October 29 - While there were many great races during last weekend's menu of top racing action during the 25th Breeders' Cup World Championships, the $2m Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf proved to be particularly exhilarating, especially for trainer Jonathan Sheppard.

When British-born trainer Jonathan Sheppard entered his charge Forever Together in the auspicious race, he had a good feeling that given her excellent current form and the proven skills of her top-rated jockey, Julien Leparoux, that she had a good shot to win the 1 1/4 mile race at Santa Anita.

And as it turned out he was not wrong. The Augustin Stable-owned four-year-old filly ran an exemplary race under the experienced and firm guidance of Leparoux. From the outset she set a quick pace as she chased down the race leader Folk Opera, ridden aggressively by Frankie Dettori.

By the last straight Forever Young (odds of 5 to 1) was running wide but extremely fast, and continued in the same vein until she carried her intrepid French rider over the finish in first place, a good 3/4 of a length of second place finisher and 33 to 1 long shot, Sealy Hill.

Third place was snatched by the John Velazquez-ridden Wait a While (with odds of 4 to 1). Forever Young's win in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf marked her third Gr 1 victory of the year, resulting in her winning the coveted Eclipse Award title as the outstanding turf female.

Said Leparoux after his stunning victory, 'Forever Together needed two rallies in the final three furlongs and I urged her on the final turn, but she was briefly outkicked by Mauralakana. However, nearing the stretch when I asked her to run she immediately responded and put us in front.'

Incredibly Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf was Forever Together's first 1 1/4 mile outing, which judging from the result she handled with little difficulty. She also proved herself by managing to dispatch a remarkably strong field that included six other talented Gr 1 winners.

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2012/04/02 06:43:41 AM