The Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf went the way of France following Gezora’s gutsy success under Mickael Barzalona.
Trained by Francis-Henri Graffard, who was probably wishing Breeders' Cup Saturday at Del Mar to come to an end having watched both Goliath and Sahlan suffer defeat earlier on the card, Gezora was looking to put a below-par effort in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in October.
However, under an uncomplicated Mickael Barzalona ride, she bounced right back to the form that she displayed in winning the Prix de Diane earlier in the season. The daughter of Almanzor was firmly under a drive as She Feels Pretty cruised to the front entering the straight, but too her credit, she responded generously for pressure, inching closer with every stride before moving within striking distance inside the final furlong.
With the rail to help, She Feels Pretty continued to battle on bravely but Gezora and Barzalona weren't to be denied and lifted home by the cries of 'Allez Allez Allez' from her trainer on the sidelines, she dug deep to peg back the leader close home. Diamond Rain finished off well to grab the third spot for the Charlie Appleby team.
"It's a meeting I've always loved and tried to win one, but it's very hard. I saw that again today how hard it is, and you really need a horse like Gezora, who has a big heart, travels really strongly and is able to quicken," said a somewhat relieved yet jubilant Graffard, who was winning at the Breeders' Cup for the first time.
"She's a champion filly and it's fantastic to win a race like that, especially for Mr. (Peter) Brant (Owner) in his famous colours.
"The Arc was 17 runners, a very strong field, soft ground and a mile and a half. It's a different journey, but she was way too far back in the race.
"I was hoping she came out really well, and she did. She's a very sweet filly and tries very hard. She's not complicated, so she helps us do the job. Today she proved she's a real champion. She's a Classic winner, Prix de Diane winner and a Breeders' Cup winner-which is amazing-and I don't think many fillies have this on their CV."
Gezora's success continued what is turning out to be a remarkable season for the Chantilly-based handler, adding to the victories of Calandagan in the Champion Stakes and Daryz in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
He added: "This season has been pretty much incredible. We've had very nice horses, but it's a lot of work but everything went really well with us through the season. We've been able to win these amazing races, and it's created a lot of emotion, and we've enjoyed that very much."
