Storm Flag Flying takes Juvenile Fillies with courageous comeback in the stretch.
Ogden Mills Phipps' Storm Flag Flying remained undefeated in the Long John Silver's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, but it wasn't easy. She was passed by Composure in midstretch, appeared beaten, and found another gear to win by a half-length.With John Velazquez aboard, Storm Flag Flying was rated just off the early pace, made her bid on the far turn, took over in the lane but faced a serious challenge from Composure. She fought back inside, though, to keep her undefeated record intact at four-for-four.Humorous Lady took the early lead through fractions of :23 1/5, :46 1/5, and 1:10 1/5. Santa Catarina, Storm Flag Flying, and Composure made their bids nearing the top of the stretch, but in the end, it was a game Storm Flag Flying who got the job done. The time for the 1 1/8 miles was 1:49 3/5.Composure was second, with Santa Catarina third. Storm Flag Flying paid $3.60 to win as the heavy favorite. The exacta paid $12.80, the trifecta $31, and the superfecta with Sea Jewel fourth paid $94.70.Storm Flag Flying, trained by Shug McGaughey, appears the leader in the battle for 2-year-old filly of the year honors. Storm Flag Flying (Storm Cat -- My Flag, by Easy Goer), was bred in Kentucky by the Phipps stable.Jockey Mike Smith, who rode Composure, said he was shocked how quickly Storm Flag Flying rebroke and took over the lead near the wire. "I tried to blow by her," he said. "My hat's off to her. She's just an incredible filly." (Chart, Equibase)
