A champion returns in impressive fashion

Although her last start was nearly a year and a half ago, Cartier Champion Certify doesn’t appear to have lost many steps as she galloped away from her rivals in the G2 Cape Verdi Stakes at Meydan on January 30. The now four-year-old adds to an impressive resume that includes a victory in the G1 Fillies’ Mile in addition to a pair of other Group events.

In today’s one-mile turf event, the daughter of Elusive Quality tracked the leader towards the back in the field of six in the early going. As the group made the turn for home, Certify loomed up on the outside and under constant urging from jockey Mickael Barzalona pulled away in a dominant display in near-track-record time.

Certify was bred in partnership by Darley, Hurstland Farm, Inc., and William Kartozian. She is a half-sister to Street Cry’s G1 winning daughter Cry And Catch Me and was produced from the Stakes winner and multiple G3-placed mare Please Sign In.

Certify is Elusive Quality’s second Group winner of 2014 following Shuruq’s impressive victory in the G2 Maktoum Challenge on January 9th. Elusive Quality is the sire of 31 other career Group or Graded performers, including Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones, Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and Darley sire Raven's Pass, Australian champion Sepoy and multiple European G1 winner Elusive Kate.

Elusive Quality stands for a fee of $50,000 live foal, stands and nurses.