Goodwood: Gosden wins Nassau with less regarded of two runners

The Fugue, considered trainer John Gosden’s second string entry, pulled a slight upset in Saturday’s Group 1 Nassau Stakes for fillies and mares at Goodwood Racecourse in England.

The Fugue, a troubled third in the English Oaks in June, closed from seventh in a field of eight in the final furlong to win by a length over pacesetter Timepiece. Was, the winner of the English Oaks, finished third. The race was run over 1 1/4 miles on a turf course rated good.

The Gosden-trained Izzi Top, the 7-4 favorite, could only finish sixth. She was well-placed in the stretch, but was checked late when passed by The Fugue. Richard Hughes rode The Fugue, a 3-year-old filly by Dansili

The Fugue races for Andrew Lloyd Webber and has won 3 of 6 starts. She won the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York in May for her first stakes win.

Gosden has an impeccable record with fillies and mares this summer, having won such races as the Group 1 Coronation Stakes with Fallen For You at Royal Ascot in June, the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes with Izzi Top in Ireland in July, and the Group 1 Prix Rothschild at Deauville, France, on July 29.

Gosden said the Yorkshire Oaks at York on Aug. 23 is a likely next start for The Fugue.