Ahimsa points to John C. Mabee Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. – The 4-year-old filly Ahimsa has changed in the last year, leaving trainer Peter Eurton enthusiastic about how much she can accomplish in coming months.

Ahimsa won her first stakes in Friday’s $90,904 Osunitas Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on turf at Del Mar, her eighth start. The win will lead to an appearance in the Grade 2 John C. Mabee Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf for fillies and mares Aug. 31.

“She does well with the time,” Eurton said.

In the Osunitas, restricted to fillies and mares who had won a stakes worth $50,000 or more to the winner at a mile or farther since Sept. 1, Ahimsa ($6.40) led throughout under jockey Brice Blanc and repelled a challenge from 10-1 Achira to win by 1 1/2 lengths.

Ahimsa typically sets the pace. Her patient performance Friday left Eurton impressed.

“She relaxed a bit and responded when he asked,” Eurton said in the winner’s circle. “She’s getting better.”

Owned by Three Great Sons LLC and Darryl Hughes, Ahimsa 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.

Ahimsa was fourth in the Grade 2 San Clemente Stakes for 3-year-old fillies here in July 2018 and was turned out following that race because of a hairline fracture in a shin that did not require surgery, Eurton said.