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SARGA.CO – A major upset shook the preliminary round of the IHR Indonesia Derby 2025 (3-year-old category) at Sultan Agung Horse Racing Track (SSA), Bantul, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Naura Ayu, once considered a serious contender, was eliminated early and failed to secure a spot in the final.
The filly from Amigo Stable ran in Heat 2, finishing 8th with a time of 2 minutes 23.04 seconds. While not far behind the leaders, the result wasn't enough to place her among the top six, the requirement to advance to the final. This outcome was especially shocking as Naura Ayu had previously been hailed as a strong challenger to King Argentine.
Tense Eliminations, Razor-Thin Margins
The preliminary round was split into two heats, with the top six finishers from each advancing to the final. The competition was fierce, with tight time margins—especially in Heat 2, where Naura Ayu competed.
Heat 2 – Top 6 Qualifiers:
Princess Gavi – 2:19.08
Wonder Land – 2:19.15
Kashmir Paraja – 2:19.42
Sydney All Star – 2:21.04
Centauri – 2:21.60
Spektra Davinci – 2:22.04
Naura Ayu finished 8th, behind Satrya Ardiaa (2:22.83).
Heat 1 (featuring King Argentine):
King Argentine – 2:20.43
Padagi NSL – 2:20.45
Romantic Spartan – 2:20.47
Manik Siwa – 2:20.99
Romeo Berjaya – 2:21.57
Merlin Gray – 2:24.42
As a result, 12 horses officially qualified for the final set to take place on July 27. Naura Ayu, unfortunately, is now relegated to the list of reserves, placed third in line should any finalists withdraw (scratched).
Naura Ayu’s absence certainly changes the dynamic of this year’s Derby. Many fans had hoped for a high-stakes rematch between her and King Argentine, especially after their close duel in the previous leg of the Triple Crown.
But as in any racing arena, popularity means little if it’s not backed by performance. And on that day, the clock decided otherwise.
All eyes now turn to Wonder Land, Princess Gavi—the fastest qualifier—and the formidable King Argentine, who still poses a serious threat to anyone hoping to deny him the Triple Crown.
Will the final still deliver drama without Naura Ayu?
The answer awaits us at SSA Bantul, July 27, 2025.
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