Scylla launched a bold five-wide move on the turn for home to take charge and hold off Shotgun Hottie by a neck in the $500,000 Fleur De Lis Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
Scylla. Coady Photo.
Scylla remained undefeated at Churchill Downs with her Fleur de Lis win
The 4-year-old filly ridden by Javier Castellano was last in the field of six before making her eventful run to victory. A foul claim was made by Xigera’s rider Julien Leparoux for interference by Scylla and Occult in the stretch but after a 10-minute stewards’ inquiry, the final result stood.
The Fleur de Lis was one of two Grade 2 races on Churchill’s undercard prior to the $1 million Stephen Foster (G1). In the earlier Grade 2, 7-10 favorite Ottoman Fleet ($3.40) won the $500,000 Wise Dan Stakes.
Scylla, trained by Bill Mott, won her third straight race and improved to 4-0 at Churchill Downs and 5-1-1 in seven starts for owner Juddmonte.
“This was the first start she went a mile-and-an-eighth and I thought she handled it very well to get the longer distance,” Castellano told bloodhorse.com. “She’s been one who’s kept improving in each of her starts to get to the next level.”
The 1 1/8-mile Fleur de Lis is part of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Dozen series where the top three finishers receive part of their entry fees should they enter the Nov. 2 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar.
Shotgun Hottie closed inside for second with Taxed third, followed by Occult, Xigera, and pace-setter Free Like a Girl.
For those who bet on horse racing, Scylla, a bay filly by Tapit out of Close Hatches, was sent off as the 9-10 favorite and returned $3.82 on a $2 win bet.