Cape Flora
Cape Flora ran out an impressive winner of the 10-and-a-half-furlong fillies' handicap at York on Friday. Sent to the front from flagfall by Kieran O'Neill, she came under a ride as they raced just inside the three-furlong marker, and she was challenged on all sides, but she found lots for pressure. She retained her lead until they got to the furlong pole and, actually, she pulled away from her rivals through the final 150 yards, winning by two and a half lengths in the end.
It was a fine performance by the Gosdens' filly as she continued her progression. She was weak in the market before this race too, stepping up significantly in grade, from a 0-68 handicap at Leicester on her previous run into a Class 2 0-105 all-aged fillies' and mares' contest. But she was impressive in winning at Leicester, when she was ridden forward for the first time, and she was impressive in winning here again. She obviously goes well under these forward-going tactics. The handicapper raised her by 9lb to a mark of 88, but this was just her sixth run and, such is her rate of progression, she remains capable of going beyond even her new mark. Out of the New Approach mare Waldlied, winner of the Group 2 Prix de Malleret over a mile and a half and a three-parts sister to Arc winner Waldgeist, she shaped here as if she would appreciate a step up to a mile and a half. She was faster than all her rivals through the final furlong. She is a big filly who could be even better next season, but she will be of interest too if she races again this season.
York, 22nd August 2025
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