Godolphin’s Wild Illusion has shown superior stamina over 2000 metres to win the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood.
Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, the 4-1 chance improved on her second places in both the Oaks at Epsom and the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot to claim the second Group One success of her career.
Buick opted to set the early pace with Wild Illusion rolling along nicely in front and Urban Fox and Rhododendron keeping tabs on her, along with Veracious.
In the straight, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Rhododendron dropped away tamely, leaving the William Haggas-trained Urban Fox to serve it up to the front-runner, who was also fourth in the 1000 Guineas.
Wild Illusion had plenty in reserve and kicked away to beat Urban Fox by two lengths.
“Coming into the race – take out Rhododendron – in respect of the three-year-olds, she brought the best two-year-old form into it,” Appleby said.
“She is a past winner of the Marcel Boussac and I felt dropping back to 10 furlongs would suit her.
“William gave her a great tactical ride from the front. He is fantastic on the front end, we have seen that time after time and he had the right, willing partner.
“The Yorkshire Oaks is potentially there under consideration.”
