Queen Supreme successfully defended her title in the Cartier Paddock Stakes (G1); upsetting previously unbeaten Summer Pudding, and earned a free berth into the $2 million Filly & Mare Turf (G1T).
The focus of the Cartier Paddock Stakes was on the 9-for-9 Summer Pudding; dubbed the “Reflection of Perfection,” it was Mike de Kock-trained Queen Supreme who reigned again; storming home down the center of the course in the final furlong under Keagan De Melo. Retaining her title, the 9-4 second choice, Queen Supreme, finished 2 1/4 lengths in front of Clouds Unfold.
On the turn for home in the 12-horse field, the 5-year-old Exceed And Excel mare was in fourth place, eight lengths behind the pace-setting Heart Stwings, and just ahead Summer Pudding. Steadily, Queen Supreme picked up stride inside the four-furlong marker and forged to the front in the last 200 yards.
Queen Supreme has now won five of her seven starts in South Africa. Completed the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.32, has also won seven races in 13 starts.
Watch Queen Supreme earn Paddock Stakes
Trainer Mike de Kock
Is a South African racehorse trainer. He currently holds the South African record for most Grade 1 wins by a trainer with 126. He has trained over 3,400 winners who have won in South Africa, UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore, United Kingdom and the USA. De Kock has been champion trainer 8 times. In his career he has trained 124 Grade 1 winners, 147 Grade 2 winners, and 96 Grade 3 winners.
“We bred Queen Supreme and sold her at the Goffs Orby Sale,” recalled Hassett, who keeps a nine-strong broodmare band at Monksland Stables in County Waterford. “She was very impressive in the Paddock Stakes, and she’d be our first homebred runner at the Breeders’ Cup if she makes it there.”
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