Alms just beaten into third in G2 Appalachian Stakes

Alms produced a courageous display when losing out in a three-way photo finish to the G2 Appalachian Stakes over a mile on turf at Keeneland, USA, on Saturday, 11 July.

The City Zip filly, a dual G3 winner for Michael Stidham as a juvenile last year, raced in second on the outside of Evil Lyn for much of the race.

Alms moved up to press for the lead under Joel Rosario at the top of the straight, with Evil Lyn rallying and Walk In Marrakesh quickening on the outside as all three fillies held every chance with a furlong to race.

Alms continued to battle gamely with Walk In Marrakesh throughout the closing stages as Evil Lyn’s challenge faded, only for Enola Gay to fly home and get up in the final stride to win by a nose. Walk In Marrakesh took second, with a further head back to Alms.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell said: “Alms came up against a solid group of fillies, who may be more effective over a mile, while she could possibly be better over a slightly shorter trip. She ran her race, battled hard and was very gritty all the way to the wire.

“She lost nothing in defeat in a strong G2 but we feel that she might have more of a finishing kick over a shorter distance, especially at this level.”