Civetta goes close in G3 Matron Stakes

Civetta was narrowly denied a first G3 success as she was caught in the shadow of the post by Abientot in the Matron Stakes at Aqueduct, USA, on Sunday, 6 October. 

The Brendan Walsh-trained two-year-old, an unlucky fourth in the Untapable Stakes at Kentucky Downs on her previous outing, broke smartly and disputed the early running before settling in a close sixth. 

Having taken closer order around the field turning in, Civetta challenged four wide under Flavien Prat in the straight and quickened to press Yougottahavehope and Laurice for the lead half a furlong out. 

Civetta appeared to have the measure of Yougottahavehope as she briefly took up the running in the closing strides, only for Abientot to fly home and collar the front two near the line for a neck verdict.