Silver Lady refuses to give up in G2 Cape Verdi

Silver Lady bravely saw off English Rose as the Charlie Appleby-trained fillies served up a tremendous finish to the G2 Cape Verdi at Meydan, UAE, on Friday, 19 January.

Both four-year-olds travelled in mid-division of the eight runners in the mile feature, with stable-mate Shining Jewel sent on into a clear lead after the first quarter-mile.

Silver Lady made smooth headway into third two furlongs from home, a move that was tracked down her outside by English Rose. Little separated the duo as they challenged for the lead approaching the final furlong, with Silver Lady continuing to find more in front under Mickael Barzalona for a neck success. Stenton Glider took third, a further four lengths back.

Charlie Appleby said: “We were pleased with Silver Lady and English Rose, who pulled clear of the rest of the field. Both fillies appear as though they will appreciate a step up in distance in time.

“The likelihood is that we will now look at an American campaign for Silver Lady, while English Rose will head to the G2 Balanchine, where she will hopefully be joined by Sapphire Seas.”

Mickael Barzalona said: “Silver Lady has a little temperament, but I took her down to the start steadily. It was pretty rough in the first part of the race but, once I found my position, she took a big breath and then settled well. “I could feel that my filly would not get tired, although William [Buick] came beside me pretty easily on English Rose.”