racing & Gaming on Saturday.
The Florence Stakes, covering 1 1/4 miles, is the highlight of a 10-race program starting at 5:55 p.m. ET, with the featured race scheduled as the eighth event at 9:25 p.m.
Originally trained by Ignacio Correas IV, who recently retired from North American training, Ira Stark boasts six wins in 12 starts, including a dominant six-length victory in Argentina’s Ramon Biaus (G2). Since arriving in North America this year, the filly has secured two wins, one by over three lengths at Colonial in August and another by four and a half lengths at Keeneland in October. Now trained by Horacio de Paz, Ira Stark will be piloted by jockey Victor Colasco from post 10 in Saturday’s race.
The Florence Stakes also features notable contenders such as Speed Shopper, who recently finished second in the Rodeo Drive (G2), Dubeday, the 2024 Cardinal Stakes (G3) winner, and stakes winner Sabalenka.
Here is the full list of entries for the Florence Stakes, including jockeys and trainers:
1. Noir (Adam Beschizza, Joe Sharp)
2. Dazzlin’ Dictator (Irving Moncada, Rodolphe Brissett)
3. Duvet Day (Pietro Moran, Connor Murphy)
4. Fair Pleasure (Walter Rodriguez, Barry King)
5. Cozy Rags (Fernando de la Cruz, Brian Michael)
6. Adrasteia (Edgar Morales, Fergus Bogle)
7. Settling Storm (Dylan Machado, Pavel Matejka)
8. Sabalenka (Gabe Saez, Joe Sharp)
9. Boss Lady Bailey (Luann Machado, Mike Maker)
10. Ira Stark (Victor Colasco, Horacio de Paz)
11. Peak Popularity (Jose Gutierrez, Brian Knippenberg)
12. Speed Shopper (Danny Sheehy, Will Walden)
Fans eager to watch and wager on the event can do so via the official Churchill Downs betting platform, www.twinspires.com.
Fan Take: This update is significant for horse racing enthusiasts as it showcases rising talent like Ira Stark who bridges international success with North American competition, enriching the sport’s global appeal. The Florence Stakes continues to serve as a crucial platform for fillies and mares to demonstrate their prowess, potentially shaping future stars in the racing world.
