Lady Iman Lived Up to Favoritism, Secures Ticket to the Breeders’ Cup
- Turf Diario
- Jul 31, 2025
- 2 min read
Fillies Dominate Molecomb Stakes (G3) at Goodwood, Finish First and Second
CHICHESTER, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- Lady Iman justified her status as the 11-8 favorite Wednesday at Goodwood, taking the HKJC World Pool Molecomb Stakes (G3, 1000m, turf) for two-year-olds in convincing fashion. Ridden by Ryan Moore and trained by Ger Lyons, the daughter of Starman dominated the sprint, securing her spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1), where her connections hope to replicate the success achieved last year with Magnum Force (Mehmas).
After losing her unbeaten record when second to Beautify (Wootton Bassett) in the G2 Airlie Stud Stakes over 1200 meters at The Curragh, Lady Iman found the perfect scenario in pure speed to return to the winner’s circle. Traveling comfortably on the outside, she unleashed a powerful acceleration in the final 300 meters to pull away by 1½ lengths from the English filly Argentine Tango (Mattmu), a recent winner at Newmarket, while Dickensian (Pinatubo), runner-up in Royal Ascot’s Listed Windsor Castle Stakes, completed the podium.
“The Breeders’ Cup is where I’d like to go, but I’m not the owner,” said Lyons after the victory. “Ryan said if she gets a good draw at Del Mar, she can win it. She’s a real filly. What I experienced there last year was unforgettable. If I get the chance to go back, I won’t hesitate.”
The trainer also praised the strength of the Ballydoyle team: “Beautify beat us in the last G2, and Aidan O’Brien is in an incredible run right now. His horses improve race by race like I’ve never seen before. Facing fillies like that makes this win all the more valuable.”
Ryan Moore added, “Lady Iman is very quick and classy. I was already on top of them at the 400 meters, so I preferred to let her go rather than risk checking her. If she goes to the Breeders’ Cup and things go her way, she’s a serious contender.”
Connections of Argentine Tango were also pleased. William Easterby, assistant to Tim Eastbury, said, “She’s a fighter. She never gives up, like her sire Mattmu. We weren’t sure about the mile, but she responded brilliantly. She’ll likely head to the Lowther Stakes (G2).”
Meanwhile, Shane Gray, rider of Dickensian, commented, “The ground wasn’t as firm as she likes, and she lost some traction late, but she’s very honest and always does her job.”
With her spot secured at Del Mar and an impeccable campaign underway, Lady Iman is emerging as one of Europe’s most promising juvenile sprinters.
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