by Michael Burns

Light Green took another step forward towards clinching Sao Paulo's Triple Crown for fillies on turf as she rallied to her second classic victory in the Grande Premio Henrique Toledo de Lara (Brz-G1), the second leg of Sao Paulo's Triple Crown for fillies, on Saturday at Hipodromo Cidade Jardim.

The Blush Rambler filly closed fastest in deep stretch under strong urging from Mario Fontoura to narrowly defeat Bale Slew by a head at the wire. Zambra and Sexy Lady were moved up to third and fourth, respectively following the disqualification of original third-place finisher Malvada.

With the victory, Light Green stands one step away from sweeping Sao Paulo's Triple Crown series for sophomore fillies ending with the 2,000-meters (9.94 furlongs) Grande Premio Diana (Brz-G1) on October 6.

Conditioned by Pedro Nickel, Light Green completed the 1,800-meter (8.95-furlong) race in 1:46.51 on soft turf to tally her third straight stakes victory and fourth career win in five career starts for owner Haras Santa Camila.

Bred in Brazil by Agro Pastoril Haras Sao Luiz Ltd., Light Green is out of Star Procida, by Procida.

One day earlier, Meu Rei was awarded the victory in Hipodromo Cidade Jardim's Grande Premio Ipiranga (Brz-G1), the opening leg of Sao Paulo`s Quadruple Crown series for three-year-old colts on the turf after original winner Bain Douche veered out with 1 1/2-furlong remaining resulting in his disqualification to second.

Meu Rei, ridden by Ivaldo Santana, was awarded the win over Bain Douche, who finished first by a head in the full field of 12. Time for the 1,600-meter (7.95-furlong) race was 1:33.20 on a course rated as soft.

Conditioned by Jorge Garcia, Meu Rei tallied his first stakes victory and third overall win in seven starts for owner Stud Birigui.

The three-year-old Vettori (Ire) colt was bred in Brazil by Haras Old Friends.  Meu Rei is out of Xendaval, by Chicmond.

Michael Burns is a South America-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent