La Pelosa narrowly beaten in Albany Stakes

Two-year-old filly La Pelosa continued a bright start to her career with a close second on her Pattern debut in the G3 Albany Stakes over six furlongs at Royal Ascot on Friday, 22 June.

The Charlie Appleby-trained daughter of Dandy Man, an impressive debut winner on Polytrack at Kempton Park on 23 May, broke smartly and tracked the leaders down the centre of the course as the 18 runners split into two groups.

La Pelosa went second on her side after the first quarter-mile and ran on strongly for William Buick to challenge the winner Main Edition entering the final furlong.

The Godolphin filly continued to press for the lead, but could not quite get on terms with Main Edition, who held on for a neck verdict in 1m 13.67s on good to firm ground. Fairyland, who fared best of those racing towards the far side, finished third, a further half a length back.

Charlie Appleby commented: “The winner had run twice, so had a bit more experience than our filly, but as William just said, we have had a peach of a run.

“A furlong down I thought we were going to pick the winner up because James (Doyle on Main Edition) had gone for his filly. She found for him, and while our filly picked up too she couldn’t quite find the extra half a length that was needed.

“I’m pleased because La Pelosa is going to be a fun filly for the summer, and I’m sure that stepping up in trip is going to be our next step forward.

“I would not imagine the Duchess of Cambridge Stakes would be for her – we will see some of those Queen Mary types stepping up for that – and La Pelosa is a nice scopey filly who looks like she will handle further.

“She’s a lovely, well-bred filly and you can see why the team decided to buy her at the Craven Sale. She has substance and a great head on her, and I’m hoping she can add to the black type she has earned today – hopefully by winning black type next time.”