Ahimsa gets first stakes win in Osunitas Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – Ahimsa disputed the pace throughout the $90,904 Osunitas Stakes for fillies and mares and repelled a threat from Achira in early stretch to secure her first stakes win Friday at Del Mar.

Ridden by Brice Blanc, Ahimsa ($6.40) finished 1 1/16 miles on turf in 1:41.47 and won by 1 1/2 lengths over 10-1 Achira, who finished a half-length clear of 7-1 Paved in the field of nine. Ahimsa earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 89.

Racing on the rail throughout, Ahimsa led by a head for the first six furlongs. Achira moved alongside Ahimsa for a few strides turning into the stretch before Ahimsa drew clear when urged by Blanc.

“She’s getting so much more professional,” trainer Peter Eurton said. “She relaxed a bit and responded when he asked. She’s getting better.”

Ahimsa, a 4-year-old filly by Animal Kingdom, has won 4 of 8 starts and earned $222,390. She won an allowance race with an $80,000 claiming option in her 2019 debut in April and was third behind Vasilika and Rymska in the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Santa Anita on May 27, leading to the final furlong that day.

Owned by Three Great Sons LLC and Darryl Hughes, Ahimsa is likely to start in the Grade 2 John Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf for fillies and mares on Aug. 31, Eurton said.