Kentucky-bred Vahva turned the tables on Alva Starr to win the $1 million Derby City Distaff at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Derby undercard. Owned by Belladonna Racing, Edward Hudson Jr., West Point Thoroughbreds, Nice Guys Stables, Twin Brook Stables, Steve Homstock, LBD Stable, Manganaro Bloodstock and Runnels Racing, Vahva is trained by Cherie De Vaux.
Ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., Vahva raced off the early speed, rallied strongly in the stretch and drew clear for a two-length victory. She covered the seven furlongs over a track labeled good in 1:21.75. Fellow Kentucky-bred Alva Starr, who defeated Vahva by a half-length in the Madison Stakes (G1) at Keeneland in their previous meeting, finished second.
“The last time I rode her, I didn’t know her very well and it wasn’t one of my best rides,” said Ortiz. “Today, I was able to sit a perfect trip, and turning for home, she really finished strong for me.”
Winning trainer Cherie De Vaux added, “That was an unbelievable performance to win a Grade One on this type of stage is so special. It’s really hard to describe. I’m just so happy with everyone involved with this horse and our team.”
Bred in Kentucky by Woodford Thoroughbreds, Vahva is a 3-year-old daughter of Gun Runner out of the Harlan’s Holiday mare Holiday Soiree. She is now an earner of more than $1.5 million. She was a $280,000 graduate of the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale.