Illustrating could be called the winner for every one of the five furlongs of the British Stallion Studs Alice Keppel EBF Fillies’ Conditions Stakes for juvenile fillies.
The Karl Burke-trained filly took the eye throughout, travelling strongly under Danny Tudhope before quickening clear for an impressive success. Runner-up Anadora (15/2) was beaten two and three-quarter lengths, with Canonized (11/4) a short head behind in third.
Tudhope and owner Clipper Logistics were registering a double with Illustrating (2/1 fav), following the win of Last Empire in the G3 Whispering Angel Oak Tree Stakes earlier on the card.
Trainer Karl Burke said: “I was happy with Illustrating’s position until she got a bump and it pushed us out. She has to have a little bit of cover and be ridden for that turn of foot she has got. She has an amazing turn of foot really. The only filly that I have trained that has a turn of foot like her was Quiet Reflection. She has that burst.
“I was keen to go to Ascot with her. It was getting late on and we ran her at Catterick 10 days before on ground that we thought would be a bit quick for her. It was close to home, so we took the chance, and she bolted up.
“Then we went to Ascot and she was a bit gassy – she was very sharp out of the stalls and ended up chasing the speed of the Americans. She just did too much too soon in the race, really.
“She relaxes as soon as she gets cover, which is what Danny did today. Then she got a bump halfway but she had relaxed enough by that stage, so I wasn’t too concerned. She travelled beautifully into the race and, when he picked her up, she was electric.
“She handles that ground and she is in the Lowther. We have to step up to six furlongs but I think, if she relaxes, she has a great chance of staying it. She has developed since her last run and is getting stronger.”
Tudhope said: “Illustrating is very smart. We’ve liked her from day one and her work at home has been very good.
“Karl and the team have done a great job with her and today’s ground would have helped her better.
“I’d say she could be anything now as that was a nice performance. She got the job done today and it’s onwards and upwards with her.”