Superstar filly Peeping Fawn scored her most emphatic win of the season when capturing the Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Eng-I) by an impressive four lengths August 22.
The win marked the filly's fourth straight group I tally, following victories in the Audi Pretty Polly Stakes (Ire-I), Darley Irish Oaks (Ire-I), and Blue Square Nassau Stakes (Eng-I). Unraced at two, the Yorkshire Oaks marked Peeping Fawn's tenth start of the year. The strapping daughter of Danehill has never finished out of the money.
Trick or Treat led the field of seven along at a good clip through the early stages of the 12-furlong race, followed closely by Allegretto and Dalvina. Johnny Murtagh held Peeping Fawn in fifth, alongside the second choice Silkwood.
The running order remained unchanged as the fillies entered the long straightaway. Peeping Fawn, still under a strong hold by Murtagh, moved easily up to join the leaders with three furlongs left. She powered to the lead two furlongs out, and went on to win by four lengths under a hand ride.
Allegretto took second by five lengths over Trick or Treat. Time for the 1 1/2-miles was 2:32.7.
Murtagh, who has been aboard Peeping Fawn for her last three starts, had high praise for the filly, stating afterwards, “She's a very, very good filly. She traveled very well and she's up there with the top fillies I've ever ridden.”
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien was also thrilled with his filly's performance, telling reporters, “She loves that ground and she is some machine. She loves racing and she prefers to race.”
He continued, “The Arc is very possible and she is getting better and better.”
Peeping Fawn is the first foal out of the Sadler's Wells' mare, Maryinsky. Her second dam is Blush With Pride, who has also produced Better Than Honour, dam of Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winners Rags to Riches and Jazil.
Peeping Fawn adds the Darley Yorkshire Oaks to her impressive resume.
