by Michael Burns

Haras Vacacion’s homebred Filarmonia scored a convincing victory on Sunday at Hipodromo San Isidro in the Gran Premio Internacional Copa de Plata–Arquitecto Roberto Vasquez Mansilla (Arg-G1), South America's most important race for turf fillies and mares.

The race kicked off the Carlos Pellegrini international series.

Under a confident ride from Pablo Falero, the four-year-old Slew Gin Fizz filly cruised to the lead in the stretch to prevail by six lengths over Arriba Baby, a multiple Group 2 winner in Argentina.

Noche Oscura, a dual Group 2 winner in Chile, finished another four lengths back in third.
Estrellas Distaff (Arg-G1) winner Cachorra Wells finished sixth, ending her three-race winning streak.

Conditioned by Juan Udaondo, Filarmonia covered 2,000 meters (9.94 furlongs) in 1:57.32 on firm turf for her first Group 1 victory and fifth win in 11 starts. A group stakes winner on both turf and dirt, Filarmonia entered off a half-length victory in the Clasico Carlos P. Rodriguez (Arg-G2) on November 9.

Filarmonia is the sixth Copa de Plata winner bred and owned by Pablo Zavaleta’s and Damasia Lottero’s Haras Vacacion. Filarmonia is out of multiple Group 2 winner Fijeza, by Pepenador. She is a half sister to Group 2 winner Fiereze, dam of 2007 Gran Premio Seleccion (Arg-G1) (Argentine Oaks) winner Fiesta Lady.

The Pellegrini series is highlighted by Saturday’s running of South America's most prestigious race, the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini (Arg-G1), Argentina's flagship event.

Michael Burns is a South America-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent