Impressive Penwith Takes Royal Delta

Penwith was the impressive winner of the G2 Royal Delta Stakes over an extended mile on dirt at Gulfstream Park, USA, on Saturday, February 13.

The five-year-old Bernardini mare is now unbeaten in two starts this year after returning from an 11-month layoff.

Penwith gained an easy victory in a mile dirt allowance optional claimer on January 21, also at Gulfstream Park, and successfully stepped up sharply in class for the Royal Delta victory.

She broke smartly from the stalls under Luis Saez and raced prominently before being settled in second.

Penwith moved up on the outside in the backstretch to close on the leader, Best Behavior, before taking over the advantage turning in.

Kicked clear, she ran on strongly in the straight to triumph by three lengths over Sandiva in 1m 43.16s for the mile and 110 yards.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said: "It is really nice for Penwith to win a Grade Two like that.

"She ran a huge race, winning very well, and we had thought it was a good spot for her beforehand.

"She has matured into a powerful mare and we hope she can take Wedding Toast's spot.

"There are no plans for Penwith at the moment, but she is improving, having been lightly-raced before this year."

Godolphin's Wedding Toast won eight times from 13 starts, including a Grade Two and two Grade Ones.