Sky Lantern to see American-style bend in final workout
Sky Lantern will tackle an American-style bend in her final gallop later this week, ahead of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. To prepare the filly for next month’s big event at Santa Anita, the connections have decided to bring a change of scenery
for the Moyglare winner.
The 2-year-old has been performing outstandingly since the outset of her career. She made a winning debut at Goodwood in May, when taking the big prize in the British Stallion Studs Supporting British Racing E B F Maiden Fillies' Stakes.
After winning a Listed race at Naas, the novice jumped up to the graded level at Newmarket, where she was second to Certify in the Group 3, German-Thoroughbred.com Sweet Solera Stakes in August.
Another unlucky loss came to her way at Goodwood in the same month. In the Group 3, Whiteley Clinic Prestige Stakes, the Richard Hannon-trained missed the crown only by half a length.
After facing a couple of defeats, the daughter of Red Clubs finally opened her account at the top level last month. In the hands of regular jockey Richard Hughes, the B. Keswick-owned won the Group 1, Moyglare Stud Stakes at Curragh.
The 7-1 chance held up in the mid-division, but went close approaching 2f out. The dashing filly quickened well on nearside to lead a furlong before the line, and eventually bagged the top prize by two and a half lengths.
Having enjoyed the glory in Great Britain, Sky Lantern is targeting the US meeting, and the connections are leaving no stone unturned to make things ready. Richard Hannon junior, assistant trainer, was quoted on Hannon's website, as saying:
"We have never had a winner at the Breeders' Cup, but Sky Lantern probably represents our best chance yet. She has solid Group 1 form, and, being on the turf, we have to think that she has a serious chance, especially as there is no Lasix permitted in all
the two-year-old races out there."
“They have an American-style bend at Manton, and Brian Meehan has kindly agreed to let us take Sky Lantern over for her last workout before she gets on the plane on Saturday.”
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