Close third for Winter Lightning in G3 Atalanta Stakes

Three-year-old filly Winter Lightning made a pleasing return to turf with a staying-on third in the mile G3 Atalanta Stakes at Sandown Park, UK, on Saturday, 1 September.

The Saeed bin Suroor-trained daughter of Shamardal, successful on dirt in the Listed UAE 1,000 Guineas at Meydan, UAE, in February, broke well under Oisin Murphy and soon raced in fourth of the six runners.

Winter Lightning moved up to third over two furlongs from home and stayed on strongly in the closing stages, missing out on second by a nose, to go down by just over a length and a quarter to Veracious, who won in 1m 43.12s on good ground

Saeed bin Suroor commented: “Winter Lightning ran really well on her first European appearance of the season.

“I think a mile and a quarter will be a better trip for her now and we will look for another Group race on turf. 

“This was her first run since the Dubai World Cup Carnival and I expect her to improve for the race.”

Godolphin’s other runner Laugh Aloud (John Gosden/James Doyle) kept on to finish fourth, a further two and a quarter lengths behind Winter Lightning.