Letruska

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Letruska
SireSuper Saver
GrandsireMaria's Mon
DamMagic Appeal
DamsireSuccessful Appeal
SexMare
FoaledMay 9, 2016[1]
CountryUnited States
ColorBay
BreederSt George Stables
OwnerSt. George Stable
TrainerFausto Gutierrez
Record23: 17-1-1
EarningsUS$2,256,459[2]
Major wins
Clasico Esmeralda (2019)
Clasico Diamante (2019)
Copa Invitacional del Caribe Stakes (2019)
Shuvee Stakes (2020)
Rampart Stakes (2020)
Houston Ladies Classic (2021)
Apple Blossom Handicap (2021)
Ogden Phipps Stakes (2021)
Fleur de Lis Stakes (2021)
Personal Ensign Stakes (2021)
Spinster Stakes (2021)
Awards
Champion three-year-old filly in Mexico (2019)
Last updated on 10 November 2021

Letruska (foaled May 9, 2016) is an American-bred Thoroughbred racehorse who first made her reputation in Mexico, where she was named the champion three-year-old filly after winning the Clasico Esmeralda and Clasico Diamante in 2019. She then returned to the United States and has developed into the top mare in the country. So far in 2021, she has won the Houston Ladies Classic, Apple Blossom Handicap, Ogden Phipps, Fleur de Lis, Personal Ensign Stakes and Spinster Stakes.

Background[]

Letruska is a bay mare who was bred in Kentucky by St George Stables, owned by Mexican billionaire Germán Larrea Mota-Velasco. She races for St. George Stable as a homebred.[2][3] She was sired by Super Saver, who won the 2010 Kentucky Derby but proved inconsistent as a sire and was eventually exported to Turkey. Prior to Letruska, his best offspring was sprint champion Runhappy.[4] Letruska's dam, Magic Appeal, is the full sister to Grade I winner J P's Gusto and is from the family of champion Proud Spell.[5]

Letruska is trained by Fausto Gutierrez, one of the leading trainers in Mexico.[3]

Racing career[]

Letruska began her career in Mexico at the Hipodromo de las Americas. She won both her starts at age two, a maiden race on October 26, 2018, and an allowance race on November 9.[2]

2019: three-year-old season[]

At age three, she made her first two starts of the year at the allowance level, winning both. She was then stepped up in class when winning the Clasico Esmeralda on June 21 and Clasico Diamante on July 20.[2] Although these are two of the most important races for fillies in Mexico, they are not eligible for international "black type" status as the standard of racing in Mexico is generally considered inferior to that of the United States and other major racing jurisdictions. When Letruska later won the Apple Blossom Handicap, she became the first horse that had raced in Mexico to win an internationally recognized race at the Grade/Group 1 level.[6]

In December 2019, Letruska returned to the America for the Copa Invitacional del Caribe Stakes held at Gulfstream Park on December 8. She went off as the 8-5 second choice in a field of nine. She went to the early lead and set moderate opening fractions of :25.49 for the first quarter-mile and :50.40 for the half-mile. She opened up a six length lead in midstretch and won easily by 4+1⁄4 lengths.[7]

Letruska suffered her first loss in the Tropical Park Oaks on December 28 over a turf course labeled as good. She went to the early lead but tired and eventually finished last.[8] Despite the loss, she was named the champion three-year-old filly in Mexico.[6]

2020: four-year-old season[]

Letruska began her four-year-old campaign on April 16, 2020, at Oaklawn Park with a front-running win in an allowance race at odds of 3–1.[9] In her next start on April 30, she set a brisk pace while being pressed by Blamed, who took over the lead as they turned into the stretch. Letruska held on for third, beaten by four lengths.[10]

Letruska returned to Gulfstream Park for the Added Elegance Stakes on June 27. She got off to an early lead and opened up on the field after running the first half mile in a fast :44.96. She was never challenged and won by 2+1⁄2 lengths.[11]

