European invaders hit Keeneland track for QE II Challenge Cup
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Photo:
Coady Photography
Group 2 winners
Mission Impassible (IRE) and Nyaleti (IRE), Sunday arrivals for Saturday’s Grade 1, $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Lane’s End for 3-year-old fillies, cleared quarantine and Tuesday morning were on the Keeneland
training track for light exercise.
Nyaleti, owned by 3 Battenhams and a Reay, has made her second trip to North America this year. She finished sixth in the Beverly D. (G1) at Arlington on
Aug. 11.
“She was stuck inside coming into the final bend and couldn’t get out,” said exercise rider Hayley Kelly, who accompanied the filly to Chicago. “She probably would have finished in the top three if she had gotten out.”
As it was, Nyaleti was only beaten 2¾ lengths by Sistercharlie (IRE). That showing contributed to the connections accepting the invitation to the QE II.
“She is a good traveler and is very happy here,” said Kelly, who is making her first visit to Keeneland. “If she runs well Saturday, she will probably stay for the Breeders’ Cup (Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs).”
Mark Johnston trains Nyaleti, but he will not be here for the race. Kelly said the trainer’s wife, Deirdre, would be here Thursday night.
Mission Impassible, owned by Mohammed Hamad Khalifa Al-Attiyah, made her first trip outside of Europe to come here. Exercise rider Jerome Viaud said the daughter of Galileo (IRE) has settled in well.
Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget, Mission Impassible brings Viaud back to Keeneland for the first time in 12 years.
“I was here in 2006 for the same race with Singhalese (GB
Rouget is not scheduled to be here for the race.
The other probable starters for the QE II are Beyond Blame (trainer Brad Cox), Capla Temptress (IRE)
Entries will be taken Wednesday.
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