Fallen Angel claims Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series race on Day Two of Irish Champions Weekend
Jim Gluckson/Breeders’ Cup
CURRAGH, Ireland ― The Clipper Logistics-owned Fallen Angel (GB) followed up her win in the Aspall Cyder 1728 Sweet Solera Stakes (G3) to become a Group 1 winner Sunday with a fine performance in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (G1) for 2-year-old fillies. The victory earned Fallen Angel an automatic berth into the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).
After leading until the 2-furlong pole, 6-5 favorite Ylang Ylang (IRE) gave way to Fallen Angel and Vespertilio (FR), with the duo quickly pulling clear of the field to produce a thrilling finish. However, it was the Karl Burke-trained filly who dug deepest on the run to the line and ultimately outstayed her rival to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Ornellaia finished 4 1/2 lengths back in third.
Winning jockey Danny Tudhope has ridden the daughter of Too Darn Hot (GB) on each of her last three starts and this was his second winner on a successful Irish Champions Weekend.
“She was very impressive. She keeps getting better and better all the time,” Tudhope said. “She’s a beautiful big filly and is only going to improve. I’m absolutely delighted for her owner Steve (Parkin). Karl and the team work so hard, and they deserve this. She’s got a nice way about her in the way she goes about her game and she’s very tough.”
Fallen Angel, the 9-4 favorite, completed the 7-furlong race in 1:27:50.
As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees for the winners of the Challenge Series races to start at this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Breeders’ Cup will also provide a travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by the Championships’ pre-entry deadline of Oct. 23 to receive the rewards.