On August 8, Letruska shipped to Saratoga for her first start at the Grade I level in the Ballerina Stakes run at a sprint distance of seven furlongs. Letruska was the fourth betting choice at odds of 5–1 in a field of seven that included multiple stakes winners Bellafina, Serengeti Empress and Come Dancing. Letruska tracked the fast early pace set by Serengeti Empress but tired to finish fifth.[12]

On August 30, Letruska entered the Shuvee Stakes over a distance of 1+1⁄8 miles. She went to the early lead and set a brisk opening face of :46.20 for the half-mile, then held off the closing drive of Royal Flag to win by a length. "She's a filly that needs speed and distance", said Gutierrez. "This is obvious in her races here and in Mexico. In Mexico, she doesn't have the big competition, but she made very good times. I think this is the kind of race she can run. I don't know how many fillies can go with her in :46."[13]

Letruska then traveled to Belmont Park for the Beldame Stakes on October 4. She broke poorly but then opened up a large lead on the far turn after running the opening half mile in :45.52. She tired though turning into the stretch and finished a well beaten fourth.[14]

Letruska finished the year in the Rampart Stakes at Gulfstream Park on December 12. She went to the early lead, challenged by Bajan Girl for the first three-quarters of a mile. In the stretch, she steadily opened up her lead to win by 6+3⁄4 lengths.[15] "I had a big question mark about today, because after her last race in New York, I decided to remove the blinkers", said Gutierrez. "I came to the conclusion that all the time she runs she never saw the other horses. It's important how she responds when she feels the competition near her."[16]

2021: five-year-old season[]

Letruska began her five-year-old campaign by travelling to Sam Houston Race Park for the Houston Ladies Classic on January 31, 2021. Going off as the odds-on favorite, she went to the early lead and sent a moderate pace. She was challenged turning into the stretch and responded by drawing away to win by 3+1⁄2 lengths. "I had never ridden her before, but watched her races", said jockey Jesus Castanon. "She was comfortable the entire race and wanted to keep going once we crossed the wire."[17]

On March 13, Letruska entered the Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park where she went off as the slight favorite over Shedaresthedevil, who had won the Kentucky Oaks at age three. Letruska carried top weight of 124 pounds, while Shedaresthedevil carried 119 pounds in her first start of the year. Shedaresthedevil broke well and went to the early lead while setting moderate fractions. Letruska broke a bit slowly then moved up to press the pace while being carried three wide around the turns. In the stretch, Letruska gradually closed ground but Shedaresthedevil held her off to win by a head. "It was a great race", said Gutierrez. "Small things can make a difference. But anyways, [Shedaresthedevil]'s the winner of the Kentucky Oaks. We [gave her] five pounds. It's a factor. But, congratulations to the winner. We'll try the next one."[18]

Letruska's next start was in the Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park on April 17. The purse for the race was increased to $1 million to attract the two top-rated female racehorses in the country, champions Swiss Skydiver (Preakness Stakes, Beholder Mile) and Monomoy Girl (Breeders' Cup Distaff, Bayakoa Stakes). Letruska was the third betting choice and was assigned 118 pounds compared to 124 pounds for Monomoy Girl and 122 pounds for Swiss Skydiver.[19] Swiss Skydiver broke in front but Letruska then moved to the lead, with Swiss Skydiver one length back on her inside and Monomoy Girl another half length back to her outside. Letruska set moderate fractions, running the first half mile in :47.96. Turning into the stretch, Swiss Skydiver started to drop back while Monomoy Girl moved closer to Letruska. The two mares dueled down the stretch, with Monomoy Girl getting her head in front with a furlong remaining. Letruska fought back and won by a nose in a photo finish.[20]

