BC Internationals: Filly & Mare Turf contender Queen's Trust

As a progressive type on the verge of a breakout performance, Queen’s Trust has the look of a live longshot.

The Cheveley Park homebred has Breeders’ Cup connections of the human and pedigree variety. Her trainer, Sir Michael Stoute, has sent out six Breeders’ Cup winners. Both of his Filly & Mare Turf (G1) heroines came right here at Santa Anita – Islington (2003) and Dank (2013).

Queen’s Trust shares the same sire as Dank. They’re by Dansili, who was a troubled, near-miss third in the 2000 Mile (G1). Dansili is himself a full brother to Filly & Mare Turf stars Banks Hill (2001) and Intercontinental (2005).

A debut winner at two who was fifth as the favorite in last October’s Oh So Sharp (G3), Queen’s Trust has been a work in progress this campaign. She resumed in an Oaks trial at Newbury, found herself buried on the inside in tight quarters, got shuffled back, and found daylight belatedly to take fourth.

Queen’s Trust stepped up in class and trip for the 1 1/2-mile Ribblesdale (G2) at Royal Ascot. Although left with a lot to do on soft ground, she rallied from last to get up for fourth. As at Newbury, she was a bit unlucky to miss third in a photo.

Her resume didn’t catch the eye when her connections made the bold decision to try the Nassau (G1) over 1 1/4 miles at Glorious Goodwood. It was worth a shot in a small field, but few could have thought that Queen’s Trust would be the one to make Minding work a little. While that point can be overblown, since the seven-time Group 1 winner was much the best, Queen’s Trust deserves credit for her persistence.

 

Aside from the towering presence of Minding, the Nassau also attracted French Group 1 victress Jemayel. Queen’s Trust did well to leave her back in third, and the collateral formline is enticing. Jemayel went on to finish second in the Prix de la Nonette (G2) to the unbeaten La Cressonniere, who was a main fancy for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) before being sidelined. Jemayel was most recently fourth in the Prix de l’Opera (G1), a solid piece of form that dovetails with what Queen’s Trust has done of late too.

Queen’s Trust returned to 1 1/2 miles in the Yorkshire Oaks (G1), and the record says that she was a well-beaten third behind Filly & Mare Turf rival Seventh Heaven and Arc heroine Found. But if you watch the race, a more favorable impression unfolds. Queen’s Trust traveled conspicuously well for a long way, and just got outkicked as they continued down the lengthy York straight. Considering that the top two came from further back, and that Queen’s Trust fared best of those in proximity to the early pace, her finish looks even better.