After scorching to the lead in her last two races, John Donaldson's Carimba conserved energy pressing Charlie T through the opening half-mile before surging ahead victoriously in the 58th running of the $100,000 Pan Zareta Stakes on Saturday at Fair Grounds.
Outrunning nine other fillies and mares on the Stall-Wilson Turf Course, the lightly raced 5-year-old Indiana-bred Kantharos mare won by 1 3/4 lengths and covered the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.23 on firm footing.
Goin' Good again struggled to get out of the gates cleanly but was able to rally a neck ahead of Redifined at the wire. Medalla Match was fourth.
Carimba is trained by Rey Hernandez. Marcelino Pedroza Jr. returned to the irons after piloting her to a second-place finish in July's Checkered Flag at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
“Rey told me this morning, 'She doesn't need to be on the lead, so don't worry about it. Do your thing and let her relax ahead of the long stretch. Wait as long as you can to make your move,' ” Pedroza said. “Turning for home I knew I had plenty of horse. At the three-sixteenths pole is when I went on with her and she responded really well. Thank you to Rey and to the owner (John Donaldson).”
Relaxing behind a leader to win her first stakes, Carimba revealed her versatility. At 10-6-2-1 throughout her career, she made the Pan Zareta her second victory outside her home state and padded her lifetime earnings to $259,019 with the $60,000 winner's share.
Sent off the favorite, Carimba returned $5.80.
Bred by H. Allen Poindexter, Carimba was produced by the Warrior's Reward mare Star of Gallantry. Donaldson Bloodstock paid $18,000 for the chestnut mare at the 2023 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale, where Taylor Made Sales Agency consigned her.
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