Spendarella Back in U.S. Following Coronation Second

American-trained horses may have been shut out from victories this year at Royal Ascot, but perhaps as much as any American participant, Gainesway Farm's Spendarella  won support with her runner-up finish to the brilliant Inspiral  in the Coronation Stakes (G1) June 17 there.

The 3-year-old New York-bred daughter of Karakontie   arrived back in the U.S. June 23 following her international participation. Winner of her first three starts, including two graded stakes, she was beaten 4 3/4 lengths in the one-mile Coronation.

Trainer Graham Motion, who finished second in the 2020 Coronation with Sharing , said he was proud of the runner-up effort engineered by William Buick.

"I've never had so many accolades for finishing second in a race," said Motion with a laugh.

Motion said he would take his time finding the next spot for the homebred, although the 1 1/8-mile Del Mar Oaks (G1T) Aug. 20 is a possibility.

"It's a little tricky to place her going forward," Motion said. "William felt pretty strongly she's a miler and I think he's probably right, although over here maybe you would get away with a mile and an eighth with our firm, flat turf courses."

Two other Motion trainees could see action at Saratoga Race Course with Highland Chief  aimed for the Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer Stakes (G1T) Aug. 27 and True Valour  pointed toward the Troy Stakes (G3T) Aug. 5.