The Qatar Racing Limited-owned filly CUBAN BEAT (Havana Gold x Stroll Patrol) pounced late to take the Unibet Horserace Betting Operator of The Year EBF Fillies’ Restricted Novice Stakes at Kempton Park on Wednesday, December 8th.

Trained by Hugo Palmer and ridden by Cieren Fallon, the two-year-old took the 1,400m contest in game fashion on only her second career start, having finished third in a similar event over course and distance three weeks ago.

Breaking well from her wide draw in stall twelve, Cuban Beat was dropped in behind the early leaders through the opening stages of the race. Wadacre Grace (Brazen Beau) took the field along at a steady gallop and was joined by Big Bear Hug (Belardo) on leaving the back straight. Despite travelling keenly, Cuban Beat was always well positioned behind the leaders. Once in the straight, both Cuban Beat and Belacqua (Havana Gold) took closer order. The pair drew clear inside the final 200m with Belacqua always holding off Cuban Beat. With a late lunge, Cuban Beat joined Belacqua on the post, winning by a nose. Big Bear Hug faded inside the closing stages and finished a further three lengths back in third.

Bred by the Stroll Patrol Partnership, Cuban Beat is by Tweenhills Stud’s Group 1 winning stallion Havana Gold (Teofilo). Her dam, Stroll Patrol (Mount Nelson) was a dual winner over 1,200m and was also placed third in a Group 3 at Salisbury in 2014. She has now produced three winners from three runners.

Source: Qatar Racing & Equestrian Club