GODOLPHIN provided the first two home in yesterday’s Group 2 Cape Verdi Stakes but there was a slight surprise when the odds-on favourite English Rose had to settle for second place behind Silver Lady, both four-year-olds trained by Charlie Appleby.
Undefeated in two starts in Britain at three, listed winner English Rose (by Frankel) was the mount of William Buick while Mikael Barzalona was on board the listed placed Silver Lady.
The third Appleby runner, Shining Jewel, was rushed to the lead in the one-mile turf race and set a strong pace. Silver Lady travelled well in fourth but English Rose was being niggled along to keep in touch turning for home.
Straightening up, the two principals – both hooded – closed in on the leader, and the favourite had every chance with a furlong to race. However, Silver Lady found more when asked and was holding English Rose all the way to the line, where a head separated the pair.
Hugo Palmer’s Stenton Glider, runner-up in the German 1000 Guineas last season, finished third.
By Sea The Stars, Silver Lady is out of the Shamardal mare Lumiere, winner of the Cheveley Park Stakes for trainer Mark Johnston in 2015. She has already bred the Group 3 winner Highland Avenue.