Althiqa, Summer Romance likely for fall return to U.S.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. - Althiqa and Summer Romance, the 1-2 finishers in Saturday’s Grade 1 Diana Stakes at Saratoga - as well as the Grade 1 Just a Game at Belmont Park six weeks ago - are expected to ship to trainer Charlie Appleby’s Newmarket yard on Tuesday, but a return to the U.S. in the fall is likely for both 4-year-old fillies.

Althiqa ran down Summer Romance by three-quarters of a length in the nine-furlong Diana, proving that she is more than just a miler. Appleby said Sunday he will consider the Grade 1 First Lady at Keeneland on Oct. 9 for Althiqa, but is more likely to just train her straight into the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 6.

The Filly and Mare Turf is run at 1 3/8 miles, but Appleby believes the way the races are run in America could aid Althiqa in her quest to stretch out in distance.

“The style of racing and the tighter tracks suit her over there,” Appleby said by phone from England. “In England, it’s more of a gallop end to end and it stretches her for sure. I felt Althiqa was always traveling very sweetly around there and you could see she was going to put it to bed around the turn. She’s got a deadly turn of foot.”

Althiqa earned a 101 Beyer Speed Figure for the Diana victory, the same figure she received for winning the Just a Game.

Appleby said Summer Romance would definitely be pointed to the First Lady at Keeneland, with the hopes of getting her a Grade 1 victory.

Appleby noted, as did his assistant Sophie Chretien on Saturday, that Summer Romance is a bit of a nervous type, which can sometimes work against her.

“Watching on TV, Althiqa walks around there like an old pro,” he said. “She’s not big enough to be a fighter, but nothing fazes her. That’s what you need on the big day. Summer Romance wears that hood, but she can sometimes throw a fit.”

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Appleby credited Chretien and the staff that came from England for preparing the two fillies for success in the U.S. The two horses arrived here May 2.

“It was a great experience for everybody, we’re delighted the two fillies carried the flag for Godolphin Europe,” Appleby said. “We thank everybody for their support and we look forward to coming back.”

Appleby said Sunday morning he was considering sending Creative Flair here for the Grade 3, $700,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational on Aug. 8. On Sunday afternoon, Creative Flair finished third in the Group 3 Prix Chloe at Chantilly.