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Lake Victoria to miss Royal Ascot

3 minute read

Lake Victoria is set to miss Royal Ascot as Ballydoyle announce plans for their leading fillies.

LAKE VICTORIA.
LAKE VICTORIA. Picture: Photo By Seb Daly/Getty Images

In a statement posted on X, Coolmore (@coolmorestud) said: "Lake Victoria will not run at Royal Ascot. She will have an easy few weeks and will return for a late summer/autumn campaign. Epsom Oaks winner Minnie Hauk will target the Irish Oaks, while Whirl, who finished runner-up in the Epsom Oaks, will head for the Gr.1 Pretty Polly Stakes."

The Aidan O'Brien-trained Lake Victoria was crowned Champion European Two-Year-Old Filly after an unbeaten season as a juvenile, ending her season with a triumphant victory in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar. Although only beaten two-and-a-half lengths on seasonal reappearance, Lake Victoria could only manage sixth in the Group 1 1000 Guineas behind Desert Flower, despite starting 9/4. She bounced back to winning ways with an easy success in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh three weeks later, justifying 10/11 favouritism. The daughter of Frankel holds entries for the Group 1 Irish Oaks, the Group 1 Sussex Stakes and the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes later in the season.

The announcement has led to a change in the betting for the Group 1 Coronation Stakes, Lake Victoria's expected target, with Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner (promoted to first) Zarigana made the evens favourite over Lake Victoria's stablemate Exactly, who finished third in the same race.

Meanwhile, Epsom Oaks first and second Minnie Hauk and Whirl will be separated for their next outing – with the Classic winner set to try for a famous double in the Irish equivalent, whilst Musidora Stakes victor Whirl will return to ten furlongs for the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes on Irish Derby weekend.


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