$262,379 Worth Horse Guided by Equestrian Rider, Surges from Middle for High Stakes Grade 1 Victory

Woodbine Racetrack is one of the premier race tracks in the world. Over the years, it has produced many champions who have established a lasting legacy. Therefore, it is only natural for the equestrian owners and trainers to aspire for success at this prestigious location. On Saturday, one trainer had the fortune of watching her trained filly achieve a significant milestone in her racing career.

Cheri DeVaux has a tremendous track record at the Woodbine Racetrack, with multiple wins and successful horses under her belt. Saturday’s Johnnie Walker Natalma Stakes was no different as her two-year-old filly, She Feels Pretty, dominated the race. She Feels Pretty was lagging behind when suddenly there was a silent communication between the rider and the horse, and the filly surged forward with incredible speed. What secret language passed between filly and rider? Let’s find out!

An astonishing equestrian connection

She Feels Pretty competed in the G1 Natalma Stakes for Lael Stables. Her rider, John Velazquez, kept her on a steady course behind Ozara for a major portion of the 4¼ lengths. Speaking to Paulick Report, Velaquez said that he felt “very confident” in the horse’s abilities and trusted that she would make a move at the right moment. The rider said, “When we turned for home, I moved her to the clear and her ears went up,” which was a signal for him that the moment had arrived. In response, Velazquez “went after her and she instantly responded”. The way she bade her time and waited for the perfect opportunity made her a fan favorite even though it was her first graded stakes.

Trainer Cheri DeVaux was ecstatic after the race and said, “I have been very confident with her, especially with her training at Saratoga”. The famous equestrian trainer praised the horse for its maturity, both physically and mentally. DeVaux said, “She goes out there and you can’t tell that she is a 2-year-old filly”.

It was a second start for the daughter of Karakontie after the success at Ellis Park. She Feels Pretty paid back $18 on every ticket and proved herself as a rising star in the sport. There were other impressive thoroughbreds in Woodbine on Saturday who are also making a name for themselves.

Impressive thoroughbreds making their mark at Woodbine

Simply in Front came second to the wire after She Feels Pretty. She had never seen a win before and had 30-1 odds. Her solid performance on Saturday has put her on the radar of equestrian fans as a potential contender in future races. Charlie Appleby trained Dazzling Star, was favored with a 7-5 odd but failed to win the trainer his third victory at the $500,000 G1 Natalma Stakes.

He came third after the runner-up Simply in Front. The biggest challenger in the stakes was Ozara, but she suddenly fell behind in the final stretch, finishing fourth.

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The Natalma is a “Win & You’re In” race for the $1 Billion Breeder’s Cup. By winning it, She Feels Pretty now has a free berth in the G1 Juvenile Fillies Turf. She will run the one-mile turf in Santa Anita on November 3. Her temperament is that of a true champion, and her rise in the equestrian world has only just begun.