Game G2 third for Sentiero Italia

Sentiero Italia again showed her battling qualities when a close third in the G2 Woodward Reserve Ballston Spa Stakes over an extended mile on turf at Saratoga, USA, on Saturday, August 27.

The four-year-old, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and partnered by Joel Rosario, was having her second start of 2016.

Sentiero Italia broke smartly and raced in third of the seven runners before dropping back to be fourth on the far side.

The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro moved up to regain third and then took second on the final turn and had every chance with a furlong remaining.

Sentiero Italia could not quicken again in the closing stages, going down by three-quarters of a length and a half-length to the winner Strike Charmer, whose time of 1m 38.77s was a new stakes record, and runner-up Lady Eli.

Kiaran McLaughlin remarked: "Sentiero Italia ran very well and was very game.

"She battled on and looked like securing second, only to finish third.

"She is likely to run next in the Flower Bowl Invitational (G1, 10f turf, Belmont Park, October 8)."