by Michael Burns

Haras Santa Maria de Araras homebred Rubia del Rio solidified her status as Rio de Janeiro’s top three-year-old filly on turf with an authoritative victory in the Grande Premio Henrique Possollo (Brz-G1), the first leg of Hipodromo La Gavea’s Triple Crown for fillies on Sunday in Rio.

Ridden by Carlos Lavor, the Put It Back filly unleashed a devastating turn of foot in the stretch en route to a convincing 1 3/4-length victory as the favorite in the 18-horse field. 

Stablemate Really Winner closed ground late to take second in front of La Gañadora.

The top two finishers were bred by Haras Santa Maria de Araras.

Conditioned by Roberto Morgado Neto, Rubia del Rio covered one mile on soft turf in 1:34.98.

Rubia del Rio entered Sunday’s contest off a 4 1/2-length victory in the Grande Premio Roger Guedon (Brz-G3) at La Gavea on January 12. A record-setting winner at seven furlongs on the turf, she is now unbeaten in three starts on the grass.

Sunday’s victory was her second graded stakes triumph and third win in seven career starts.

Out of the multiple Group 1-placed Falcon Jet mare Rupiana, Rubia del Rio was bred by owner Julio Bozano.

The top two finishers will be pointed to the 2,000-meter (9.94-furlong) Grande Premio Diana (Brz-G1) (Brazilian Oaks) on March 9.

Michael Burns is a South America-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent