Immersive delivers performance of a champion in G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

Immersive maintained her perfect record and secured a third consecutive G1 victory with another dominant success in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar, USA, on Friday, 1 November. 

The Nyquist homebred had already demonstrated her superiority in the Spinaway Stakes and Darley Alcibiades Stakes, and was bidding to become only the second horse to sweep both races and the Breeders’ Cup following Countess Diana. 

Smartly into her stride, Immersive soon tracked the leaders in fourth as Nooni tore off into a four-length lead leaving the first turn. Scottish Lassie moved up on the outside of Immersive halfway down the back, although the Brad Cox-trained filly looked poised to strike when Manny Franco switched her out turning for home. 

Vodka With A Twist took over from Nooni approaching the home straight, with Scottish Lassie moving up to press for the lead and Immersive launching her own challenge outside the duo at the top of the lane. 

Immersive powered by Vodka With A Twist and Scottish Lassie passing the furlong-pole and stretched clear under little persuasion, hitting the line four and a half lengths in front. 

Michael Banahan, Director of Bloodstock, Godolphin USA, said: “Immersive was unbeaten and had won two G1s already. We felt that she was top of the class in terms of two-year-old fillies in the country and it was great to get confirmation of that. 

“His Highness Sheikh Mohammed puts a lot of time and effort into getting these types of horses. I am so grateful we are here today to represent him as we get another winner at the Breeders’ Cup. 

“It’s so difficult to win one G1, but to win three on the trot like that in such impressive fashion, and it looks as though the further, the better for her. We have much to look forward to, and being by Nyquist made it extra special.

 “We would love to think that the Kentucky Oaks is a possibility. When you turn over the calendar, it’s a new year for everyone again and I am sure there will be fillies who put their hands up and become big challengers. We can’t ask Immersive to do any more than she has achieved already, and it looks like she has plenty of stamina. She has the speed to lay off quick fractions as well, so she can get in a good spot tactically in her races. Of course, we are going to be excited about next year.” 

Brad Cox said: “I want to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. Immersive is a special filly to win three Grade Ones at two. I am very proud of her. “I felt coming off the turn that Immersive was in a great spot. Manny let the front runners get away a bit – they were rolling up front – and we thought the pace would collapse with them going that quick that early. 

“Manny has done a great job with her all summer and I am glad he was able to get another Breeders’ Cup win. 

“In regard to two-year-olds, Immersive is probably the best I have had. A three-time G1 winner, she is a champion, and the sky is the limit.” Manny Franco said: “Immersive is great. I want to say thank you to Brad Cox and Godolphin for letting me ride this amazing filly. Like I have said before, she wants to go the distance, and she wants to go all day. I am just happy to be part of it. 

“I was not panicking at all. I knew the pace in front of me was good. I took my time because I felt I was riding the best filly in the race. She helped me. “Brad is one of the leading trainers in the nation and I want to say thanks to him and his team for the amazing job they have done with this filly.”