Ward: Scope Shows Lady Aurelia Bled

Star Kentucky-bred filly Lady Aurelia will return to the United States for some time off at co-owner Stonestreet Farm near Lexington after a scope following her first defeat in the Sept. 24 Cheveley Park Stakes (Eng-I) revealed she bled.

The 2-year-old daughter of Scat Daddy entered Newmarket's Cheveley Park unbeaten in three career starts, but after setting the pace showed signs of tiring in the final 50 yards and was passed in the final strides by winner Brave Anna and runner-up Roly Poly, finishing third as the 4-6 favorite.

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"It was a head-scratcher and disappointing," Ward told England's Press Association about the loss, "but when we got back to the barn, the vet scoped her and she ended up having bled with a score of three out of five, which, in a group I, is enough to get you beat, probably. ... At least it's a bit of an answer as to the reason why she didn't kick on that last little bit of the race."

Ward said Lady Aurelia will stay at Stonestreet about 90 days and return to him early next year. Initial plans call for a start in the Commonwealth Cup (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot, where after winning her April debut at Keeneland, she impressively took the Queen Mary Stakes (Eng-I) in June before landing the Prix Morny (Fr-I) Aug. 21 at Deauville in her start prior to the Cheveley Park. 

Stonestreet, which bred Lady Aurelia from the from the Forest Wildcat mare D' Wildcat, campaigns her in partnership with George Bolton and Peter Leidel.