Southern California-Based Equestrian Legend Edges Out Caravel in $336,525 Worth Grade 2 Showdown

In the equestrian world, the suspense keeps the fans on their toes. At any point, any equine can surpass the other and clinch victory in the last leg. Since ancient Greek, equestrianism has been entertaining enthusiasts. While the primary focus in on the horses, the owners and the riders require the most credits. On a fine autumn morning, another Grade II race witnessed a $511,883 worth of horse clinch victory at the Franklin Stakes.

The popular Grade II horse racing event welcomes three years or older fillies and mares to compete. The annual event happening around October at Keeneland Race has a distance of 51/2 furlongs. The multiple Grade I winner Thoroughbred got defeated by a budding star Tony Ann in an exceptional bout.

Equestrian world witnesses Caravel’s loss

Keeping behind the Ireland-bred Twilight Gleaming, the level-pegging competitors hurled forward. On a mission to maintain the winning streak, Caravel paced up but couldn’t make it to the top. The advantage of having more momentum in the final yards, awarded Tony the win. The 5-year-old Thoroughbred earned her first stakes victory in the 27th edition of the $336,525 Franklin (G2) for fillies and mares. However, Caravel’s jockey stated, “The filly tried hard, but we just weren’t able to get her head in front today.” 

The trainer further chimed in to add, “Good run. Just came up a touch short.” However, his season dreams are not crushed yet. The upcoming Breeders Cup, just days away, expects a stronger comeback by the 2023 Grade I Jaipur Stakes winner.

To this, Cox added, “I am proud of the effort. She likes it here at Keeneland and ran another great race. Breeders’ Cup is definitely still something we are pointing towards. We’ll see how she comes out of this race and go from there.” Though Caravel got edged out this time, his history is convincing.

Caravel eyeing for another win

The Brad Cox-trained Caravel clinched the Jaipur race win and earned a ‘Win and You’re In’ entry into the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in November at Santa Anita Park. However, her Breeders Cup history has a not-so-good ending. Though she disappointed the field last year at 42-1 odds, she could attempt to defend her championship this time.

Caravel confirmed her connections’ choice to surrender a trip to Royal Ascot for the Group 1 King’s Stand, which ran in late June, according to Cox. They had made that choice as per Caravel’s triumph in the Grade 3 Intercontinental last year.

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Alongside her victories in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint in November at Keeneland and the Grade 2 Shakertown win in April, Caravel earned his third career victory. Moreover, he left his male competitors with the phenomenal wins.

Do you think Caravel will be able to make a comeback? Let us know in the comments below.

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