Lake Avenue back on song with G3 Bed o’ Roses second

Lake Avenue bounced back from a below-par effort in the G2 Ruffian Stakes with a close second in the G3 Bed o’ Roses Stakes at Belmont Park, USA, on Friday, 4 June.

Dropping back to seven furlongs, the Bill Mott-trained filly broke on terms and raced in fourth early on before moving up to third after the first quarter-mile.

Lake Avenue quickened down the inside turning for home and opened up a narrow lead over her five rivals at the top of the straight.

The Godolphin homebred increased her advantage to a length and a half approaching the furlong-pole and rallied under Junior Alvarado when Estilo Talentoso joined her entering the final half-furlong.

Estilo Talentoso asserted in the final strides as Lake Avenue kept on to go down by a neck on a sloppy track.

Godolphin USA President Jimmy Bell said: “Lake Avenue produced a huge effort. She has been a little in-and-out at times but produced 100 per cent today and Bill Mott was very happy with her over this trip.

“Junior Alvarado came back and said that she was very game. His hand was slightly forced being drawn in stall one and he had to move a moment too soon because the rail opened up.

“It was a very strong effort on her first start on a sloppy track and we certainly like her over this distance.”