Dank
Dank, an impressive winner in both of her North American starts last year, was named the runaway Eclipse Award victor as outstanding female turf performer.
Racing as a homebred for James Wigan, Dank easily defeated a stellar field to win the Beverly D. Stakes (gr. IT) at Arlington Park by 4 1/4 lengths. After returning to her base in Great Britain, the daughter of Dansili—Masskana, by Darshaan, made an encore appearance stateside in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT).
Despite drawing the inside post and being forced to prompt the early pace, Dank had enough in reserve to gain the lead in the final turn and prevail over seven grade/group I winners in the field.
Dank was a 4-year-old in 2013, when her overall record was four wins from five starts, with all four victories coming in grade/group races in the care of trainer Michael Stoute. Although the roster of U.S.-based grass females appeared deep and talented, Dank asserted her superiority convincingly. She earned nearly $1.7 million for the season.
The votes below represent only first-place votes from members of the consolidated voting entities, NTRA, Daily Racing Form, and National Turf Writers And Broadcasters:
Dank, 229; Laughing, 8; Mizdirection, 8; Alterite, 1; Egg Drop, 1; Emollient, 1; Kitten's Dumplings, 1.
