Yellow Agate Battles to Frizette Victory

Photo Credit: Adam Coglianese/NYRA

Chelsea Durand

Yellow Agate surged clear in deep stretch to win the Frizette Stakes (GI) to defeat a dead game Libby’s Tale.

Yellow Agate rated in fifth place early on, only two lengths off the lively pace set by Libby’s Tale. She began to advance after the field passed sped three quarters of a mile in 1:10.75.

Turning into the stretch Yellow Agate was only one length off a stubborn Libby’s Tale. After shying briefly, she continued to wear down her foe, eventually gaining the lead and winning by a hard fought length. The final time for the one turn mile was 1:35.82.

Winning trainer Christophe Clement had nothing but praise for the daughter of Gemologist following the victory.

“She's always been nice from the beginning,” said Clement. “It was a great ride by Manny. He never panicked and came from off the pace.

“The filly was comfortable, he waited and took her wide giving her a chance. She then went to take on that horse on the lead. I think it was a very mature ride from Manny."

Despite the impressive nature of the victory, Clement was far from willing to commit his filly to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, to be run at Santa Anita on November 4th.

“Let's enjoy this for a day or two,” Clement said. “I'm aware of the Breeders' Cup. I'm also aware of other things. I'll have to speak to my owner about the next step but let's just see how she comes out of this race and go from there."

Wherever her next target may be, Yellow Agate proved today that she is a filly to watch. With this win she not only earned her first grade one and an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, but also 10 points to the Kentucky Oaks.

It is a long way until the first Friday in May, but Yellow Agate looks as though she will give us plenty to look forward to as the Road to the Kentucky Oaks begins.

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