Champions Day Contenders – Quiet Reflection

Quiet Reflection working on the Middleham gallops. image courtesy of Racingfotos

As a decorated performer at two, this year Quiet Reflection has developed into one of the most improved Champions Series stars, and provided one of the stories of the season. A listed and Group 3 winner at two, Karl Burke sent his flag bearer to Chantilly for the Group 3 Prix Sigy for her first start this campaign. She clung on by a head in desperate ground. Little did we know it was to mark the start of a glittering season.

The Commonwealth Cup may still be in its infancy, but it has already bought about some magnificent performances, and this year was no exception. Sent off the 7/4 favourite, Quiet Reflection travelled powerfully in midfield before ex-jump jockey and family man Dougie Costello asked her to quicken with a furlong to run. The response was spectacular and the filly won cosily by a length from the wayward Kachy and Washington DC.

Three weeks later and Quiet Reflection took on the star-studded Darley July Cup – the race of the season so far. She was once again held up off a scorching pace. Alike at Ascot, she travelled strongly and weaved her way through the field in the final furlong, picking up generously for Costello’s urgings. The filly was denied for second by the admirable Suedois, but neither of them were a match for the runaway winner Limato, who went on to demolish the Prix De La Foret field last Sunday.

The heavens opened before the 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock, which posed no worries for the gold-and-white clad supporters of Quiet Reflection. The race was a cakewalk, as she used her trademark turn of foot to claim the field with a furlong to run. James Fanshawe’s talented sprinter The Tin Man ran a promising race in second, with the ultra-consistent Suedois once again making the frame in third.

Next up?

The Champions Sprint on Champions Day will be the final showdown for Quiet Reflection. Old allies Washington DC, Suedois and The Tin Man look likely to re-oppose, with stars Mecca’s Angel, Twilight Son and Shalaa also set to join the party.

With only Queen Anne Enclosure tickets remaining, you need to sprint to secure your place on Champions Day. Get tickets here.