Timing is Right for Red Lark (IRE) to Fly In to Keeneland for QEII

Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Red Lark (IRE), the 19-1 upset winner of the Del Mar Oaks (G1) in her most recent start, figures to be flying under the radar again Saturday when she goes postward in the 37^th running of the $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana.

“There was a race in New York, this race or a race against older horses at Santa Anita,” trainer Paddy Gallagher said of what loomed on the horizon for Red Lark following the Del Mar victory. “I talked with the owners and the timing here was good, so let’s take a shot.”

Red Lark began her career in Europe and came to Gallagher’s barn at the end of 2019.

“She had been running two-turn races in Europe and was a nice little filly,” Gallagher of his introduction to Red Lark, who arrived at Keeneland on Wednesday.

With Drayden Van Dyke aboard, Red Lark broke her maiden in her second U.S. start by a nose going the QE II distance of 1 1/8 miles. Stakes activity followed with minor success, including a runner-up performance against older fillies and mares in the Wilshire (G3), but no victories until the Del Mar Oaks.

Van Dyke, who has ridden Red Lark in her past four starts, has the call Saturday.