Capla Temptress Finds North American Success in G1 Natalma

TORONTO, ON – Team Valor International’s Capla Temptress made her North American debut in impressive fashion, winning Sunday’s Grade 1, $250,000 Natalma at Woodbine Race.

The Natalma is a Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” event, with Capla Temptress receiving an automatic berth in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Del Mar on Friday, November 3.

Bumped and bounced at the start, Capla Temptress settled near the rear under Joel Rosario while Dixie Moon set fractions of :23.69, :47.58, and 1:12.29. Racing two- and three-wide on the far turn, Capla Temptress advanced into midpack in the early stretch, found a seam at the 1/8 pole, and drove past Dixie Moon late to cross the wire first by 3/4 of a length in a final time of 1:35.12 for the mile-long turf race.

“She broke very nice, and for a second, I had a little clear spot,” said Rosario. “I was just looking to follow Patrick (Husbands) on one of the speed horses (Wonder Gadot) on the outside. I was trying to let her be behind somebody all the time. She was very nice. I had to tap her a little bit on the backside to get her attention. After that, she did the job.”

Dixie Moon held tightly to second, a head in front of Husbands and Wonder Gadot in third. March X Press, Pretty Lady, Golden Orb, Mo Big Cat, Delamar, and Dooder completed the order of finish.

Capla Temptress had made her previous three career starts in Europe for trainer Marco Botti, breaking her maiden at Chelmsford City before finishing first and third in two races at Newmarket. The visit to North America was made with the hopes for a start in the Breeders’ Cup.

“I bought her with this plan in mind,” said Team Valor’s Barry Irwin. “She’s a fighter. She’s small, but she’s got a long stride and she’s all heart.”

Capla Temptress returned $13.40 to win, $7.50 to place, and $4.90 to show. Dixie Moon brought back $11.30 to place and $6.30 to show, while Wonder Gadot paid $2.70 to show.