Wuheida Invades Filly & Mare Turf Winner’s Circle

DEL MAR, CA – Godolphin’s European invader Wuheida sat the perfect stalking trip en route to taking Saturday’s Grade 1, $2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Off strong from post 5 under jockey William Buick, Wuheida angled in and stalked the pace set by Zipessa through initial splits of :23.86, :47.50, and 1:11.42. Angling out into running room off of the far turn, Wuheida took control shortly thereafter and kicked clear to hit the wire first by a length in a final time of 1:47.91 for the 1 1/8-mile race.

“She is incredibly professional,” Buick said. “She has lots of ability and the trip really suited her. I was happy with her position throughout the race and she quickened down the straight really well.”

Rhododendron was a fast-closing second along the rail after trailing the field early. Cambodia won the three-horse photo for third over Dacita and Queen’s Trust. War Flag was a 1/2-length ahead of the favored Lady Eli, who was a nose past Senga. It was another nose back to Grand Jete, with Nezwaah, Zipessa, Birdie Gold, Goodyearforroses, and Avenge completing the order of finish. Kitten’s Roar and Responsibleforlove were scratched as also-eligibles.

The win was the first in 13 months for the 3-year-old daughter of Dubawi, who has never finished worse than fourth in six straight Group/Grade 1 races since breaking her maiden on debut. Her record now stands at 7-3-1-1 with career earnings of $1,456,941.

“She deserves this,” said winning trainer Charlie Appleby. “This ground suited her.”

Wuheida returned $24.40 to win, $12.40 to place, and $8.60 to show. Rhododendron brought back $9.40 to place and $6.80 to show, while Cambodia paid $6.80 to show.

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