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| Staff Writer |
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In a thrilling display of raw talent and determination, Anshoda has clinched victory in the Gr.3 Prestige Fillies Stakes at Goodwood, securing her spot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. The filly, owned by Team Valor and Gary Barber, powered through soft ground to claim the seven-furlong contest for 2-year-olds, leaving her connections dreaming of glory on the world stage.
Heavy overnight rain wreaked havoc on the field, resulting in the withdrawal of four runners, including market principals Formal and Tabiti. With the going described as soft, a final field of seven faced the starter, with Royalty Bay heading the market at 5-2.
Fresh from her Nunthorpe Stakes heroics aboard Bradsell, Hollie Doyle sent Duty First to the front, setting a steady tempo in the testing conditions. Anshoda and Biniorella Bay tracked the leader, biding their time as the race unfolded.
As the field swung for home, Doyle made what appeared to be a race-winning move, leading the pack across to the stand-side rail. However, under a masterful drive from Billy Loughnane, Anshoda found another gear, powering clear of her rivals to secure a memorable triumph for his father, trainer David Loughnane.
Duty First held on for second, 1 3/4 lengths behind the winner, with Aidan O'Brien's Merrily staying on for third despite encountering traffic problems.
The victory marks a remarkable return on investment for Anshoda's connections. Originally purchased for a mere 5,000 guineas (US$6,578) in May by owner Nawaf Almutairi, the daughter of Inns of Court caught the eye of Team Valor International and Gary Barber after an impressive debut win and a strong second in the Listed Star Stakes at Sandown.
Rising star Billy Loughnane, enjoying a breakthrough season at just 18 years of age, was effusive in his praise for the filly. "She's small but she tries very hard," he beamed. "She was motoring towards the end of the race and was strong at the line. She'll get further in time and her light frame helped her in what was very soft ground."
As part of the 'Win and You're In' Challenge Series, Anshoda has earned an automatic berth in the US$1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. The Breeders' Cup organisation will cover entry fees and provide a travel allowance, provided the filly is nominated to the program by the 21 October pre-entry deadline.
With her ticket punched for Santa Anita, Anshoda's connections can now dream of Breeders' Cup glory. The bargain buy has already proven her worth on home soil; now, she'll have the chance to test her mettle against the world's best on the global stage.