NEW KENT, VA.— Merriebelle Stable’s Didia, a winner of two Group I stakes and a Group II stakes in her native Argentina, is now two-for-two in the United States at Colonial Downs after a come-from-behind score in the 1 1/16-mile Old Nelson.
Ridden again by Vincent Cheminaud for trainer Ignacio Correas IV, Didia, a 4-year-old Orpen filly, went from eighth to first in a tight pack in the stretch to finish a neck ahead of Alma, with In a Hurry 1 3/4 lengths back in third. She won an upper-level allowance race at Colonial Downs in her U.S. debut.
“We’ve always had high expectations for her but that doesn’t always (translate into performance),” Correas said. “But she is doing things the way we want. It’s a different way of racing in America—there are things they need to learn. But this was a great spot for her.”
Didia isn’t eligible for MATCH Series bonus money, which overall totals more than $400,000 this year. Stuart Janney III’s In a Hurry, with her third series start, now is eligible for bonus money and picked up another 5 points to solidify her position in second in the division with 17 points.
William Pape’s Deciding Vote, who rallied from far back early to finish a close sixth, didn’t get a big piece of the $150,000 purse but picked up 5 bonus points for her fourth series start and 1 point for her finish position. The 5-year-old Mr. Speaker continues to hold the lead in the Filly and Mare Long—Turf division with 26 points and is now the overall MATCH Series leader heading into the fifth and final leg.
Timory Ridall’s Tic Tic Tic Boom, who finished eighth but not that far back, also picked up 6 points overall in the Old Nelson and secured third place in the division with 15 points. She is trained by Alan Bedard at Parx, where the final leg will be held.
Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association Press Release
Photo: Didia gets her first stateside stakes victory, taking the TAA Old Nelson (Coady Photography)
