by Jeff Lowe
 
Team Valor has purchased Brazilian Triple Crown winner Colina Verde (Brz) and has sent her to Racing Hall of Fame trainer Neil Drysdale in Southern California.

The purchase price was not announced, although Team Valor President Barry Irwin said it was the largest amount the syndicate has ever raised for a filly or mare.

“She is unquestionably the most exciting filly or mare we’ve had in the barn since Ipi Tombe (Zim),” Irwin said, referring to the 2003 Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1) winner.

Team Valor has three partners in the syndicate that will race Colina Verde. Irwin said they hope the four-year-old Know Heights (Ire) filly will be ready for major races in the United States in the late summer or early fall. She might be considered for international competition after that.

"It will take anywhere from four to six months to have the filly ready to run," Irwin said. "The Brazilians have always acclimated best in Southern California, which is why we opted to have her in this locale.

“Neil has had his share of South American racehorses and knows how to deal with them. He also was Charlie Whittingham’s assistant when the Bald Eagle trained some of his best South American runners. So we feel we are in good hands."

Last year, Colina Verde became the first filly to sweep Sao Paulo’s Jockey Club Triple Crown series for fillies since her third dam, Emerald Hill (Brz), performed the feat in 1977.

Olavo Jeronimo trained Colina Verde in Brazil for owner Haras Fazenda Boa Vista.

Jeff Lowe is a Thoroughbred Times staff writer