Barcelona was regarded by many in the know as a highly promising racehorse in the making but the Natural Selection daughter was bitten by a scorpion, a bite which almost ended her career without ever facing the starter.

Barcelona who is a half sister to the talented Poker Star fought a game battle against her injury and finally was able to get her competitive career off the mark on Saturday last, April 28, 2018.

The Wayne DaCosta-trained, Omar Walker ridden bay filly started her racing quest over five-and-a-half furlongs (1,100m) in a maiden condition race for native-bred three-year-old fillies. Barcelona then proceeded to slam rivals by all of seven lengths without breaking much of a sweat in what was a glimpse of her possible potential.

Although the final clocking of 1:08.3 would be considered a below average time performance, the manner of Barcelona’s victory showed at least that she has other races to win.

“It was really a great performance by Barcelona the first time of asking. She ran a great race and we are happy with that run.

“ Barcelona was coming on real nice last year but a scorpion bit her and she was side-lined thereafter.

“We almost had to put her down at one stage and to be here today (Saturday) with her, we are very happy,” DaCosta told the Supreme Racing Guide.

Super Wal (Oneil Mullings) was the first to show on the lead at the start of the race but she was immediately attacked by Barcelona approaching the half-mile (800m) and the two went at it for a short while.

Leaving the three-furlong (600m) pole, Barcelona took over and began to lengthen her lead with ever stride.

Coming into the lane with a good enough lead and with a couple of cracks from Walker, indicating that the race was not yet over, Barcelona responded well and accelerated to win going away in easy mode.

The prominent Hot Ice (Anthony Thomas) finished in second spot ahead of Best Advice (Hakeem Pottinger) in third and Key Witness (Aaron Chatrie) in fourth.