Sophisticat takes Coronation

Sophisticat produced an amazing turn of foot in the final furlong to win the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot from what looked an impossible position on Friday.

Ridden by Mick Kinane, Sophisticat gave Aidan O'Brien his third winner of the meeting.

As Sophisticat attempted to rally in the straight of the mile race, she found herself six lengths back and behind a wall of horses. Zenda, meanwhile, had set sail for home at the furlong pole and looked to have the race won, but Sophisticat burst clear and ran Zenda down.

Sophisticat, a daughter of Serena's Song, must be considered the leading 3-year-old filly at a mile in Europe, as Gossamer, the impressive winner of the Irish 1000 Guineas, finished last as the favorite in the Coronation. She did not like the fast ground and surely will race only on a softer surface in the future.

In the day's chief supporting race, the King Edward VII Stakes over 1 1/2 miles for 3-year-old colts and geldings, Balakeri won by 3 1/2 lengths from Bollin Eric.