Cambier Parc denies French Guineas heroine Castle Lady at Keeneland

Cambier Parc won her second consecutive top-level race when taking the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes by a length over French raider Castle Lady at Keeneland on Saturday.

An expensive yearling who cost $1.25 million, the Chad Brown-trained Cambier Parc won in contrasting style to her previous Grade 1 success in the Del Mar Oaks, when she rallied through the field from seventh.

With Brown and jockey John Velazquez sensing an absence of speed in the eight-runner field, she was allowed to show more pace early to gain a position, and the strategy worked.

"I had to keep reminding her to keep running," said Velazquez, now a five-time QEII winner. "I didn't want to get surprised by another horse on the outside."

Owner Larry Best of OXO Equine purchased Cambier Parc from the Gainesway consignment at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2017, and she now boasts a record of five wins from eight starts.

"I appreciate Larry Best giving me the opportunity with this horse," Brown said. "She's a really well-bred, great-looking horse that anyone would love to have. I'm lucky to have her."

Brown plans to consult with Best regarding racing plans, but suggested they might look forward to next year rather than more racing this year with her at three. "She's got all the earmarks of a horse that's going to have a great career at four and five," he said.

Saturday's win was the third in the QEII for Brown, who won it in 2012 with Dayatthespa and last year with Rushing Fall.

Henri Alex Pantall's Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Castle Lady had not been seen since finishing fifth behind compatriot Watch Me in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, but the daughter of Shamardal returned with a fine performance even though she proved unable to reel in the winner.

One runner who failed to deliver in the race was the William Haggas-trained Magnetic Charm, who is owned by the Queen. She weakened into eighth, an unpopular result among the crowd of 24,133, many of whom were rooting for the Queen to win the race named in her honour.

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