3 minute read
Lake Victoria was able to redeem herself following a disappointing run in the Newmarket equivalent, registering a facile success in the Group 1 Irish 1000 Guineas on an excellent day for trainer Aidan O’Brien, jockey Ryan Moore, and Coolmore Stud.
The daughter of Frankel boasted an unblemished record as a juvenile, recording five consecutive victories including a memorable three-length success in the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stud Stakes and stepping up to a mile to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, in turn earning her the title of Champion European Two-Year-Old Filly.
Her success represents a record eleventh victory in the contest for Aidan O'Brien, whose last success came courtesy of Empress Josephine in 2021.
Ridden handily by Moore, Lake Victoria only needed to accelerate past frontrunner California Dreamer in the final furlong, demonstrating a sharp turn of foot to breeze past the leader with little opposition materialising from the rear.
Winning trainer O'Brien said to Racing TV in the aftermath: "I was over the moon with her at home. Everything had went well with her. It doesn't always go well from run to run, but we knew she was going to make massive leaps. Ryan gave her a beautiful ride. He got her in a beautiful position, whether they went fast or slow. She's a very exciting filly - one of those special ones. She won a Group 1 over 6f, 7f, and a mile as a two-year-old she travelled the world, to America. So, she's very unique really.
"The plan was that she'd go here and then go to the Coronation Stakes (Gr.1). I asked Ryan what he would do. I'd imagine that is the perfect route to go. And whether she steps up to a mile or a mile and a quarter, the lads will decide."
Lake Victoria holds a number of options this summer, and has been made 13-8 favourite with Paddy Power from 5-2 for the Coronation Stakes. Elsewhere, she is an 8-1 shot for the Oaks, 5-1 for the Irish equivalent, and 16-1 for the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October.
