Daughter of Coolmore Stud's Wootton Bassett swoops late to land her second Group / Grade 1
The James Fanshawe-trained Audarya (Wootton Bassett) denied Rushing Fall (More Than Ready) one last victory on her favourite course, catching the the daughter of former Vinery Stud shuttler More Than Ready (Southern Halo) in the final stages to win Saturday's US$2 million Breeders' Cup Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf (Gr 1, 8.5f) at Keeneland.
Audarya broke from post 11 under Pierre-Charles Boudot and used the initial stretch run to settle into a ground-saving stalking position in the middle of the field.
Mean Mary (Scat Daddy) initially went to the front, but the far outside-breaking Cayenne Pepper (Australia) refused to let that happen and took the lead heading into the clubhouse turn, forcing Mean Mary to stalk.
Cayenne Pepper rolled through opening fractions of :23.50, :47.44, and 1:10.95, but Mean Mary ranged up to retake the lead as the field entered the far turn.
Rushing Fall took first run at the new leader, making a three-wide bid off the turn and taking over at the top of the stretch, but Audarya was coming with a furious push just behind her.
Rushing Fall fought hard to hold onto her shrinking advantage, but Audarya took over in the final stages and crossed the line a neck in front of Rushing Fall.
"First of all, thanks to all the team at home," Fanshawe said. "I just can't believe it, some race to win. I'm just so thrilled. PC gave her a superb ride."
Harvey's Lil Goil (American Pharoah) led a four-horse rally from the rear to take third over Lady Prancealot (Sir Prancealot).
Audarya's win was her second at the Grade/Group 1 level and she has now won five times and placed in another five races from 13 career starts.
"The (traveling crew) has looked after her superbly since she's been here," Fanshawe said. "She's done everything right since she's been here. Breeders' Cup has looked after us amazingly."
Bought by Stroud Coleman for €125,000 at the 2017 Arqana Deauville October Yearling Sale Audarya is one of two winners and the only stakes winner out of the winning mare Green Bananas (Green Tune). Her fourth dam is Jimka (Jim French) who produced ten winners headed by Hong Kong Cup (Gr 1, 2000m) winner Jim And Tonic (Double Bed).
Wootton Bassett will stand his first season at Coolmore's County Tipperary farm in 2021 having been purchased by the operation from Haras d'Etreham earlier this year.
French-bred filly AUDARYA wows in the $2M @MakersMark #BreedersCup Filly and Mare Turf! Congrats to connections @james_fanshawe @PCBOUDOT#BetWithTVG on #BC20! Live coverage now on the Watch TVG app! pic.twitter.com/KFEO7w4dXH
— TVG (@TVG) November 7, 2020
