Superstar Goldikova foils Paco in Queen Anne duel
By robin gibson 2:32PM 15 JUN 2010
Report: Royal Ascot, Tuesday
Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) 1m (straight), 4yo+
SUPERSTAR mare Goldikova gave another trademark performance to hold off the late challenge of Paco Boy by a neck in a thrilling opener to Royal Ascot on Tuesday.
In a Group 1 that lived up to expectations, the two-time Breeders' Cup Mile winner, sent off the 11-8 favourite, sat behind a good pace set by Calming Influence and Rip Van Winkle, and kicked for home under Olivier Peslier with about two furlongs to travel.
The pair stretched away to lead by around two lengths, but Lockinge Stakes winner and second favourite Paco Boy emerged from the chasers under Richard Hughes and put in a sustained and determined attempt to reel in the winner, failing only by a neck.