Progressive globetrotter Choisya handed another Grade 1 US mission by Crisfords after breakthrough success

Simon and Ed Crisford’s globetrotting flagbearer Choisya is back in Newmarket after her breakthrough Grade 1 success at Keeneland but already has another US trip mapped out for her in six weeks' time.

The remarkable five-year-old has progressed from a handicapper to a Grade 1 winner in the space of just 18 months at Gainsborough Stables and got the ball rolling when landing back-to-back Group 2s at the Dubai Carnival this year.

After winning the Cape Verdi Stakes over a mile at Meydan by five lengths in January, the daughter of Night Of Thunder overcame Grade 1 winner and Breeders’ Cup runner-up Cinderella’s Dream in the Balanchine over a mile and a furlong the following month.

After a brief turnaround in Newmarket, Choisya then showed she was equally at home in the US when landing the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley Stakes at Keeneland on April 12, worth £238,000 to the winner.

Choisya winning the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley Stakes at KeenelandCredit: Keeneland Photo

Ed Crisford said: “Choisya has been a revelation over the winter and to win two Group 2s in Dubai and then a Grade 1 in the US is fantastic for the stable. On June 6 there's a Grade 1 race for her at Saratoga over a mile on turf called the Just A Game Stakes, which should suit her.

"She seems to be effective on turning, flat tracks, which they have in Dubai and the US, so it seems sensible to go back. It’s left-handed as well, which she seems to like."

He added: "Hopefully she can keep going and there are plenty of options for her over there in the summer. We’ll see how we go in the Just a Game Stakes but there are races at Saratoga in July like the Grade 1 Diana Stakes [July 12] that may suit her.”

British raiders have enjoyed recent success in the Just A Game Stakes with the Charlie Appleby-trained Althiqa winning in 2021 before following up in the Diana Stakes.

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