Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf: Chriselliam rallies for win

A strong kick by Irish import Chriselliam was good enough to beat a bunched field and win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf on Friday at Santa Anita. The 2-year-old filly was content to be midpack until she entered the far turn and started to accelerate.

She tried to go inside but found no room on the turn and moved five wide to the outside entering the stretch and won going away. She paid $15.80, $7.80 and $6.20. French import Testa Rossi also had a strong kick and rallied to finish second. She paid $11.20 and $9. Testa Rossi was 10th entering the stretch. Colonel Joan paid $16.60 to show.

It was Chriselliam’s third win in six lifetime races for trainer Charles Hills. The horse’s connections brought jockey Richard Hughes from England to ride the horse. It was his second time aboard the filly.

“She’s one of the best fillies I’ve ridden and she proved it today,” Hughes said. “This is one of the biggest wins of my career. It’s a pity my family couldn’t have been here.”

Trainer Hills echoed the excitement: “Absolutely brilliant. I couldn’t be more pleased. She was pretty sensational today.”

The favorite Vorda finished seventh.

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