Lake Victoria © Benoit Photo

Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Mrs. John Magnier’s undefeated Lake Victoria (IRE) ($3.40) swooped past longtime leader Thought Process at the eighth pole en route to a 1 ½-length victory over May Day Ready to win the 17th running of the $1 million John Deere Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) at Del Mar on Friday.

Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, Lake Victoria completed the mile on a firm turf course in 1:34.28. It is the 19th victory in the World Championships for O’Brien and 15th for Moore. It is their second win together in this race, having scored with Meditate (IRE) at Keeneland in 2022.

Thought Process opened an uncontested lead and continued unopposed while Lake Victoria was getting a ground-saving trip from Moore. At the top of the stretch, Lake Victoria swung three-wide for clear sailing, passed Thought Process at the eighth pole and had more than enough to hold off May Day Ready. Nitrogen rallied for third, a length in back of May Day Ready.

Now undefeated in five starts, Lake Victoria is a 2-year-old daughter of Frankel (GB) out of the Showcasing mare Quiet Reflection (GB). The victory, her third Grade or Group 1 tally, was worth $520,000 and increased her earnings to $1,043,427. 

Winning trainer Aidan O’Brien, Lake Victoria – “She did quite well there. She got crowded and bumped a bit on the first bend, so Ryan (Moore) was very cool on her and obviously ended up farther back than he wanted to be. It was her first time on a turning track and she was uneven on the straight and it was her first time over a mile. We’re so delighted for everybody. Just wanted to say our very best wishes to Clem Murphy (Bloodstock consultant for Coolmore), who is usually here. Without him, none of this would ever be happening. 
 
“This was incredible. The lads, the whole team, does an unbelievable job. I’m so delighted for them. She’s a homebred. For a filly to win three Group 1s and just her fifth run this year. She’s very special.”

Winning jockey Ryan Moore, Lake Victoria – “A great effort for sure. I think she had a little trouble in the first turn. I know she broke in a little bit, but I think Frankie was content to be where he was under the circumstances. When they hit the turn, I’m not sure exactly what happened in front of her. Horse or two bumped another and went out, and she went out and had to steady and make her way. Aside from that, Frankie did the best he could under the circumstances. She always shows up, there is no doubt about that. She always seems to find some trouble here and there. That’s ok. That’s racing. (Lake Victoria) is the best in the world for sure, now. I thought she was the best in the world coming into it, to be honest with you. A real nice horse. No disgrace in defeat.” 

Trainer Joseph Lee, second with May Day Ready – “A great effort for sure. I think she had a little trouble in the first turn. I know she broke in a little bit, but I think Frankie (Dettori) was content to be where he was under the circumstances. When they hit the turn, I’m not sure exactly what happened in front of her. Horse or two bumped another and went out, and she went out and had to steady and make her way. Aside from that, Frankie did the best he could under the circumstances. She always shows up, there is no doubt about that. She always seems to find some trouble here and there. That’s OK. That’s racing. (Lake Victoria) is the best in the world for sure, now. I thought she was the best in the world coming into it, to be honest with you. A real nice horse. No disgrace in defeat.” 

Jockey Frankie Dettori, second with May Day Ready – “It was a miracle from the gate. She’s always slow away from the gate. We had a little trouble at first. I got on the fence and I was two horses behind Ryan (Moore), and then Jose (Ortiz, on Nitrogen) slipped off the fence and got behind Ryan. I thought, this couldn't happen any better. Going into the stretch, the winner just had too much power for me. Once Ryan pressed the button, we got 3 lengths behind and she ran an absolute storm. She’s a beauty of a girl. We went down in style and lost to the best European filly, so I'm not going to complain. But from 12 (post) we did well.” 

Trainer Mark Casse, third with Nitrogen – “Great performance but got a little unlucky; but when you run 14 horses and they are 2-year-olds. I’m proud of her. I’m not complaining.”

Jockey Jose Ortiz, third with Nitrogen – “On the backside, I was following the 1 horse (Lake Victoria) and the 12 (May Day Ready) made an early move down the rail. It was tight, but he [Frankie Dettori] took it and he kind of shuffled me back a bit. I think I could have maybe won the race if I could have kept the position.” 

FRACTIONS: :22.25 :45.37 1:09.77 1:22.15 1:34.28