by Michael Burns

Haras Santa Maria de Araras’s homebred Right Idea scored her first stakes victory in the Grande Premio Diana (Brz-G1), the second leg of Rio de Janeiro's Triple Crown for fillies, on March 9 at Jockey Club Brasileiro Hipodromo La Gavea.

Under an energetic ride from Bruno Reis, Right Idea chased pacesetter Scilicet until collaring the leader in the closing meters. The Nedawi filly prevailed by a half-length over late closing New Play and stablemate Rubia Del Rio, the heavy favorite, in a blanket finish.

Only six-lengths separated the first 11 runners to cross the line in the 13-horse field.

Haras Santa Maria de Araras’ homebred Rubia Del Rio, winner of the Grande Premio Henrique Possollo (Brz-G1), the first leg, made a run at the leaders but her effort was diminished when suffering a career-ending injury in deep stretch to finish a brave third.

Conditioned by Roberto Morgado Neto, Right Idea covered 2,000 meters (9.94 furlongs) in 1:59.65 on turf rated soft to earn her second win in ten career starts, while placing on four other occasions. 

Right Idea had not raced since October when she finished seventh in a 1,300-meter (6.46-furlong) race at La Gavea. 

The Triple Crown series for fillies concludes with the 2,400-meter (11.93-furlong) Grande Premio Zelia Gonzaga Peixoto de Castro (Brz-G1) on April 6.

Bred in Brazil, Right Idea is out of the Bright Again mare Fixed Idea.

Michael Burns is a South American-based Thoroughbred Times correspondent