Sangster filly found only Lake Victoria too good at the Curragh.
As the racing season draws to a close, Ollie Sangster's talented filly Simmering is building up the suspense for what may be one final shot at Group One glory this season. The daughter of Too Darn Hot has shown herself a dangerous opponent—although, in reality, it is after winning the Princess Margaret Stakes and the Group Two Prix du Calvados at Deauville. Coming into this season following her second-place finish behind Fairy Godmother in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot, expectations have continued to rise, and with only a few weeks left in the season, connections are weighing up their options for a final race.
Last weekend, Simmering faced an imposing lineup as she ran in the Moyglare Stud Stakes in Ireland and battled with the best fillies in town-holders Bedtime Story, Red Letter, and Lake Victoria for first place. However, Sangster is upbeat about her run after saying, "She ran a very good race.". "We'd love to win, but second was a great result in the end." The filly was pulled out of the race in good fettle, and her trainers are now wondering if it might be worthwhile giving her one final appearance this season.
Now the racing season moves on to more distant climes, and two tempting options are currently under consideration: the Prix Marcel Boussac at Chatilly in France and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in America. "There are different timescales and different options to weigh up," he said, with logistics and her well-being likely to factor in the final decision. "With several quick races since late July, the team is veering pretty obviously towards a single final outing.". It is a bit too high on pressure, but then again, the connection holds that there is pride and thrill in playing on a great platform.
A thrilling finish!
Watch as Lake Victoria secures her spot in the @JohnDeere #BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies Turf with her victory in the #WinAndYoureIn Moyglare Stud Stakes! Congrats to all of her connections! pic.twitter.com/zelAdZ2Ite
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) September 15, 2024
On the other hand, another Sangster promising filly, Flight, also created headlines recently with her third place in the May Hill Stakes at Doncaster. Flying against the unbeaten Desert Flower, Flight's performance highlighted potential futures. "I thought she ran a very commendable race," Sangster said, suggesting she found it tough at times, for she was left in front too much. Having been given this experience, there's optimism about her future. Sangster believes Flight is on the verge of a breakthrough, saying, "She's a big filly and has heaps of scope going into next year." He suggests she may run again before the year's end, perhaps in the Oh So Sharp Stakes to get some black-type. It would be great to win a stakes race if we can, so we'll maybe work back from something like that for now," he said, reflecting the strategic thinking that underpins his training philosophy.
In the final weeks of racing this season, excitement over Simmering and Flight demonstrates how racing horses can lead to uncertainty and excitement. For Sangster and his team, each race marks the beginning of something new, full of hope and dreams. High stakes aside, it is when they can witness their horses compete at the highest level that keeps them going. This weekend, at both Santa Anita and Belmont, the upcoming weeks will come to be crucial for each of the fillies. Simmering may shoot to a last Group One victory, and Flight looks to build her promise from the start.
As the clock counts to the end of the season, all will be watching Sangster's yard, as decisions made in these coming days shape the potential career trajectory for these young fillies and solidify their names into racing history. With each race, there's not only the thrill of competition but also the emotional journey that links trainers, owners, and fans together and makes horse racing a uniquely fascinating sport.
