Ghalia Princess, a homebred for Sumaya US Stable and daughter of American Pharoah, secured her first black-type win with a commanding six-length victory in the $100,000 Cicada Stakes at Aqueduct, demonstrating a dominant performance after adjusting her racing strategy.
‣ Ghalia Princess, sired by American Pharoah and homebred by Sumaya US Stable, secured her first black-type win in the $100,000 Cicada Stakes at Aqueduct, showcasing a dominant performance by defeating three rivals.
‣ The race strategy played a significant role in Ghalia Princess’s victory, with jockey Manny Franco and the team deciding not to press her early in the race, allowing her to use her strong stride to come from behind and win comfortably by six lengths.
‣ Ghalia Princess comes from a notable lineage, being a daughter of Ghalia, a three-time winner including the 2017 Sunland Park Oaks, and granddaughter of Grade III winner Verdana Bold. This win adds to the prestigious breeding and racing legacy of her family.
https://twitter.com/bradcoxracing?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Ghalia Princess, a gem from Sumaya US Stable’s homebred collection, really showed what she’s made of this Saturday. She breezed past her three competitors to snatch her first black-type victory at the $100,000 Cicada S. at Aqueduct. It was something to see.
After a close second in the Ruthless S. on Feb. 17, she was cutting back a furlong. From stall one, she launched without a hitch. Yet, Reconcile (War Front) initially outpaced her. Manny Franco, quick on his feet, decided to pull Ghalia Princess back a bit. He eased her into the two-path, setting the stage for the chase after an opening quarter in :22.15.
Rounding the turn, Ghalia Princess seemed content. She had her target in sight and gradually increased the pressure. Into the stretch, she made her move. With about a furlong and a half left, she claimed the lead. Franco didn’t need to do much after that; a gentle push was all it took for her to win by six lengths. And boy, was her timing sharp.
Dustin Dugas, assistant to trainer Brad Cox, shared his thoughts. “They broke good,” he said, reflecting on the start. He believed letting Reconcile take the lead was a smart move. It allowed Ghalia Princess to unfold her stride naturally, without being pushed too hard. “It kinda went the way we thought,” he mused, admitting he hadn’t expected her to keep pace with the others initially. But, as it turned out, Manny Franco’s decision to let the race unfold naturally was spot on.
Oussama Aboughazale’s International Equities Holdings must be proud. They snagged the winner’s dam for a cool $600,000 as a weanling at the 2014 Keeneland November sale. She didn’t disappoint, racking up three wins, including the 2017 Sunland Park Oaks. Ghalia, a daughter of Grade III winner Verdana Bold (and sibling to the stakes-placed Copperplate by Curlin), is proving her lineage proud. She’s even got a yearling colt by Constitution waiting in the wings. And for her latest suitor? None other than Not This Time.
The Cicada S. results are in: $93,000 at Aqueduct, for 3yo fillies running 6f in 1:09.85. GHALIA PRINCESS, with her lineage proudly displayed, took home her first black-type win. The team behind her, Sumaya U.S. Stable and International Equities Holding, Inc. from Kentucky, along with trainer Brad H. Cox and jockey Manuel Franco, are surely celebrating the $55,000 prize. Her record now? An impressive 3-2-1-0, banking $111,000.
Reconcile and Anna’s Wish trailed behind, with respective earnings and their own stories to tell. But today? Today was all about Ghalia Princess. Even Miss Harriett and the scratched Value Area couldn’t detract from her shine.
And then, there’s the tweet from Coolmore America. They couldn’t contain their excitement, congratulating @bradcoxracing and Sumaya Farm. Their hashtags, #HomeOfChampions and #CoolmoreSires, say it all. They’re proud, and rightly so. Check out their tweet from March 16, 2024, for a glimpse into the celebration.
