Dank Proves Best in Filly & Mare Turf
Dank wins the 2013 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf
Dank sat close to the early pace, took over at the top of the stretch and held off the closers to win the $2 million, Grade 1 Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita Saturday.
European shipper Romantica was second half a length. Alterite was another half-length back in third. The final time for the 1 1/4-mile event was 1:58.73.
Dank, ridden by Ryan Moore, is a 4-year-old daughter of Dansili out of the Darshaan mare, Masskana. She is owned by James Wigan and was bred in Great Britain by London Thoroughbred Services Ltd.
The victory gave trainer Sir Michael Stoute his sixth Breeders' Cup win from 34 starters.
Quotes:
Ryan Moore (jockey, Dank, 1st) – “She had everything right today and I could ride her that way. I didn’t have to take too many chances because she was the best filly in the race. She wasn’t as brilliant today as in her last race (the Beverly D. at Arlington Park), but she still ran a very good race today.”
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Michael Stoute (trainer, Dank, 1st) – “We knew from stall (post) 1 we wouldn’t get pushed on the inside. She seemed a bit fresh early on but Ryan knew what to do. I don’t mind going into the winner’s enclosure. I’d like to keep her in training next year and I’m going to have to be quite persuasive.”
Teddy Beckett (racing manager to Khalid Abdullah, Romantica, 2nd and Emollient, 4th) – “(Romatica) had run a great race. Both fillies have run well. We’ve got no complaints. That’s the way it goes.”
Maxime Guyon (trainer, Romantica, 2nd) – “It was a lovely race. I was beaten by the best horse. I stayed in just behind her. My horse went really well at the end and I’m really pleased with her. It’s exceptional being here at the Breeders’ Cup.”
Javier Castellano (jockey, Alterite, 3rd) – “In the winner’s circle presentation (from the previous race), I learned that I had the mount on this horse. Mr. Schwartz and Chad Brown have been good to me the last couple of years and I was glad for the opportunity. I had never ridden this horse before. They just told me a couple of things (in the paddock) and said to ride as it came out.”
Chad Brown (trainer, Alterite, 3rd) – “We wanted to be in the pocket where the two (Romantica) was, but when Laughing never left and the one (Dank) did leave, that went out the window. She had to run two-wide the whole way but he (jockey Javier Castellano) did find some cover behind Marketing Mix. It wasn’t the best trip I was looking for that I got with (last year’s winner) Zagora. But she did find cover and I thought she finished well. I’m proud of this filly being 3 years old and running three times in seven weeks. She’ll get a lengthy, well-deserved break now.
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