Rushing Fall asserts dominance with QE II win at Keeneland
Rushing Fall lived up to her favoritism -- and defended home turf -- with a wire-to-wire win in Saturday's Grade 1, $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup.
The 3-year-old e Five Racing filly, trained by Chad Brown, moved her record at Keeneland to 3-for-3 after turning back French challenger Mission Impassible.
"We handicapped the race. I didn’t see much speed," said jockey Javier Castellano. "That’s the reason I dictated the pace with slow fractions. She’s just a good filly. I just enjoyed the ride and am very lucky and blessed to enjoy those kind of horses.”
It was then that Mission Impassible pulled alongside, but jockey Javier Castellano only had to shake the reins, and Rushing Fall was gone to another victory in Lexington, Ky. Nyaleti was third with Princess Warrior fourth.
"I had a little concern," Castellano said. "She was looking around a little bit at the grandstand...I asked her a little bit, and she responded. The way she finished, I'm really impressed."
The final time was 1:50.42 with Rushing Fall away at 2-5 in the field of seven.
Another victory moved Rushing Fall's record to 6-1-0 in seven career starts. The only defeat came by a neck, and the line of victories includes last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.
“The filly’s phenomenal," said e Five's Bob Edwards. "We’ve had an unbelievable run with her. Super happy to be here at Keeneland. It’s all about the team. I had a Hall of Fame rider give a Hall of Fame ride. (She’s) an unbelievable filly picked by (bloodstock agent) Mike Ryan, trained by Chad Brown – the connections are phenomenal. She’s well-bred. (Co-breeder) Fred (Hertrich III) and his team have done a great job breeding horses.
"Just really happy to be here.”