Nashwa conquers elders in Group 1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood

Nashwa nailed the Nassau, the favored filly flying past older rivals Thursday at Goodwood Racecourse in England to win her second straight Group 1 race.

Last behind a slow middle pace, Nashwa gained ground on the leaders coming downhill toward the final flat section of the 1 1/4-mile Nassau, and once fully balanced she scrambled home a 1 3/4-length winner. Nashwa was the 6-5 favorite in England but paid just $3.80 on the American tote.

Aristia, a 40-1 shot, narrowly held second because third-place Lilac Garden encountered serious traffic problems through the homestretch, only getting clear in time to make a belated run and just miss the place.

:: DRF Bets members get FREE DRF Past Performances - Formulator or Classic. Join now!

Ridden by Hollie Doyle for co-trainers John and Thady Gosden, Nashwa has emerged as a leading 3-year-old filly in Europe. She did not quite stay 1 1/2 miles finishing third in the Oaks at Epsom, but came back to win the Prix de Diane, the French Oaks, over 1 5/16 miles and validated that form in the Nassau.

By Frankel out of Princess Loulou, Nashwa has a trip to America on her agenda, according to owner Imad Al Sagar, who named the Prix de l’Opera and the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Keeneland as major targets during the rest of Nashwa’s campaign.