Lake Victoria astoundingly kept her perfect record intact with a spectacular win in the Juddmonte Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket. Aidan O’Brien’s Frankel filly, previously victorious in the Moyglare Stud Stakes over seven furlongs, returned to a six-furlong race as the 6-4 favourite in the Group One. With Ryan Moore as her rider, she impressively led the running pack on the inner rail in the race’s initial stages.
Following halfway through the race, the two groups merged, and Lake Victoria was notably faring better than the rest with only two furlongs remaining. Moore then urged her into a definitive lead in the final furlong, resulting in her comfortable three-length victory over Daylight, whilst leaving formerly undefeated Babouche in a disappointing fourth place.
With this striking victory, Lake Victoria’s odds have tipped to being a 9-4 favourite (previously 3-1) for the Fillies’ Mile with Paddy Power, provided she participates again this year. Her odds are also favoured at 7-4 for next year’s 1,000 Guineas with the same company.
O’Brien praised Lake Victoria’s acceleration, stating that “For a Frankel filly, she was very impressive over six furlongs.” While she was always regarded as fast, the determination to return here after her Moyglare win was clear, even though it defies the usual strategy. There is no fear of increasing her distance to a mile, in accordance with Moore’s advice. Now, the decision rests on ‘the lads’. The rarity and impressiveness of Lake Victoria’s feats have not gone unnoticed by O’Brien, who stated that it’s unusual to have such promising fillies this year.
She put on a remarkable performance winning the Sweet Solera, a race that left rider Sean Levey quite impressed. Always a class act, the decision to race her again will be based on her cue. Despite a speedy backing and the inherent risk that comes with it, her potential for another race remains. Additionally, Dreamy could participate in the Fillies’ Mile.
Successfully defeating his competitors, Shadow Of Light secured a victory in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes. Trained by Charlie Appleby and sired by Lope De Vega, he entered the race as second favourite, following O’Brien’s Whistlejacket, after two wins and an admirable effort at the Gimcrack in York. With William Buick guiding him during the Group One race, the horse began at the back of the six-horse field. Despite others setting the pace, he maintained a good position and, two furlongs to the finish line, eased ahead to win by a substantial margin, defeating the prominent favourite, Whistlejacket, by four lengths. Following this impressive performance, Shadow Of Light’s odds were shortened from 33-1 to 10-1 by Paddy Power, for the 2,000 Guineas, and he’s positioned as a 6-1 favourite for the Commonwealth Cup by Coral.
Reflecting on the race, Appleby suggested, while Shadow Of Light wasn’t exactly unfortunate during the Gimcrack, it was a significant climb to this level and the experience offered plenty of learning. Not only has the horse physically held up, but he’s also mentally matured. Confidence was quietly present before today’s race. Explaining their strategy further, they withdrew him from the Mill Reef last week because of the heavy ground. However, they remained confident about the race with the favourite to beat. But under sensible ground conditions last week, they believed it would’ve been a guaranteed win. As the ground dried, it seemed more advantageous for them than the favourite.
Appleby also acknowledged Aidan O’Brien’s dominating year. However, he noted that though they are equipped with a robust team, his team have proven their prowess.
Some might criticise our frequent trips overseas. However, it’s simply down to my belief that those horses would fare well there. I aim for victory, refraining from trips intended merely to bulk up the numbers and keep others content.
Contrary to what I’ve heard, our focus hasn’t shifted from the UK. If I can secure victory here given the horses I have, that’s my preference. It reduces the burden of travel for both me and the horses. Nevertheless, if we have to venture farther to secure wins, then we shall. I’m quite happy with how we’re wrapping up this season.
We have promising two-year-olds, exactly what we want heading into the coming year. Additionally, we hope some of our three-year-olds, such as Ancient Wisdom and Arabian Crown, will prove to be solid contenders in England next year.
As for the losing favourite, O’Brien remarked, “He’s quick. Ryan felt he could have pushed a bit more during the race’s initial stages. He’s a reliable horse and we might consider taking him to the States next.”