The bold move of running a Maiden in a G3 paid off on Wednesday March 11, when the three-year-old Cape Cross filly, Joviality, landed the Musidora Stakes at York. A promising twice-raced Maiden prior to the race, she was always travelling strongly near the rear under William Buick, made her move near the two-furlong pole and battled on well to defeat the 1,000 Guineas fifth Barefoot Lady by a head, with nine-lengths back the third. Her next target is likely to be the G1 Prix de Diane (French Oaks) at Chantilly.
Bred by Highclere Stud and Floors Farming, she was sold as a yearling for 200,000Gns and is from a top family that includes this seasons 1,000 Guineas winner Blue Bunting as well fellow G1 winner, Miss Satamixa. Her dam, the winning Night Shift mare Night Frolic, also has a two-year-old colt by Manduro named Bonfire in training with Andrew Balding, who is well entered including the 2012 Derby.
Cape Cross stands at Kildangan Stud in Ireland for €35,000 and has now sired 35 Group winners worldwide. Joviality is his third Group winner from his 2008 crop following Khawlah, who completed the UAE Oaks and Derby double, and Cape Dollar, who won the G2 Rockfel Stakes as a juvenile.
