Wild Illusion just denied in Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf

Wild Illusion was headed in the dying strides to go down by a neck to Sistercharlie in the G1 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf over a mile and three furlongs at Churchill Downs, USA, on Saturday, 3 November.

The three-year-old Dubawi filly, stepping up a furlong following impressive G1 wins in the Nassau Stakes and Prix de l’Opera, was rousted along by William Buick after being slightly slow into stride and settled in fourth of the 14 runners after the first quarter-mile.

Wild Illusion, trained by Charlie Appleby, went third turning for home and stayed on strongly towards the centre of the course to take up the running from long-time leader A Raving Beauty inside the final half-furlong.

She was almost immediately collared by Sistercharlie, who flew home to win in 2m 20.96s on good ground, with three-quarters of a length back to A Raving Beauty in third.  

Charlie Appleby commented: “I am delighted with the performance of Wild Illusion, who has run another fantastic race and lost nothing in defeat.

“We felt coming into the race that Sistercharlie was the filly we all had to beat, so full credit to Chad Brown and his team on their win.

“Wild Illusion is a consistent G1 performer but I feel that a mile and two furlongs is really her ideal trip.”

William Buick added: “Wild Illusion ran really well and I am very pleased with her.

“I thought I would be able to open up a decent lead when I hit the front but Sistercharlie showed a really good turn of foot.”