NEWS
Eclair de Lune scores Beverly D. win for Duchossois
Posted: Saturday, August 21, 2010 9:00 PM
ECLAIR DE LUNE TAKES BEVERLY D.
Four Footed Fotos
To watch a replay of the Beverly D., click here.
by Myra Lewyn
Eclair de Lune (Ger) spurted past pacesetter Romacaca in the stretch and delivered a touching victory for Arlington Park Chairman Richard Duchossois in the $750,000 Beverly D. Stakes (G1), which was named in memory of his late wife.
Racing Hall of Famer Ron McAnally trains Eclair de Lune for Duchossois, who acquired her last fall for approximately $320,000 (250,000 euros) at the Arqana Arc sale in France after winning a prep for the Prix de Diane (Fr-G1) (French Oaks) last spring.
McAnally enjoyed his first victory the Beverly D. after capturing the track’s marquee event, the Arlington Million (G1), three times—twice with John Henry (1981 and ’84) and once with Tight Spot (‘91).
Eclair de Lune made her fourth U.S. start and scored her first victory on this side of the Atlantic after tracking Romacaca from second, grabbing command in early stretch, and rolling to a 1½-length win over game runner-up Hot Cha Cha.
The victory marked the first win at the highest level for the filly, who is by deceased French stallion Marchand de Sable, the sire of 2008 European champion sprinter Marchand d’Or, and earned her a starting spot in the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) on November 5 at Churchill Downs via the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” series.
Eclair de Lune covered 1 3/16 miles in 1:56.56 as the 6.40-to-1 fourth wagering choice on turf rated as good. South African Group 1 winner Gypsy’s Warning (SAf) rallied from fifth in early stretch to take third, another neck back.
Ave (GB), the 3.20-to-1 favorite in the nine-horse field, and Treat Gently (GB), the 3.90-to-1 second wagering choice, finished eighth and fifth, respectively, after troubled trips. Romacaca faded to fourth after opening a 4½-length lead through the opening quarter and maintaining a clear advantage into the stretch.
In her start prior to the Beverly D., Eclair de Lune finished second, a half-length behind Tuscan Evening (Ire) in the Modesty Handicap (G3) on July 17 at Arlington. She closed her French campaign a year ago with trainer Yves Nicolay, finishing third in the Darley Prix de la Nonette (Fr-G3) at Deauville.
Nearly seven months later, Eclair de Lune began her North American career with McAnally at Santa Anita Park and finished fourth in an optional claiming race in March, followed by a fourth to Tuscan Evening in the Santa Barbara Handicap (G2) in April in her start prior to the Modesty.
Bred by Thomas Kholer, Eclair de Lune improved to three wins, two seconds, and one third from ten career starts and earnings of $547,843. She is out of winner Elegante, by two-time German Horse of the Year Acatenango.
Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times TODAY editor
For an Equibase chart, click here.
READER COMMENTS
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Posted by: Leonard, Lawndale, CA on August 22, 2010 at 01:22 PM
Here we go again with a West Coast horse shipping East to win, congrat's to Mr McAnally and the owner, good to see Mr McAnally win another G1, he is one of the pioneer's of horse racing and one of the best. I'm honored to get to see him alot due to he trains out West. GO WEST COAST ONCE AGAIN !!!!!
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