Gutierrez had instructed jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. that even if Letruska broke poorly, he should get in front and "make the others think". After Monomoy Girl took the lead in midstretch, Gutierrez was satisfied with getting second place. "I didn't see the picture very clearly", he said. "I went carefully to check the replay and I thought, 'Oops, we won.' For me, this is incredible because I come from a small racetrack in Mexico City. This horse started her career there. We had the confidence to send her here and she started to improve, improve and improve."[21]

Letruska then shipped to New York for the Ogden Phipps Stakes, part of the undercard for the Belmont Stakes held on June 5. She became the post-time favorite after Swiss Skydiver was scratched due to a fever.[22] She again faced Shedaresthedevil, this time at equal weights of 122 pounds. Letruska soon took the early lead with Shedaresthedevil half a length back on her outside. Letruska started to open her lead turning into the stretch and won easily by 2+3⁄4 lengths.[23]

"This is back-to-back Grade I wins", noted Gutierrez. "She showed her potential. This is a speed horse that can run long distances. Today, she confirmed what we saw in the Apple Blossom. She's progressed with age and taking the blinkers off. She ran like a big horse."[24]

On June 26, Letruska continued her winning streak in the Fleur de Lis Stakes at Churchill Downs on June 26. She went straight to the lead and set moderate fractions before opening up in the stretch to win by 5+3⁄4 lengths.[25] The win established her position at the top of the older female division and had Gutierrez considering a race against male horses. "I was just sitting on her", said jockey José Ortiz.[26]

After the win, Letruska moved to the head of the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll that ranks North American racehorses in training.[27] She was later passed by Knicks Go after he won the Whitney Stakes in early August, but remained the clear leader in the female division.[28]

Letruska was given a brief layoff then returned in the Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga on August 28 as the odds-on favorite in a field of nine. She ran a fast opening quarter mile in 23.01 seconds to get the early lead, pressed by Miss Marissa, Swiss Skydiver and Harvey's Lil Goil. After completing the half in 46.74 and three-quarters in 1:10, her early rivals began to tire, eventually finishing well back. Letruska then held off the closing kick of longshots Bonny South, Royal Flag and Dunbar Road to win by half a length.[29][30]

Letruska extended her winning streak to five in the Spinster Stakes on October 10 at Keeneland. Going off as the 2-5 favorite, she led from the start and was never seriously threatened on her way to a 1+3⁄4 length win. "She was just moving smooth out there," said Ortiz. "She didn't go that fast today but she did it easy, relaxed. Whenever I asked her she was there for me."[31]

Gutierrez advised that Letruska would make her next start in the Breeders' Cup Distaff in November.[31] On 6 November, Letruska started as the 1.70 favorite in the Breeders' Cup Distaff started full of vigor and was second through the first two sections to Private Mission but failed to fire and faded to tenth place in the field of eleven.[32] Gutierrez commented, "It was a very, very tough race on her, but this happens in a race as good as the Breeders' Cup". He plans to return with Letruska to the Breeders' Cup with another campaign in 2022.[33]

Statistics[]

