Brave Alverta third in Newmarket July Cup G1
Alverta, by Arrowfield’s wonderful champion sire Flying Spur, ran the race of her life at Newmarket on Friday afternoon (UK time), to finish third in the six-furlong July Cup G1, behind outstanding fellow Australian-bred sprinter Starspangledbanner and Equiano, winner of the Royal Ascot King’s Stand S. G1 at his last start.
Before the race Alverta, ridden by young Australian jockey Tye Angland, paraded in tremendous order, and jumped smartly from barrier 14 to roll strongly onto the speed, although left out on her own in the middle of the track, while Starspangledbanner tracked immediately to the far side rail, with Equiano taking up the early lead.
As this pair powered on in front, Alverta found the pace and courage to keep in touch with them, and stayed on strongly for third, while Starspangledbanner finally got the better of Equiano to complete the Golden Jubilee-July Cup double. The margins were a neck and three-quarters of a length, and the time 1:09.81.
Alverta’s trainer Paul Messara said after the race, “That was a really gutsy effort, especially when she ended up alone in the middle of the track, and I’m very proud of her.”
Jockey Tye Angland said, “She never gave up, it was a hugely courageous run.”
Alverta’s likely next start will be in the Prix Maurice de Gheest G1 run over 1300 metres at Deauville on Sunday 9 August.
The chestnut mare was bred in 2003 by Gainsborough Stud Australia Pty Ltd & Arrowfield Group Pty Ltd, and is raced by Arrowfield Pastoral Pty Ltd, Planette Thoroughbred Trading Pty Ltd & Belford Productions Pty Ltd. Her dam Grilse (by Rahy) is descended from the champion US 2yo and 3yo filly It’s In The Air, and has left six winners from six named foals, among them Singapore stakeswinner Revolte as well as Alverta, who has won eight races including the STC Coolmore Classic G1 and AJC Breeders’ Classic G2.
Alverta is one of 12 Group One winners among 75 stakeswinners by Flying Spur, who was Champion Sire of Australia in 2007, and has been represented by ten stakeswinners worldwide in 2009-10.
