Flora Of Bermuda (5/1) turned the British EBF 40th Anniversary Alice Keppel Fillies' Conditions Stakes into a procession as she stormed clear up the stands’ rail to score by four lengths.
The daughter of Dark Angel made light of her low draw [2] to get into a challenging position and, when Oisin Murphy pushed the button, she quickened up strikingly to open her account at the fourth time of asking.
Juniper Berries (11/2) was best of the rest, with Indispensable (15/2) a further three lengths back in third.
The win completed a double on the day for trainer Andrew Balding, who took the opening Coral Handicap with The Goat.
Balding said: “We think a lot of this filly. It was a bit of a punt on the ground, but we felt we would learn something if it didn’t work.
“The draw in a way was a plus, as we didn’t get involved in any sort of barging to try and hold our position. She’s got a lot of talent, enjoyed the ground and would have no problem staying six if we put her up.
“I think that as long as she stays in one piece, black type will not be a problem. She is in the Lowther and that was always the plan.”
Murphy said: “I was really delighted with Flora Of Bermuda. Her work has always been very smart. She came from the breeze-ups. She was prepared by Mick [Murphy] and Sarah O’Connell. I rode her back in February/March and thought she had a big future, so I was delighted she got out to winning ways today.
“I think the best is yet to come for her. We also had Purosangue earlier in the Molecomb, who just went down by a neck – he was a breeze-up purchase as well by Aclaim. So these horses are really training on and I’m delighted to be partnering with them.
“My last day here is tomorrow, then I’m off to Saratoga for Friday and Saturday. I have hit the crossbar a few times, so I am really happy to get on the scoresheet now.”
4.10pm British EBF 40th Anniversary Keppel Fillies’ Conditions Stakes
1 Flora Bermuda (Bermuda Racing Limited) Andrew Balding 2-9-02 Oisin Murphy 5/1
2 Juniper Berries (Norman Court Stud & Jon Mitchell) Eve Johnson Houghton 2-9-02 Charles Bishop 11/2
3 Indispensable (Cheveley Park Stud) William Haggas 2-9-02 Tom Marquand 15/2
11 ran 4/1F Beenham (6th)
Andrew Balding – 22nd Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
Oisin Murphy – 12th Qatar Goodwood Festival winner
4.45pm British European Breeders Fund EBF Fillies’ Handicap
