Three entered to face Questing in the Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing
It looks as if Godolphin Racing’s, Questing, has scared off competition in the Grade 1, $1 million Cotillion Stakes, as only three other 3-year-old fillies will try to stop her from strengthening her claim to become the 2012 champion 3-year-old filly.
The Grade 1 Cotillion Stakes will take place at Parx Racing – Philadelphia Park on 22 September, 2012. Other than Questing, My Miss Aurelia along with Dixie Strike and Moment in Dixie will participate in the 1 1/16 mile event.
Trained by Kiaran P. McLaughlin, Questing is exiting a hat-trick after claiming the Grade 1 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga on 18 August, 2012.
Over a distance of 1 ¼ miles, Questing got the better of the dangerous, In Lingerie, when she dumped the runner-up by a massive margin of nine lengths under rider, Irad Ortiz, who helped the filly cover the distance in 2 minutes and 1.29 seconds.
“I didn’t think that was the case earlier in the year, but obviously after winning two Grade 1s at Saratoga, and the way she did it, I could see it being a smaller field, but I was surprised to only see four,” said Kiaran McLaughlin.
Prior to her hat-trick, Kiaran McLaughlin was largely running Questing over turf, but the switch to dirt paid dividends, as she downed an Allowance Claimer at Belmont Park over a mile, and downed Book Review by 3 ¾ lengths on 24 June, 2012.
The decision was immensely applauded when Questing went on to win the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks at about 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga.
With her typical style in the stretch, Questing ducked out and posted a 4 ¼ lengths victory over the impressive, Zo Impressive, as In Lingerie finished third on the day.
“Hopefully, that’s from the stick and we will ask Irad to keep his stick down until he needs it,” said McLaughlin.
Questing will be sent at 1 to 1, and will break from post number 2 under her regular rider.
My Miss Aurelia is 8 to 5 on the back of her victory in an overnight stakes, going over a distance of six and one-half furlongs. She will break from post number 3.
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