BASHKIROVA (Pivotal) earned family bragging rights with victory over POTAPOVA (Invincible Spirit) in the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom on Derby Day. Settled in midfield, she was unleashed by Tom Marquand to challenge entering the final two furlongs. The pair edged to the front over a furlong out and kept on strongly in the closing stages to hold the late challenge of Potapova and Ryan Moore at bay.
Trained by William Haggas, Bashkirova did not debut until August of last season but quickly rattled off a hat-trick of wins. She made a promising reappearance when second in the Listed Conqueror Stakes at Goodwood and stepped forward again to become Cheveley Park Stud’s fourth winner of this race.
Bashkirova is the first foal out of Russian Finale (Dansili), a winner over 7f and daughter of the multiple Group 1 winner Russian Rhythm. Russian Finale is also a half-sister to Safina (Pivotal), who is the dam of Potapova. Russian Finale has a 2yo filly by Nathaniel, a yearling filly by Cracksman and a filly foal by Masar.