In a breathtaking performance, Valentina surged along the inside rail to capture the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Guided by a daring ride from jockey Oisin Murphy, the filly unleashed an extraordinary turn of foot in the final stretch, navigating a tight gap to overtake the leaders and claim a spectacular victory at Del Mar.
Key Takeaway
- Valentina is the winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.
- Jockey Oisin Murphy executed a brilliant, high-risk “rail-skimming” ride from a trailing position.
- The victory was secured by the filly’s exceptional acceleration in the final furlong.
- Ground Support made a strong middle move but was ultimately passed in the final stretch.
- The race featured a fast early pace set by the Japanese filly Switch and Love.
Race Recap: A Fast Pace and a Dramatic Finish
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf began with the Japanese filly Switch and Love quickly taking the lead, setting a blistering pace with an opening quarter-mile in 22.33 seconds and a half-mile in 45.96. Celebrity Warrior and Brave Deb pursued closely behind.
As the field rounded the far turn, Ground Support made a strong middle move, challenging the leaders. Meanwhile, Valentina and Pacific Mission, who were trailing early in the race, began to make up ground. The stage was set for a thrilling conclusion as the front-runners bunched up heading into the final stretch.
How Valentina Secured Victory
Valentina’s win was a product of perfect timing, a courageous ride, and the filly’s raw talent. While other horses went wide, jockey Oisin Murphy chose a daring path.
Oisin Murphy’s Masterful Rail-Skimming Ride
Initially positioned near the back of the pack and along the rail, Murphy had to wait patiently for an opening. As Ground Support made a move on the outside, a narrow gap appeared along the rail. Without hesitation, Murphy guided Valentina through the tight space—a high-risk, high-reward maneuver that required immense skill and nerve, especially on a major stage like the Breeders’ Cup.
An “Extraordinary Turn of Foot”
Once clear, Valentina displayed what commentators described as an “extraordinary turn of foot.” She accelerated explosively, quickly closing the distance and surging past her rivals to claim the victory. This ability to quicken rapidly was perfectly suited for the Del Mar turf course and proved to be the decisive factor in the race.
Post-Race Expert Analysis
Post-race analysis highlighted the perfect combination of a talented horse and a world-class jockey. Oisin Murphy, the champion jockey in the UK, was praised for his brilliance and for holding his nerve to wait for the inside gap rather than losing ground by going wide.
Commentators emphasized that while the ride required a bit of luck for the opening to appear, it also demanded a horse with the capability and courage to dive for that spot when it opened. Valentina demonstrated she was more than up to the task, solidifying a memorable European victory in the event for trainer Donnacha O’Brien and Medallion Racing.
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