Octave claims American Oaks

Octave proved an admirable replacement for her stablemate Rags To Riches when taking the Coaching Club American Oaks at Belmont.

The Todd Pletcher-trained filly followed up her Mother Goose Stakes victory at the New York track by holding the late challenge of Lear’s Princess with Godolphin’s runner Folk third.

Folk was rushed into the lead by Mike Luzzi but was tracked all the way by John Velazquez on the hot favourite.

Octave moved to the outside on the home turn to make her bid and she soon grabbed the lead. Folk stuck on gamely but lost second place close home to Lear’s Princess.

Rags To Riches had been earmarked for the American Oaks by Pletcher following her historic win over the colts in the Belmont Stakes but was ruled out with a high temperature. She had earlier beaten Octave in the Kentucky Oaks.