EMILY PROVeS UP’ TO THe CHALLeNGe
EMILY Upjohn cruised to victory under Frankie Dettori in the Dahlbury Coronation Cup.
Agonisingly beaten a short head in the Oaks on her last visit to Epsom 12 months ago — when her cause was compromised by a stumble on leaving the stalls — this time the filly was peerless as she left a quality field behind her.
An 11-4 chance for John and Thady Gosden, the daughter of Sea The Stars was biding her time in the early stages and only threw down a challenge in the home straight.
She then displayed a fantastic turn of foot to sweep past her rivals, and while Westover closed towards home Emily Upjohn had a comfortable length and three-quarters in hand at the line.
Gosden senior said: “She did it beautifully. We had planned Dubai (Sheema Classic), but she didn’t come to herself in the spring, so we waited. She’s only just come ready to run, actually, only just now.
Talented
“She probably hit the front too soon and she’s having a really good blow so she should come on for that. She ended up in front because of the way she quickened, she’s a hugely talented filly.
“The Oaks went wrong last year, but that’s history. She showed that speed early last year and then again in the autumn on soft ground, this is quickening all the time, it’s genuine good to firm and she’s shown a lot of talent over a mile and a half.
“It’s nice to bring her back here and win, and Westover had a rough trip here last year in the Derby but take nothing from either winner of the Oaks or the Derby, they were very good.
“She’s in the Hardwicke at Ascot or you could have a look at a race like the Eclipse.”