Weld strikes again in America

Dermot Weld enhanced his excellent overseas record when Dimitrova made light work of her rivals in the $750,000 (€652,000) American Oaks at Hollywood Park yesterday.

Always close to the pace under David Flores, the Irish 1,000 Guineas third went clear for a two-length victory over Sand Springs.

“She’s a very solid, very sound and mentally tough filly,” the Curragh trainer told thoroughbredtimes.com.

“I just thought she was the right filly for this race and I picked the right rider in Flores.

“He rides on the front very well, and I wanted the filly to be ridden on the front or close to the front.

“When she quickens, it’s all over.”

The daughter of Swain had never previously raced beyond a mile but Flores said: “The moment I saw her, I could tell. There was something special when I saw her in the paddock. She gave me a tremendous run in the last eighth of a mile.”

Weld, whose American record includes the 1990 Belmont Stakes with Go And Go, also saddled Dress To Thrill to win the Matriarch Stakes at Hollywood in December.