The third time was the charm as X-Men Racing, Madaket Stables and SF Racing’s Moira assumed command entering the stretch and held off a late bid from Cinderella’s Dream (GB) by a half-length to win the 26th running of the $2 million Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at Del Mar Saturday afternoon.
Trained by Kevin Attard and ridden by Flavien Prat, Moira completed the 1 3/8 miles over a firm turf course in 2:14.95. The victory is the first for Attard at the World Championships and the seventh for Prat and first in the Filly & Mare Turf. The 5-year-old Ghostzapper mare had been fifth in this race in 2022 at Keeneland and third last year at Santa Anita.
Moira’s stablemate Full Count Felicia set the pace with fractions of :25.38, :49.84 and 1:15.08 with Moira racing in mid-pack. On the far turn, Sunset Glory went after Full Count Felicia with Moira on the move right behind and taking over at the top of the lane. Moira opened a daylight advantage in the lane and had enough left to hold off Cinderella’s Dream, who got up to get second by a nose over Didia (ARG).
The victory, her first Grade 1, was worth $1,040,000 and boosted Moira’s earnings to $2,996,017 with a record of 17-7-6-2.
Winning trainer Kevin Attard, Moira – “Just fantastic. She’s such a good horse. It’s so rewarding to finally see her get that Grade 1. Had a great trip. She trained really well going into this race and it just unfolded in the right direction for us.”
This mare has a fine career for you: “She has. A little but underrated. Doesn’t get the respect sometimes I think she deserves. It was nice to see her put it all together today and show everybody that she is a true champion.”