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Inspiral runs them all down under Frankie Dettori (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
Breeders’ Cup Press Release
ARCADIA, Calif.— Cheveley Park Stud’s homebred Inspiral (GB) ($7) rocketed past eight horses in deep stretch to post a neck victory over Warm Heart (IRE) to win the 25th running of the $2 million Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita.
Trained by John Gosden and ridden by Frankie Dettori, Inspiral completed the mile and a quarter over a firm turf course in 1:59.06. It is the sixth Breeders’ Cup victory for Gosden and the 15th for Dettori with his third in the race. His other victories came with Ouija Board (GB) in 2006 and Queen’s Trust (GB) in 2016.
In Italian (GB), runner-up in this race last year, set an uncontested pace while Dettori was giving Inspiral a ground-saving trip in mid-pack. In Italian maintained her advantage to the top of the stretch when she was collared by Warm Heart and a wave of challengers.
Warm Heart opened a clear lead at mid-stretch and appeared on her way to victory when Inspiral came with her desperate run on the outside to snatch the victory. Warm Heart held second by a length over Moira, who took third by a nose over Win Marilyn (JPN). In Italian was fifth.
The victory was worth $1,040,000 for Inspiral and increased her earnings to $3,639,932 with a record of 13-9-2-0 that includes six Group or Grade 1 victories.
Inspiral is a 4-year-old daughter of Frankel (GB) out of the Selkirk mare Starscope (GB).
Stakes Quotes:
Winning trainer John Gosden, Inspiral (GB) – “An amazing performance from an outstanding filly. Frankie (Dettori) said he was happy with her throughout the race having a good pitch on the inside rail. She traveled beautifully throughout and showed an electric turn of foot. Turning into the straight Frankie had to sit and suffer for a few strides but once she got out she flew home and won very well in the end.”
Second-place trainer Aidan O’Brien, Warm Heart (IRE) – “It was a great run. We are delighted with her. She was beaten by a champion. She didn’t see Inspiral, who came at her really quick, but she ran a great race and we couldn’t be happier. Ryan (Moore) gave her a super ride. When she hit the front it looked as though she would go and win but Inspiral is an exceptional horse and Frankie was at his best. Warm Heart is a very sound and tough horse and I think she’ll carry on improving. I don’t think she’s done yet for the year and if she comes out of the race well, Hong Kong will be the plan for either the Hong Kong Cup or the Hong Kong Vase.”
Third-place trainer Kevin Attard, Moira – “She is a wonderful filly. We hooked some soft turf at home (Woodbine) and she doesn’t favor that. Coming out to California, we were looking for some firm ground and she got that today. She proved she is one of the best. I thought (Flavien Prat) gave her a good ride. Crossing the dirt, it looked like it got a little tight and maybe she got bounced around a little bit but, after that, he put her in a great spot. He had dead aim and she was traveling really comfortably and he tipped her out like she likes to do and she came with a big run.”
Third-place jockey Flavien Prat, Moira – “We had a good trip. To be very honest, when I tipped her out I thought I had a chance to win. She just got outrun by those two. She made a hell of a run.”
