Flora Of Bermuda confirmed her growing reputation as one of Britain’s leading sprinting fillies by stepping up successfully to seven furlongs in the Group 3 Oak Tree Stakes at Goodwood on Wednesday. Carrying a 3lb penalty, the Andrew Balding-trained mare produced a determined late surge to edge out Sayidah Dariyan in a closely fought finish, giving Wathnan Racing and jockey James Doyle another notable success at the festival.
Flora Of Bermuda Oak Tree Stakes winner.
The move up in distance proved no obstacle as Flora Of Bermuda settled comfortably before being produced inside the closing furlong. Once a gap appeared, she quickened impressively and stayed on strongly to deny Sayidah Dariyan by a neck, while Radiant Beauty finished just over a length away in third after making late ground.
The victory continued an outstanding campaign for Flora Of Bermuda, who has now won three of her four starts this season. It also marked another memorable success at Goodwood, where she previously captured the Alice Keppel Fillies’ Conditions Stakes in 2023.
The Group 3 triumph demonstrated both her versatility and consistency. Already established over shorter distances, the daughter of Dark Angel answered the question of stamina with authority, giving her connections several valuable options for the remainder of the campaign.
With top-level entries later in the season, the Oak Tree Stakes success strengthens her credentials ahead of further assignments in Britain. Her ability to perform on varying ground conditions and now over an extended trip adds another dimension to her profile as one of the season’s most dependable fillies.
James Doyle judged the race patiently from a favourable draw, conserving energy through the early stages before waiting for daylight in the straight. Once Flora Of Bermuda found clear running, she responded willingly to secure victory close home.
Sayidah Dariyan produced an excellent effort in defeat, forcing the winner to work all the way to the line before finishing a narrow second. Radiant Beauty also shaped with credit, finishing strongly to claim third place after briefly threatening to challenge the leading pair.
The result completed a quickfire double at Goodwood for both Wathnan Racing and James Doyle, adding further momentum to a successful week for the team.
Oak Tree Stakes Result
The performance has broadened Flora Of Bermuda’s options for the second half of the season, with seven-furlong contests now firmly under consideration alongside opportunities back over shorter distances. Her latest victory further enhances an already impressive campaign and confirms that she remains one of the most reliable performers in her division.
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