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WINNER’S BLANKET HARD EARNED IN BLANKET FINISH

WINNER’S BLANKET HARD EARNED IN BLANKET FINISH Nov 10, 2022

Shadwell Stables’ Malathaat added another dramatic chapter to her wonderful career story, leading right on the line to deny Blue Stripe and Clairiere in a thrilling 1800m Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. The second favourite, a 4yo daughter of Curlin and a rare filly purchase by Shadwell when the late Sheikh Hamdan was alive, having cost $1,025,000 as a yearling, has been beaten just four times after 14 racecourse appearances.

She now has six Grade One victories on her CV of which this was a third consecutive one. Trained by Todd Pletcher, she has now bankrolled $3,790,825, not only more than trebling her purchase price but also establishing herself as a very valuable commodity when she joins the Shadwell broodmare band.

Settled well off the pace by John Velazquez, they started to creep closer on the far turn before unleashing their decisive challenge down the centre of the home straight, only leading where it really mattered.

Blue Stripe, Clairiere and Malathaat hit the line in near unison as commentator Kurt Becker screamed: “Malathaat… Maybe! What a finish!”

FILLED WITH MOMENTUM

A laughing Todd Pletcher said: “When we first watched the race, we thought we won, but they kept showing the replay and it looked closer each time. She had a lot of momentum and I was hoping she had enough time to get there. She put her head down at the right moment.”

John Velazquez added: “I thought I had it on the bob and then I wasn't so sure: it was very close. “When you have that much trust from a guy like Todd Pletcher who gives me the opportunity to ride these good horses, it makes it easy when you have to make adjustments during the race. Every race she runs, she shows up. She is a tough mare and I will miss her if they retire her.”


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