A busy weekend on the Group 1 front across England, Ireland and France with the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown on Saturday taking centre stage. And it was that man again, Aidan O’Brien, who defied the critics with his unwavering belief in Auguste Rodin (118) to bounce back to form. Following his 127 length defeat in the King George, there were many punters who couldn’t have the son of Deep Impact as the 11/4 favourite. But just as he did after his disappointing 2000 Guineas defeat, the brown colt bounced back to record a career best on the clock. The fact it was the Master trainer’s 4,000th winner just put a cherry on the cake for stable followers. The eventual winner had the dream trip tracking stable companions Luxembourg and Point Lonsdale, with what looked a very healthy three length gap back to the less than positively ridden opposition. As Seamie Heffernan on Luxembourg looked to quicken things up at the 2 furlong pole, Point Lonsdale was dropping away, and Ryan Moore looked to have the move covered on Auguste Rodin as he got down into the drive position. The fact that he didn’t get to the lead until inside the final furlong, before grinding out a half length victory with Ryan having to use the persuader eight times, reflects well on the resilience of the runner-up. The gallant filly Nashwa claimed the third place, keeping on well from a difficult position. A trip to the Breeder’s Cup in November at Sant Anita could be next on the cards, where the likely fast ground should play into the winner’s hands.
Tahiyra (113) took what looked a weakish Group 1 Matron Stakes earlier on the same card by 1.25L from the Tom Clover trained Rogue Millennium. The four time Group 1 winning filly made smooth headway on the turn before quickening away to enhance her claim to being the top 3yo filly in Europe at the moment. She could be heading Stateside in November too.
The Curragh on Sunday staged four Group 1 races with the e342,000 Irish St Leger over 14 furlongs offering the most prizemoney. The Roger Varian trained Eldar Eldarov (112) deservedly got his head in front for the first time this season, following decent efforts in defeat in both the Yorkshire and Goodwood Cups. A prominent position was taken up early in the race by UK based jockey David Egan, before eventually taking up the lead 2 furlongs out to take advantage of the longtime absence of the runner-up Kyprios by 3.5L. It was remarkably a first Curragh win for David, who grew up close to the track, before making the big move to the UK. A return to the Long Distance Cup over two miles at Ascot next month could be next on the cards, due to a lack of opportunites at the shorter distance.
Our old pal Moss Tucker (117) didn’t have to wait till the Prix De L’Abbaye at Longchamp to record his first Group 1 win, when he ran on well at the finish of the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Flying Five Stakes Group 1 to get the better of the Clive Cox trained Get Ahead by 0.5L on the same card. Highfield Princess (108), the Even money favourite, was reported to have been in season after the race. Although he may not have shown Group 1 form in the past, and was an unconsidered 16/1 chance by the market, followers of this column will have noted his remarkable run in last year’s Prix De L’Abbaye. He has proven to be a real punter’s pal since, recording three wins and two places. The rain that fell before the race gave backers even more confidence of a big performance from Ken Condon’s son of Excelebration. A return to France for the big sprint looks on the cards, and provided he gets away on better terms this year another Group 1 victory could be added to his record.
The rain that fell on the day was enough to see National Stakes favourite City Of Troy withdrawn, which left it looking a match between Amo Racing’s Bucanero Fuerte and Coolmore’s unbeaten colt Henry Longfellow. It was the former owner’s announcement that jockey Kevin Stott’s one year contract would not be renewed for matters outside of racing that was the big news today. The race itself proved somewhat of a mystery tactically. Amo Racing’s second string Cuban Thunder appeared to go off at a very fast pace, setting things up more for Henry Longfellow (112) than Bucanero Fuerte (97) who appeared not to run his race. It should be noted that the ground was nearer Soft than the advertised Good to Yielding on times, with the straight course riding 23 lengths per mile slower than standard. The times were backed up by Ryan Moore who reported the going as Soft before City Of Troy’s withdrawal.
Fallen Angel (112) took the Group 1 Moyglare Stud Stakes by 1.25L from Vespertilio showing great resilience to battle back when looking like she was going to be headed inside the final furlong. The disappointing performance of the 6/5 favourite Ylang Ylang should be noted, but the winner now has next year’s 1000 Guineas as a likely target for which she is an 8/1 favourite.
The Edward Bethell trained Regional (115) took what appeared a weak looking renewal of the 6f Group 1 Betfair Sprint Cup at Haydock. Connections of the unplaced 11/10 favourite Shaquille could offer no explanation for the performance. It was a first Group 1 win for both jockey Callum Rodriguez and trainer. It should be noted that the winner is now 3-3 at Haydock, and seems to show a likeness for flat tracks and decent ground. A trip to the States is being discussed going forward.
Longchamp staged five Group races on Sunday with the main focus on the Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe trials which were all run over 12 furlongs. As usual with many French races the slow early pace affected the final times, and it was the Prix Vermeille which yielded the best speed figure. Warm Heart (106) showed a decent turn of foot, at the business end of the race, despite nearly coming down on her head at the start. It remains to be seen if the expected Soft ground in October will be to her liking, and she may also be aimed at The Breeder’s Cup.
Fantastic Moon (99) took a steadily run Group 2 Prix Niel by 2.5L from the Pascal Bary trained Feed The Flame (97). The winner has shown a preference for better ground, and it was the runner-up who enhanced his odds for the big race, despite being beaten at odds of 1/2. Returning from a 58 day break the son of Kingman, who had his form boosted by Adelaide River at Leopardstown the day before, posted the fastest final four furlongs of the field in (45.63) seconds. Reported to have needed the race by his trainer, followers can still avail themselves of some 12/1 on offer for the big race in three weeks.
Place Du Carrousel (91) took a slowly run Group 2 Qatar Prix Foy by a neck from the J-P Gauvin trained gelding Iresine who is not eligible for the Arc. The winner is still available at 33/1 for the race, having being available at 100/1 following her Group 3 win at Deauville last month. While she has yet to record form over the Arc distance, it should be noted that there is plenty of stamina in the pedigree. A win over Nashwa on Very Soft ground in last year’s Prix De L’Opera will also give ante-post backers hope for the big day in October.
Till next time,
Stay Lucky,
Graham