by Jenny Blandford
After her connections made a last-minute change in racing strategy, Royal Highness (Ger) ran down Irridesence (SAf) in the closing strides of the $750,000 Beverly D. Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Arlington Park and edged that foe by a head.
The five-year-old Monsun mare raced well off the pace along the rail in sixth then fifth under Rene Douglas while Jennie R. set the tempo through six furlongs in 1:14.16.
Johnny Murtagh guided Irridescence to the lead at the top of the stretch, and Royal Highness, who had advanced to third, was angled out for the stretch drive. Under strong urging from Douglas, Royal Highness wore down Irridescence, who made her North American debut, and completed 1 3/16 miles in 1:56.68 on turf rated as good.
“We discussed the race two hours before, but in the paddock it changed because [Christophe Lorieul, assistant to trainer Christophe Clement] saw something in the last race,” Douglas said. “He said to sit behind the pace and then make a run.
“I was very happy laying back. Turning for home, I couldn't put away [Irridescence]. We really gave 110% but the other one never stopped.”
Irridescence finished 2 1/2 lengths in front of third-place finisher Lady of Venice (Fr).
Royal Highness entered the Beverly D. off a close runner-up finish to Rosinka (Ire) in the Robert G. Dick Memorial Breeders’ Cup Handicap on July 14 at Delaware Park after a 4 1/2-month layoff. In her only other start this season, she notched a two-length win in the The Very One Handicap (G3) on February 25 at Gulfstream Park for her first win in the United States.
Royal Highness began her career in France where she won two of nine starts, including the 2005 Prix de Malleret (Fr-G2) for owner Monceaux Stable. Overall, she has won four of 14 career starts and earned $987,081. He record includes a runner-up finish to Safari Queen in the 2006 Long Island Handicap (G2) after a third-place finish to English Channel in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (G1) in her U.S. debut.
Royal Highness is out of the Nashwan mare Reem Dubai.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Jenny Blandford is a Thoroughbred Times assistant daily news editor