Date Distance Race Grade Track Odds Field Finish Winning Time Margin Jockey Ref
2018 – Two-year-old season
Oct 26, 2018 5+1⁄2 furlongs Maiden Hipodromo de las Americas 1.75* 1 1:05.00 G. Santos [2][34]
Nov 9, 2018 6+1⁄2 furlongs Allowance Hipodromo de las Americas 2.35* 1 1:20.40 J.L. Campos [2][34]
2019 – Three-year-old season
Apr 12, 2019 6+1⁄2 furlongs Allowance Hipodromo de las Americas 0.55* 1 1:20.60 J.L. Campos [2][34]
May 17, 2019 7 furlongs Allowance Hipodromo de las Americas 0.50* 1 1:29.00 J.L. Campos [2][34]
Jun 21, 2019 1 mile Clasico Esmeralda (MEX) G1§ Hipodromo de las Americas 2.45 1 1:37.60 J.J. Gallardo [2][34]
Jul 20, 2019 1+1⁄16 miles Clasico Diamante (MEX) G1§ Hipodromo de las Americas 0.15* 1 1:44.60 J.J. Gallardo [2][34]
Dec 8, 2019 1+1⁄4 miles Copa Invitacional del Caribe Stakes Black type Gulfstream Park 1.60 9 1 2:04.01 4+1⁄4 lengths Emisael Jaramillo [7]
Dec 28, 2019 1+1⁄16 miles Tropical Park Oaks Black type Gulfstream Park 7.30 13 13 1:42.31 (18+3⁄4 lengths) Emisael Jaramillo [8]
2020 – Four-year-old season
Apr 16, 2020 1+1⁄16 miles Allowance Oaklawn Park 3.30 11 1 1:42.38 2+1⁄4 lengths Ricardo Santana Jr. [9]
Apr 30, 2020 1 mile Allowance Oaklawn Park 1.90* 7 3 1:36.59 (4 lengths) Stewart Elliott [10]
Jun 27, 2020 1 mile Added Elegance Stakes Black type Gulfstream Park 2.50 8 1 1:35.46 2+1⁄2 lengths Emisael Jaramillo [11]
Aug 8, 2020 7 furlongs Ballerina Stakes I Saratoga 5.10 7 5 1:21.63 (6+1⁄2 lengths) Ricardo Santana Jr. [12]
Aug 30, 2020 1+1⁄8 miles Shuvee Stakes III Saratoga 3.65 9 1 1:48.94 1 length Joel Rosario [35]
Oct 4, 2020 1+1⁄8 miles Beldame Stakes II Belmont Park 1.55 4 4 1:49.01 (14+3⁄4 lengths) Kendrick Carmouche [14]
Dec 12, 2020 1 mile Rampart Stakes III Gulfstream Park 1.50* 6 1 1:35.03 6+3⁄4 lengths Emisael Jaramillo [15]
2021 – Five-year-old season
Jan 31, 2021 1+1⁄16 miles Houston Ladies Classic III Sam Houston 0.40* 7 1 1:45.02 3+1⁄2 lengths Jesus Castanon [36]
Mar 13, 2021 1+1⁄16 miles Azeri Stakes II Oaklawn Park 1.50* 5 2 1:42.57 (head) Joel Rosario [37]
Apr 17, 2021 1+1⁄16 miles Apple Blossom Handicap I Oaklawn Park 3.40 6 1 1:43.14 nose Irad Ortiz Jr. [20]
Jun 5, 2021 1+1⁄16 miles Ogden Phipps Stakes I Belmont Park 1.20* 5 1 1:41.25 2+3⁄4 lengths José Ortiz [23]
Jun 26, 2021 1+1⁄8 miles Fleur de Lis Stakes II Churchill Downs 0.70* 6 1 1:48.57 5+3⁄4 lengths José Ortiz [25]
Aug 28, 2021 1+1⁄8 miles Personal Ensign Stakes I Saratoga 0.75* 9 1 1:49.15 1⁄2 length Irad Ortiz Jr. [29]
Oct 10, 2021 1+1⁄8 miles Spinster Stakes I Keeneland 0.40* 6 1 1:49.01 1+3⁄4 lengths Irad Ortiz Jr. [38]
Nov 6, 2021 1+1⁄8 miles Breeders' Cup Distaff I Del Mar 1.70* 11 10 1:47.67 (32 lengths) Irad Ortiz Jr. [32]

Legend:
  Dirt   Turf
Notes:
An asterisk (*) after the odds means Letruska was the post-time favorite.
§ Races in Mexico are not eligible for international "black type" status[6]

Pedigree[]

