Irad Ortiz, Jr. Rides Third Winner Of Derby Card As Vahva Captures Derby City Distaff

Alva Starr may have beaten Vahva last out in the G1 Madison Stakes at Keeneland, but that was Vahva's first start off a six-month layoff. Fast-forward four weeks to Kentucky Derby day, and the 4-year-old daughter of Gun Runner was able to turn the tables on that rival in the Grade 1 Derby City Distaff at Churchill Downs.

In just the sixth race, jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. was already piloting his third winner of the card when he guided 8-5 favorite Vahva to about a two-length victory over Alva Starr. Vahva completed seven furlongs over a main track upgraded to "good" condition in 1:21.75.

It was an emotional win for trainer Cherie DeVaux, celebrating her first Grade 1 win in the United States and second overall.

Vahva is owned by Belladonna Racing, Edward Hudson, Jr., West Point Thoroughbreds, LBD Stable, Nice Guys Stables, Manganaro Bloodstock, Runnels Racing, Steve Hornstock, and Twin Brook Stables.

Vahva broke well from the outside post in the 10-strong field, then settled back in fourth position down the backstretch. Spirit Wind grabbed the early lead, with Alva Starr and Olivia Darling pressing the pace through fractions of 22.36 and 45.12 seconds. 

Turning for home, Alva Starr took command by a length, but Vahva was just getting rolling on the outside. The rivals dueled briefly, but Vahva was clearly best on the day and skipped away to win by about two lengths. Alva Starr had to settle for second, while Flying Connection stepped up to finish third.

Bred in Kentucky by Woodford Thoroughbreds, Vahva is out of the stakes-winning, Grade 1-placed Harlan's Holiday mare Holiday Soiree. The filly was a $280,000 yearling purchase at the Keeneland September sale, but didn't come into her own until mid-way through her 3-year-old season. Vahva closed out her 2023 season with wins in the G3 Charles Town Oaks and G2 Raven Run, then took the winter off before finishing second in the G1 Madison at Keeneland last month. 

Overall, Vahva has won five of her 12 starts for earnings of $1.5 million.