No Bad Luck for Thirteen in Queen Ascot

Neither the unlucky connotations associated with the barrier draw, nor those involved with her name, could prevent Thirteenth Date from recording an impressive victory in this weeks Grade 1 Queen Ascot Stakes. Storming to victory from back in the pack, Thirteenth Date brought up her second Grade 1 for the year, following her win in The Sexy Muffins – G1 earlier in the year, and her third career victory at the top level of racing.

The middle gates provided the early speed, with Spicegirl getting the best start from the nine stall, but being kept wide by Bingo’s Ransom from 7, who was in turn denied the rail by Krazy Momma coming across from 6. Coolrunner, inside, and The Aus Boss, took up prominent positions behind the leading trio, while Alberta Gold and Triple Crown Hopes made up the second distinct grouping. The remainder of the field adopted ‘sit and wait’ tactics with Goodbye Kiss ahead of Deputy Hunter, then Back in Your Arms, Thirteenth Date and Devils Slide racing tightly bunched. Smackdown and Pop Culture brought up the rear.

Alberta Gold was first to make a move, and the Aus Boss went with her. Krazy Momma was first beaten, as they collared her quickly. Coolrunner was trying hard, while Deputy Hunter made good ground along the rail. Bingo’s Ransom had called it a day and Spicegirl was under pressure, as Thirteenth Date was flying down the outside, accompanied by Devil’s Slide, also taking giant strides down the centre of the track, and Back in your Arms plugging on. The Aus Boss hit the front half way down the straight, but the lead was only on loan, as Thirteenth Date and Devil’s Slide ran over the top of her. At the wire and it was Thirteenth Date to salute the judge. Devil’s Slide had made her work all the way home, picking up half a length in the last two furlongs, but unable to make up the other half length required. The Aus Boss had perhaps hit the front a tad early, but ran a strong race for third, with Deputy Hunter fourth, less than two lengths from the winner. Back in your Arms picked up the minor cheque, working home gallantly in her attempt for back to back wins

Smackdown passed a few running home

Spicegirl finished best of the early speed

Goodbye Kiss raced midfield throughout

Coolrunner looked a threat in running before throwing in the towel. A promising effort from the rank outsider.

Pop Culture was always rearwards

Bingo’s Ransom and Krazy Momma used up too much fuel early

Triple Crown Hopes was outclassed

Thirteenth Date is a superbly bred four year old daughter of Gone West, from the Grade 3 winning mare Dynacat Form ( Northern Dancer / Buckpasser). This was her ninth win from twenty three starts and elevates her earnings to above $1.8 million. She ran the 8 furlongs in 1.34.0 and returned a speed rating of 112. She retains her ranking within her class, second only to Cold Storage.

Congie5 boasts the impressive strike rate of 77 wins from 387 races. Thirteenth Date is the leading light in the stable, while Carolina Dreaming is a Graded placed stakeswinner and Golden Granny, a lightly raced three year old filly, looks the stables up and comer.