G1 third for Antoinette in Coaching Club American Oaks

Versatile three-year-old Antoinette gained some valuable G1 Black Type on dirt with a clear third in the nine-furlong Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga, USA, on Saturday, 18 July.

The Hard Spun filly, who had already placed in Graded races on turf and dirt this season for Bill Mott, broke smartly and raced prominently before settling in fourth of the five runners after the first quarter-mile.

Antoinette moved up to join Tonalist’s Shape halfway down the back straight and stayed on to take a clear third turning for home. She battled away under John Velazquez without challenging Paris Lights and Crystal Ball, going down by just under five lengths. Tonalist’s Shape finished fourth, a full seven lengths behind the Godolphin filly.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell said: “We felt beforehand that Antoinette could finish in the top three and that is exactly what she did. The first and second were game out in front and we have no real excuses.

“Antoinette is a very consistent filly, who shows up in every race and belongs in this company. Hopefully, one of these big races will have her name on it one day as she is knocking at the door. She might get the hang of finishing slightly better with some more experience, but it’s not all bad when you are placing in G1 races.”