The undefeated filly Lake Victoria added another dazzling victory to her resume, capturing the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf at Del Mar racetrack. Under the guidance of top jockey Ryan Moore, the talented two-year-old overcame significant early interference to unleash a powerful late run and surge clear of her rivals.
Despite breaking from the disadvantageous rail post position, Moore deftly maneuvered Lake Victoria towards the front heading into the first turn. However, the precocious filly encountered trouble when Totally Justified veered into her path, forcing Lake Victoria back to seventh position.
Moore’s Winning Move
Undeterred by the setback, Moore remained patient, biding his time before launching Lake Victoria’s winning bid. As the pacesetters began to fade, the star jockey threaded his mount through a narrow opening along the inside rail. Once clear, Lake Victoria unleashed an explosive turn of foot to seize command from the game Thought Process, drawing off to a comfortable victory.
She had very strong form coming into the race, and really all she needed was normal racing luck and a clear shot. We just about managed that and she proved to be much the best.
– Ryan Moore on Lake Victoria’s performance
The impressive score marked Lake Victoria’s fifth consecutive triumph, a streak that includes Group One wins at both seven and six furlongs. Her versatility and raw talent have established her as the early favorite for next year’s 1,000 Guineas, one of Europe’s most coveted classics for three-year-old fillies.
Ireland’s First Winner
Earlier on the card, Irish trainer Ger Lyons celebrated his first Breeders’ Cup victory when Magnum Force unleashed a stunning late rally to capture the Juvenile Turf Sprint. With Colin Keane in the irons, the precocious colt weaved his way through traffic before surging clear in the final strides.
Magnum Force had to overcome a wide trip over the tight Del Mar turf course, which often favors front-runners. Undaunted by the task, Keane masterfully guided his mount along the inside rail before angling out for a clear run in the stretch. Fellow Irish raider Arizona Blaze held on for second, narrowly edging Big Mojo and Governor Sam in a thrilling four-horse finish.
We won the Oaks and the Guineas standing on our own in the stands. Now I’ll take it, don’t get me wrong, but then you come here and that’s what sportsmen want. We work hard and we have more losing days than winning days, and just to get that buzz, money can’t buy that.
– Ger Lyons on the thrill of his first Breeders’ Cup win
A Bright Future Ahead
Both Lake Victoria and Magnum Force have emerged as rising stars in their respective divisions, with connections eagerly anticipating their three-year-old campaigns. As Lyons noted, “The sky’s the limit next year, because it’s all about next year. We came here to teach him how to sprint, and you have to learn how to sprint and he’s getting better and better.”
With the first day of Breeders’ Cup action in the books, racing enthusiasts eagerly await the marquee events on Saturday’s card, headlined by the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. As the sport’s brightest stars converge on Del Mar, the stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of world-class competition and heart-stopping finishes.
