Maurice de Nieuil: Valia finally gest the best of Skazino

July 14, 2021, ParisLongchamp Racecourse (Paris). - The anticipated duel between the 4yo mare Valia (Sea the Stars) and the gelding Skazino (Kendargent) actually took place, and the former got the final word at the very end of the Prix Maurice de Nieuil (Gr2) two-miler. Yet her rider Christophe Soumillon had to use every ounce of the 6lbs advantage she was entitled to beat a most resolute adversary. Skazino led all the way in this 4-strong race and he repelled the mare's first assault, only to lose by a head on the wire. Sublimis (Shamardal), who made an impression two-out, finished well in 3rd at 1 1/2 length?

Astonishingly, the last 3 furlongs of the first three home were faster than those of the Malleret and the Grand Prix winners over 1m4f! Sublimis and Valia even ran their second last furlong close to 11’!

Valia is French 1,000 Guineas-second Veda (Dansili)'s 1st foal. The dam is herself out of Psyché and Cléopâtre winner Vadapolina (Trempolino). Veda only foaled fillies, so far, since, after Valia, she gave a 2yo filly by Dark Angel, a Charm Spirit yearling filly and a  Siyouni weanling filly.