Spain Burg upsets Rockfel Stakes

Spain Burg, a minor stakes winner in southern France in August, scored an upset win at 14-1 in Friday’s $127,881 Rockfel Stakes for 2-year-olds fillies at Newmarket, England.

The win gives Spain Burg an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 4 through the Breeders’ Cup Win and You’re In program. There was no immediate indication whether Spain Burg would run in the Breeders’ Cup.

Spain Burg gave trainer Xavier Thomas-Demeaulte his first win in England. Ridden by Frankie Dettori, Spain Burg closed from the back of the field of eight and overcame traffic issues with a furlong remaining to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Fair Eva, the 4-9 favorite. Miss Infinity, a 25-1 outsider, finished third.

Spain Burg, a French-bred by Sageburg, has won 4 of 5 starts, all for Roberto Cocheteux Tierno. The filly won her stakes debut in the Criterium de Bequet at La Teste Racecourse on Aug. 3, which led to her appearance in the Group 2 Rockfel Stakes at seven furlongs.