Sun Goddess wins Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf unchallenged

Sun Goddess beat her rivals to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Keeneland. Finishing her two-year-old season with her fourth top-level victory, she became the strongest European representative of the night. The opening race of the evening, the Juvenile Turf Sprint, had already been won by Libertango.

The filly, who has three Group 1 wins in Europe, drew stall nine after a long journey to America. Despite this, Ryan Moore got her away quickly and placed her on the inside at the ideal position. Amusingly, the main rival, was forced to race at the very back of the field.

When Moore made his move at the head of the straight, the contest was soon decided. Joseph O'Brien's Green Empress finished second, behind the filly that had won four times this year. Johnny Murtagh's Curracloe was third. Amusingly, ridden by Colin Keane, made progress late and took fourth. Joseph O'Brien's Alwaysanangel finished fifth, giving European horses a sweep of the first five places.

Aidan O'Brien's win was the 22nd Breeders' Cup victory of his career. With it, the trainer moved ahead of Bob Baffert as the most successful name in the event's history.

Aidan O'Brien said the filly had been very relaxed from the first day. He noted that she had also run at Royal Ascot before the race and was comfortable in any conditions. He linked the decision to go directly to America instead of the Fillies Mile at Newmarket to next season's goals. He also added that six, seven or a mile made no difference to her.