Yoshito Yahagi struck for a second time for Japan when Marche Lorraine (JPN) beat the locals at their own game in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar.
Oisín Murphy guided U Carrot Farm's 5-year-old daughter of Orfevre to a dramatic nose victory over the 5yo Quality Road mare Dunbar Road with the 3yo Curlin filly Malathaat a further half-length back in third.
“An amazing day, I couldn't be happier," Murphy said.
“I sat on her during the week in morning exercise and she felt good. They went very fast on the front end which helped me.
“I'm very grateful to the owners for putting me up. I love riding in Japan so to have a Japanese winner at the Breeders Cup, it couldn't be better.
“I just followed Jose Ortiz. He has a lot more experience on dirt than I have. When he wasn't going early I knew the fractions were very fast. To be honest, I could have waited a little longer going into the turn. But, I thought that if I waited longer then I'm going to be pushed wider going into the turn. So, if I could kind of get on the back of the Qatar filly, Shedaresthedevil, that's what I did so I didn't have a super wide trip going into the straight.”
After beginning her career with one win from seven starts on the turf, Marche Lorraine (JPN) has transformed since being switched to dirt.
With her first win at the elite level Marche Lorraine (JPN) advances her record to nine wins, two seconds and two thirds from 21 starts.
Bred by Northern Farm, the daughter of Japan Cup winner Orfevre is the best of seven winners from as many to race out of the French Deputy mare Vite Marcher.
