Yafa gives Circle 8 its first black-type runner

Pleasant Acres client Circle 8 Ranch celebrated its first black-type runner on Gulfstream West’s Millions Preview program yesterday when Yafa finished a strong second for trainer Michele Nihei in the $60,000 Juvenile Fillies Turf Stakes under Victor Lebron.

The 2-year-old daughter of Handsome Mike-Red Baroness was off well in the one-mile race on the grass, and sat comfortably in third down the backstretch. Lebron sent her up to battle for the lead on the turn and Yafa took over heading down the lane, holding off several challenges until a powerful late run by Itsinthewinnerscircle overtook her nearing the wire.

One of the other challenges to Yafa down the lane was offered by Double Blessed, a filly by Treasure Beach. Bred by Joe and Helen Barbazon, Double Blessed had started just once, finishing fourth at Monmouth Park, yet went off at just 14-1 with Miguel Vasquez aboard. She slipped through on the inside nearing the wire and fell one-half length short of Yafa, finishing third and earning $5,700.

Yafa, who has a yearling full sister at the farm, earned $11,400 for her runner-up finish, raising her total for four races to $48,350.