Didia outlasts rivals in Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – The connections of Didia had planned to keep the 5-year-old Argentine-bred mare in close contention to the early pace in Saturday’s Grade 2, $500,000 Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Gulfstream Park.

But trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Correas IV didn’t envision that Didia would be battling for the early lead from the outset. However, after dueling with Accomplished Girl until midstretch Didia, under Jose Ortiz, put that one away and held off a rail-rallying Surprisingly to win the Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf by a neck. Surprisingly finished second by a 1 1/2 lengths over Ruby Nell.

Fluffy Socks finished fourth, and was followed by Mission of Joy, Chili Flag, Sister Lou Ann, Accomplished Girl, Queen Goddess, Cairo Consort, and Star Fortress. Full Count Felicia and Be My Sunshine scratched.

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It was the 10th career win from 15 starts for Didia, sixth from eight starts since coming to the United States from Argentina. The $282,000 first-place purse pushed her career earnings to $1,074,109. Didia is owned by the Merriebelle Stable OF Charles Noell III.

Last year, Didia won the Rodeo Drive at 1 1/4 miles at Santa Anita last October before finishing 10th, 4 1/2 lengths behind Inspiral in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf. However, she is now 4 for 4 at 1 1/16 miles.

“I think she’s better than I ever imagined because she can do whatever,” Correas said. “When you think she was running mile and a quarter and then she comes and puts in a performance almost wire to wire … These horses, they train themselves, we just need to stay out of the way.”

Both Correas and Ortiz felt Didia would be sitting a few lengths off a fast pace that Ruby Nell would set. But Ruby Nell was not sent for the lead by Frankie Dettori and Didia showed good speed away from the gate, finding herself right off of Accomplished Girl.

“We thought Ruby Nell was going to run off like she does in California and she was going to go in 46 [seconds] or something like that,” Ortiz said. “When I hit the first turn, I knew we were going very reasonable and I was able to take the position I did.”

Though Didia was head and head with Accomplished Girl, Ortiz said his mare was “very relaxed. I was very happy with the position I had.”

After putting Accomplished Girl away, Didia had to hold off Surprisingly, which she was able to do. Didia, a daughter of Orpen, covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.90 and returned $8.60 as the favorite. She was given a 99 Beyer Speed Figure.

“When I saw the pace was not that fast, I was very happy where she was,” Correas said. “I thought if she gets beat, it’s because she beat herself. She had everything in her favor. It surprised me a little how slow they went the first half and that helped the cause.”

Surprisingly, who broke from post 11, was able to work her way over from the outside draw, but her late rally under Oisin Murphy fell just short.

“He worked his way over, it kind of worked out well,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “She didn’t break well. He kind of tucked in and she worked her way through horses, then he found a seam for himself.”

Star Fortress had a troubled trip under Luis Saez. She was forced to steady entering the first turn. She made a wide bid around the far turn and didn’t have much left to offer in the stretch.

Correas said he would likely point Didia to the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley at Keeneland on April 13.

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