Filly Silca's Sister Surprises in Prix Morny

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British filly Silca's Sister overtook favored Ivan Denisovich to gave trainer Mick Channon and jockey Ted Durcan an upset victory in the Darley Prix Morny (Fr-I) for 2-year-olds at Deauville Sunday.

Ivan Denisovich, trained by Aidan O'Brien, slipped by Always Hopeful with less than a quarter mile remaining in the six-furlong event but couldn't hold on after being tackled by Silca's Sister a furlong from home. Silca's Sister, a daughter of Inchinor, won by two lengths. Ivan Denisovich nosed out Always Hopeful for second, and it was 2 1/2 lengths back to the fourth-place finisher Mauralakana.

Silca's Sister was coming into the race off a maiden victory at Newbury for owner Aldridge Racing Ltd.

It was the first Morny victory for Channon, who told PA Sport, "We always thought she was a good filly, and this proves that she's very good. It was a big test for Silca's Sister today. We were a bit concerned about the soft ground, but she coped with it fine."

The final time was 1:12 on soft going.

Durcan had Silca's Star, who was 9-1 in the seven-horse field, close to the lead throughout. She accelerated when Ivan Denisovich, ridden by Kieren Fallon, initiated his move and proved to be too much for the favorite, who was unable to quicken in the final furlong.

Always Hopeful made most of the running after taking over the lead more than a furlong from the start.

New Girlfriend, Puskas, and Nero trailed.

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