Avenue de France’s calmness, natural ability and love of racing allowed her to triumph over heavy favourite Going Global in the John C. Mabee Stakes at Del Mar on Saturday (US time).
That was the opinion of trainer Leonard Powell after her half-length victory over Phil D’Amato’s star four-year-old, who beat her by three lengths last time in the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon Handicap on August 13.
It was Avenue de France’s eighth start of the year for her third win.
Those other victories were in the Golden Poppy Stakes at Golden Gate on April 30 and the Osunitas Stakes at Del Mar on July 23 – both black-type wins.
“I train her quite lightly between races, so this is why we are able to race her frequently,” Powell told HorseBetting.com.au after his mare’s triumph in the Grade 2 feature worth USD $250,000 (AUD $362k).
“But she’s fit now, so I try not to do too much.
“She’s just a runner. You can see she’s been very consistent and she’s hard to beat.
“She’s won at San Francisco and placed in Texas (Ouija Board Distaff Stakes on May 30).”
Powell said the Mabee Stakes was the season target for Avenue de France.
“That was the goal at the end of the summer – this one. We’ll enjoy this one and go from there,” he said.
Winning jockey Juan Hernandez – who was a convincing Del Mar meet champion with 49 wins – said it was a pleasure riding the relaxed five-year-old in Saturday’s feature.
“She’s really kind. You can do whatever you want with her,” he said.
“When you press the button, she can take the lead by herself.
“I just let her run to the wire.”
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