Pondering claims G3 Bessarabian Stakes

Pondering had no problem with a step back up to seven furlongs as she secured a first Graded Stakes victory in the G3 Bessarabian Stakes at Woodbine, Canada, on Saturday.

The half-sister to multiple Graded Stakes winner Think Big had made two juvenile appearances over similar distances before establishing herself as a talented turf sprinter this season, including finishing third on her previous start in Keeneland’s G2 Franklin Stakes.

Having broken on terms in the Tapeta contest, Pondering showed good early speed and soon tracked Stormcast and Dolce Sopresa in third of the 14 runners.

Caitlinhergreatness took closer order to take third from Pondering leaving the back straight, although the Brendan Walsh-trained filly looked full of running turning in.

Switched out by Declan Cannon at the top of the straight, Pondering stayed on powerfully to head Caitlinhergreatness entering the final half-furlong before hitting the line strongly for a three-quarter length verdict.

Cannon said: “I didn’t think I would be sitting as close to the pace, but I just sat in there and let Pondering relax. She was very game when I called on her, did everything right, and I’m very proud of her effort today.

“I need to thank Brendan, Michael [Banahan] and Dan [Pride] at Godolphin for giving me another chance with this filly – I’ve had a bit of history with her in the past – and the boss did a fantastic job.

“I always felt that I had the measure of the runner-up. When Pondering levelled off, I knew that she would have a good kick because that’s how she likes to run. I just didn’t want to get there too soon as she knows when she has done enough.”

Meanwhile, Lemon Zest continued her impressive rise in the racing world by claiming a determined third place in the G2 Mother Goose Stakes at Aqueduct, US, on Saturday.

The Nyquist filly, trained by Brad Cox, was making her Graded Stakes debut after a strong summer campaign that showcased her consistency and potential.

She arrived at the Mother Goose on the back of a second-place finish in the Remington Park Oaks in September, further proving her competitiveness at a high level.

Earlier in the season, Lemon Zest had also recorded victories at Churchill Downs and Ellis Park, establishing herself as one of the standout young fillies in the circuit.

Her performance at Aqueduct demonstrated not only her speed and stamina but also her ability to handle the pressures of top-level competition, marking another significant milestone in what promises to be a progressive and successful career under the guidance of her trainer.

Quickest from the stalls, Lemon Zest made the early running before settling in a three-quarter length second when Queen Azteca went on into the lead entering the first turn.

Queen Azteca came under heavy pressure turning in as Lemon Zest, So There She Was, Fully Subscribed and Drexel Hill all moved up on the outside of the leader.

Lemon Zest held every chance early in the straight and stuck to her task when Fully Subscribed and Drexel Hill quickened away from the field entering the final furlong.

The Godolphin filly continued to rally for Flavien Prat, seeing off So There She Was for third and getting to within a neck of runner-up Drexel Hill at the line.