BALLYDOYLE WERE denied a dream start to their American adventure last night when Heart Shaped was narrowly defeated by Maram in the Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.
Johnny Murtagh's mount was nearer last than first for a long way in the one-mile heat, but came with a withering late run once straightening for home at Santa Anita.
Aidan O'Brien's filly, sent off at 14 to 1, finished with zest but was agonisingly bested by Chad Brown's unbeaten juvenile after a photo-finish.
Rookie trainer Brown said: "My grandfather passed away on Tuesday, so it's pretty special - he would have wanted me to be here. She was in between horses down the back straight but Jose (Lezcano) gave her the perfect ride."
O'Brien was understandably thrilled by the performance of Heart Shaped.
"She ran a great race, absolutely," he said. "She's a classy filly and I thought Johnny gave her a brilliant ride.
"She's a lovely prospect to look forward to next year."
A rueful Murtagh added: "I just needed one more stride."
Beyond Our Reach, trained by Tommy Stack, looked ill at ease a long way from home and was never a factor under Frankie Dettori.
