Anabaa filly improves again to beat the colts

Freddie Head's runners in Group Ones are proving hard to beat this summer and it was so once more in the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp on Sunday, where three-year-old filly Goldikova (Anabaa - Born Gold, by Blushing Groom) lifted the spoils to beat Darjina. Henrythenavigator was only fifth.

Goldikova travelled close to the pace set by Sarissa and made her move under Olivier Peslier 500m from home, quickening well and controlling the race thereafter, passing the post half a length ahead of Darjina. Richard Hannon's Hungerford stakes winner Paco Boy closed for third, a further length adrift. Sageburg was fourth and Henrthenavigator took fifth, running on well but at no stage looking like troubling the leaders.

Goldikova was placed behind Zarkava in the French Guineas and Oaks but benefitted from a confidence-boosting win in the Group Three Prix Chloe. Back in Group One company in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville last month she put in a much improved effort to beat Darjina for the first time.

Head said: "She loves the course here and was second in the French Guineas. She has a lot of speed and can cruise along very quickly. I knew she was well and ready to run a big race. She was against the colts for the first time and I wasn't certain she could win but I was certain of her well-being and quality.

"She will definitely go the Breeders' Cup now, but I will discuss the options with the owner. She could go for the Mile or the Filly and Mare Turf - I don't think stamina would be a problem for the latter as she proved she stayed when third in the Diane."