Pedigree of Letruska, bay mare, May 9, 2016[1]
Sire
Super Saver 		Maria's Mon Wavering Monarch Majestic Light
Uncommitted
Carlotta Maria Caro (IRE)
Water Malone
Supercharger A.P. Indy Seattle Slew
Weekend Surprise
Get Lucky Mr. Prospector
Dance Number
Dam
Magic Appeal 		Successful Appeal Valid Appeal In Reality
Desert Trial
Successful Dancer Fortunate Prospect
Debonair Dancer
Call Her Magic Caller I.D. Phone Trick
Plagiarizing
Malibu Magic Encino
Dream Harder (family 4-m)[39]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Pedigree of Letruska". Equineline. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Profile of Letruska". Equibase. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  3. ^ a b Finley, Bill (27 June 2021). "The Week in Review: A Throwback, Letruska is Horse-of-the-Year Material". TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  4. ^ Hunter, Avalyn. "Super Saver (horse)". American Classic Pedigrees. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  5. ^ "Letruska Sharp in Rampart Score". TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News. 12 December 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  6. ^ a b c Mitchell, Frank. "Letruska Made Mexican Racing History With Apple Blossom Win". www.paulickreport.com. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  7. ^ a b "Chart of the Copa Invitacional del Caribe". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  8. ^ a b "Chart of the Tropical Park Oaks". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Chart for April 16, 2020 at Oaklawn Park". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  10. ^ a b "Chart for April 30, 2020 at Oaklawn Park". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  11. ^ a b "Chart for the Added Elegance Stakes". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  12. ^ a b "Chart of the Ballerina". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  13. ^ "Letruska holds on in Shuvee Stakes". www.bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  14. ^ a b "Chart of the Beldame Stakes". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  15. ^ a b "Chart of the Rampart Stakes". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  16. ^ "Letruska Sharp in Rampart Score". TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News. 12 December 2020. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  17. ^ "Front-Running Letruska Too Much For Houston Ladies Classic Foes". Paulick Report. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  18. ^ Rampellini, Mary. "Shedaresthedevil holds off Letruska in Azeri". www.drf.com. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  19. ^ "$1M purse sparks Monomoy Girl-Swiss Skydiver showdown". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  20. ^ a b "Chart of the Apple Blossom Handicap". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  21. ^ Carasso, Alan (17 April 2021). "Letruska Denies Monomoy Girl in Apple Blossom; Swiss Skydiver Third". TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  22. ^ "Letruska Inherits Favoritism in Phipps". TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News. 4 June 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  23. ^ a b "Chart of the Ogden Phipps". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  24. ^ "Letruska Wires the Ogden Phipps". TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News. 5 June 2021. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  25. ^ a b "Chart of the Fleur de Lis". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  26. ^ King, Byron. "Letruska schools Fleur de Lis foes". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  27. ^ "Letruska Retains Her Lead In NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll". Paulick Report. 20 July 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  28. ^ "Knicks Go Takes Over Top Spot In NTRA Thoroughbred Poll". Paulick Report. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  29. ^ a b "Chart of the Personal Ensign". Equibase. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  30. ^ Genaro, Teresa. "Letruska holds Personal Ensign rivals at bay". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  31. ^ a b "Letruska overwhelms Spinster rivals". www.bloodhorse.com. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  32. ^ a b "2021 Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff Grade I - (race 10)". Equibase. 6 November 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  33. ^ Ehalt, Bob (8 November 2021). "Gutierrez Eyes 2022 Campaign, BC Return for Letruska; Trainer plans five or six 2022 starts after disappointing BC Distaff (G1) loss". Bloodhorse.com. Bloodhorse. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  34. ^ a b c d e f "Results database for Hipodromo de Las Americas". Hipodromo.com. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  35. ^ "Chart of the Shuvee Stakes". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  36. ^ "Chart of the Houston Ladies Classic". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  37. ^ "Chart of the Azeri Stakes". Equibase. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
  38. ^ "Chart for the Spinster Stakes". Equibase. Retrieved 11 October 2021.
  39. ^ "Thoroughbred Bloodlines - Magnolia - Family 4-m". www.bloodlines.net. Retrieved 9 July 2021.
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