Ballydoyle’s Lake Victoria Adds Second Group 1 To Unbeaten Record

A drop down to six furlongs proved no problem to Lake Victoria (2f Frankel – Quiet Reflection, by Showcasing) as she skipped clear in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes to extend her unbeaten record to four from four.

Aidan O’Brien’s filly followed up her debut Curragh victory with a stylish success in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes, before capturing the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes last time out. She was sent off favourite at Newmarket, where her rivals included fellow Group 1 winner Babouche, Prix Morny third Daylight and Queen Mary winner Leovanni.

The field split in two, with Lake Victoria leading the stands’ side and was asked to quicken from two furlongs out. Ridden approaching the final furlong, she was soon in command and ran on well to score by three lengths.

“Coming back to six was not an easy thing to do,” O’Brien reflected. “We had in our heads before the Moyglare that Lake Victoria could come back here. Ryan gave her a very uncomplicated ride and she quickened very well. She was obviously very classy, always.”

On future plans, the trainer commented, “Ryan said to come back here for the Fillies' Mile. I don't know whether you could go from seven back up to six and then back up to a mile. We'll see, it'll be dependent on whatever the lads want to do really.”