Fourth Group win for daughter of Elusive Quality
Godolphin's four-year-old Elusive Quality filly, Shuruq, was a clear winner of the G3 International Istanbul Trophy at Veliefendi, Turkey, on September 6, posting her fourth career victory at the Group level. This was her first Stakes victory on turf with her three other added-money wins coming on synthetic.
In this one-mile event, Shuruq broke alertly and was in fifth place after one half mile. Jockey Mickael Barzalona began to ask her for her run as the field entered the final quarter mile and she responded well to take second. Inside the final sixteenth of a mile, the filly opened up on the field and was three lengths clear at the finish.
Bred by Darley, Shuruq is the first foal for G2 Challenge Stakes winner Miss Lucifer (FR). She is trained by Saeed bin Suroor.
Elusive Quality is the sire of quality runners at the highest level around the world, including G1 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Raven's Pass, Australian Champion Sepoy, G1 Kentucky Derby winner Smarty Jones, and multiple G1-winning filly Elusive Kate. Other G1-winning son Quality Road is one of North America's leading freshman sires of 2014. Shuruq ranks among 34 Graded or Group winners for her sire.