Pacific to have spring Classic trial Mission Andrew Balding’s filly Pacific Mission earned plenty of admirers after a brilliant runner-up finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and now her team has Classic ambitions in mind. Pacific Mission’s Big Run at the Breeders’ Cup Despite a tough draw in stall 12, Pacific Mission ran a storming race to finish second behind Balantina, showing the class that connections had long suspected. Barry Mahon, European racing manager for Juddmonte, said: “It was a huge run… from the draw she had we said we’d take our time and ride her for luck and in fairness, to get second was a great result as it was a difficult proposition from a wide draw.” The daughter of Lope De Vega will now be trained with the 1000 Guineas in mind, with an early-season trial on the agenda. “She’s a filly with plenty of quality and that was only her fourth run,” Mahon added. “Her mother was placed in a Guineas, so you never know.” Juddmonte Duo Look Ahead After Breeders’ Cup Mile Juddmonte also ran Jonquil and Qirat in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, finishing ninth and 12th respectively. Both had wide draws, which hampered their chances, but connections remain confident they can bounce back next season. Mahon noted that Jonquil may have simply been a bit flat after a long campaign: “He’s been on the go since the Greenham, so I think he probably just needs a freshen up now and go again next year.” Qirat, meanwhile, is still seen as a horse capable of more success at Group One level after his Sussex Stakes shock win earlier in the season.
