Ahimsa contested the pace from the start, then was able to hold off the late challenge of Achira to win the Osunitas Stakes by a length-and-a-half at Del Mar 19 July.
Ahimsa’s victory provided the second Stakes win of the day for her sire, Animal Kingdom. Earlier on Friday Regal Glory, a three-year-old daughter of the Champion stallion, won the G3 Lake George Stakes at Saratoga.
Sent off as the favorite in the field of nine fillies and mares, Ahimsa broke alertly under jockey Brice Blanc and went right to the lead. Skimming the rail throughout, Ahimsa led by a head over Supercommittee through the first six furlongs of the turf contest.
As Supercommittee began to fade, Achira made her move, drawing alongside of Ahimsa for a few strides into the stretch. Ahimsa then hit another gear and began to draw clear, eventually crossing the wire one-and-a-half-lengths in front.
Ahimsa, a four-year-old filly by Animal Kingdom, has now won four of eight starts and earned $222,390. Ahimsa entered the Osunitas off a third-place finish in the G1 Gamely Stakes at Santa Anita.
Ahimsa was bred in Kentucky by Three Great Sons LLC, and races for that group in partnership with Darryl Hughes. Ahimsa is out of Hot Affair, a winning daughter of Cuvee, and hails from the family of Multiple Stakes winner, Barrier Reef.
Animal Kingdom is the sire of eleven Black Type winners including G1 Australian Derby winner Angel of Truth, G2 winner Untamed Domain, G3 winner Elsa, and the aforementioned Regal Glory.
