Caravel's undefeated 2023 season continued on the Belmont Stakes undercard as she turned back challengers to win the Grade 1 Jaipur under jockey Tyler Gaffalione. The Brad Cox-trained filly is no stranger to facing the boys on the grass, having capped off last season with a win in the G1 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Gaffalione and Caravel tucked back confidently behind early pacesetter Nothing Better, who was hustled out of the gate by rider Manuel Franco. When Nothing Better began to weaken coming out of the turn, Caravel was there to pick up the pieces and took the lead confidently in early stretch. Casa Creed and Big Invasion made late charges at her in the stretch, but soon flattened and Caravel prevailed by 3/4 of a length at the wire.
Big Invasion was second, with Casa Creed a determined third just behind him. The final time was 1:07.93 for the six furlongs.
Caravel paid $7.80, $4.80, and $3.40.
Caravel came to the race off a win in the listed Unbridled Sidney Stakes at Churchill Downs on the Kentucky Oaks undercard. Prior to that, she opened this season with a victory in the G2 Shakertown.
Cox traines Caravel for owners Qatar Racing, Marc Detampel, and Madaket Stables. The 6-year-old mare was bred in Pennsylvania by Elizabeth Merryman and is by Mizzen Mast out of Congrats mare Zeezee Zoomzoom.
She went through the 2021 Fasig-Tipton November Sale as a 4-year-old, where she was consigned by ELiTE and purchased by agent Fergus Galvin for $500,000. Her lifetime earnings are now over $1.7 million.
The Jaipur is a Win and You're In race for this year's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.
The post Caravel Stays Perfect, Trounces The Boys In Grade 1 Jaipur appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
