3 minute read
Juliet Capulet was all out to fend off Nyaleti in a thrilling climax to the Shadwell Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket.
John Gosden's Juliet Capulet had opened her account at the fourth attempt in a Thirsk novice event on her penultimate start before finding only Tajaanus too strong in the Sweet Solera Stakes.
Ridden by Frankie Dettori, the 9-1 winner was always to the fore in the seven-furlong Group Two contest and quickened smartly once popped the question.
She looked set to win handsomely after taking a couple of lengths out of the field, but her stride shortened as the post loomed and tough-as-teak 2-1 favourite Nyaleti lunged late to make it a close call.
However, it did not take the judge long to confirm Juliet Capulet had held on by a head. The previously unbeaten Gavota was third.
Dettori said: "The petrol ran out in the last 50 yards and I was eager for the line to come.
"Fortunately for her it did because she didn't deserve to get beat today, she did everything right and I think seven furlongs is just about right.
"She's progressed but I think the ground is a key factor, she went on it and she has plenty of experience, It was a good effort.
"We'll see what happens next spring."
Gosden said: "She's a sweet filly who is very genuine and this is her trip.
"She just used to look around a bit and was easily distracted, but we took the headgear off today, she's got lots of speed. That's the extent of her trip and I don't think she's a miler. She's happy at seven furlongs."
She is owned by Cheveley Park Stud, whose managing director Chris Richardson said: "John has brought her along gradually, but the headgear was just to educate her.
"She broke well and travelled beautifully. Frankie gave her a great ride.
"She's got a fast pedigree and she may be sharp over both six and seven furlongs next year."
Charlie Johnston, assistant to his father, Mark, said of Nyaleti: "She ran another good race and the way things panned out did not play to her advantage.
"She was left on her own and she was two and a half lengths behind going into the dip and a stride after the line she was in front.
"I'd love to run the race again as I think she'd probably win it, she's held her form well all year, finishing second in a Group Two we should feel pleased rather than gutted.
"James (Doyle) said going into the dip he was not 100 per cent comfortable but when she met the rising ground she powered to the line.
"The owners are keen on a tilt at America, she's in the Fillies' Mile as well so we'll see. Judged on today it looks like she wants to go back to a mile again."
Roger Charlton said of Gavota: "She stayed on all the way to the line and could not get out when she needed to. Better ground would suit her and I was pleased with that. I was happy to be in the first three and maybe there is better to come."
