G1 second on turf for Antoinette in Belmont Oaks

Antoinette added a G1 placing on turf to her multifaceted profile when coming home a clear second in the Belmont Oaks at Belmont Park, USA, on Saturday, 19 September.

The Hard Spun homebred headed into the 10-furlong contest on the back of two excellent runs at Saratoga, having finished third on dirt in the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks before making the running on turf when bravely winning the Saratoga Oaks.

Antoinette was once again sent to the front of the five runners and soon established a length and a half advantage. She continued to dictate and looked to have the rest of the field in trouble when kicking for home under John Velazquez approaching the straight.

The Bill Mott-trained filly rallied in the home stretch but was unable to see off the challenge of Magic Attitude, who swooped from the rear to take up the running entering the final furlong before quickening away to score by two and a quarter lengths. Antoinette stayed on resolutely to come home another two and a quarter lengths ahead of Neige Blanche in third.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell said: “Antoinette produced a very good run to finish a clear second behind a very strong filly. She tried to control the race again but Magic Attitude had that finishing kick in the straight. We can have no excuses as we were second best on the day and it was still a very good effort.”