Raqiya takes early lead, keeps it all the way in Goldikova

DEL MAR, Calif. - Left alone in front, Raqiya won the richest race of her career in Saturday’s Grade 3, $302,500 Goldikova Stakes for fillies and mares at a mile on turf at Del Mar.

Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Raqiya ($12.20) held a comfortable lead by a length through the first half-mile, setting fractions of 23.04 seconds for the opening quarter-mile and 48.38 for a half-mile.

Raqiya’s advantage was down to a half-length with a quarter-mile remaining before she pulled clear to win by 1 1/2 lengths over 29-1 Uncorked.

“She jumped good,” Dettori said. “No one pestered me. I was able to slow down and the race was over.”

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An import from Britain, Raqiya was timed in 1:36.09 and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 95. Uncorked, who started from the outside in a field of 10, closed from fourth under jockey Antonio Fresu. Uncorked was fifth early.

“No one put pressure on” Dettori, Fresu said. “I couldn’t do it. My one has a short run and I was saving that for the final furlong.

“I was happy with the way she ran. It wasn’t easy with that draw.”

Sacred Wish, the 2-1 favorite, closed from sixth to finish third, beaten two lengths.

The remaining order of finish was Mouffy, Lucky Girl, Aspen Grove, Kathmandu, Fluffy Socks, Omaha Girl and Fuente Ovejuna. Nadette was withdrawn on Saturday morning.

Raqiya, a 3-year-old filly by Blue Point, has won 5 of 8 starts and earned $319,581. The Goldikova Stakes was Raqiya’s first start since she finished second in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood Racecourse in Britain in July and was promoted to first when the winner was disqualified.

In May, Raqiya won the minor Cathedral Stakes at Salisbury Racecourse in Britain.

Raqiya, who races for owner and breeder Shadwell Stable, had her final start for trainer Owen Burrows in the Goldikova. Burrows said that Raqiya will continue her career with trainer Todd Pletcher in the United States.

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