Matareya edges out Caramel Swirl for G1 Ballerina Handicap third

Matareya narrowly prevailed over Caramel Swirl as the duo finished third and fourth in the G1 Ballerina Handicap at Saratoga, USA, on Saturday, 26 August.

Dual G1 winner Matareya broke moderately under Flavien Prat and raced in a close fourth before moving up a place after the first quarter-mile, with Junior Alvarado holding up Caramel Swirl in sixth of the seven runners.

Caramel Swirl took closer order around the field to take third from Matareya leaving the back, as both runners looked within striking distance of Echo Zulu and Goodnight Olive turning in.

Echo Zulu kicked on at the top of the straight and was chased by Goodnight Olive, with Matareya regaining third shortly after. Echo Zulu continued to find more in front and quickened further clear of Goodnight Olive in the final furlong to score by two and a half lengths in the seven-furlong feature for fillies and mares.

Caramel Swirl made late headway and just failed to catch Matareya close home, with a nose separating the Godolphin runners as they finished a little over six lengths behind Goodnight Olive.