United Kingdom
Outsider shocks in G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S
Virtually ignored by punters at 25-1 ahead of Saturday's G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes, Philip Baron Von Ullmann's 4-year-old gelding Goliath (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) had a sting in the tail for his revered fellow contenders as he dominated the Ascot feature. Only second in the course-and-distance G2 Hardwicke Stakes at the Royal meeting, the Francis-Henri Graffard-trained 4-year-old thrived off the strong pace set by the Ballydoyle contingent and was travelling notably powerfully under Christophe Soumillon straightening for home.
Committed 300 metres out, Goliath bounded clear for an emphatic 2.25l success from Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}), with another 3.25l back to Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in third. The 7-4 favourite Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) was a well-beaten fifth, having held every chance turning for home. This was the first French-trained winner of the race since Hurricane Run (Ire) in 2006 and Soumillon, who also partnered that past luminary, was able to appreciate the experience this time.
“There was a big fight in the straight that day and today was a different feeling because I was travelling up the straight without anyone by my side,” Soumillon said. “It was a very comfortable race and I knew at the two-furlong marker the game was over for the others. When I came in the straight I was cruising and when I took him out he just accelerated on the bit very easily and just switched gear. Everything was perfect today and he won like the best horse in the race.”
“I know my horse likes running off a good pace and can quicken like this and last time at Royal Ascot he was still too keen,” Graffard said. “He travelled so nicely and when he was like that, I knew he was able to quicken strongly. When you come and you are around 28-1, you feel you might look like a fool and you don't want that, but I think some punters will be happy now.”
Goliath, who won the Listed Grand Prix de Clairefontaine on this Saturday last year, entered this a lightly-raced type whose sole black-type win had come in ParisLongchamp's G3 Prix d'Hedouville in May. Subsequently fourth in the G2 Grand Prix de Chantilly and 3 3/4 lengths behind the absent Isle Of Jura (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) in the Hardwicke, he had an unlikely King George-winning profile coming here and the way the main contenders folded so far out will lead this race to be scrutinised for some time.
“Everything was perfect today and he (Goliath) won like the best horse in the race.” - Christophe Soumillon
Because Goliath is a gelding, he cannot contest the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe S., so he could also be sent overseas for more major prizes. “We will look at international races like the Breeders' Cup, the Japan Cup–all options are open to him,” Graffard said. “We'll see how he comes back, but I can't say for definite at this moment.”
Goliath, who becomes the third German-owned horse to win this since 2012 after Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}) and Novellist (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) and Adlerflug's first after Torquator Tasso (Ger) went close two years ago, is the ninth Group 1 winner for his late sire. Goliath has won five of his nine starts.
Christophe Soumillon | Image courtesy of Ascot
He is the second foal out of the Listed Hoppegartener Stutenpreis winner Gouache (Ger) (Shamardal {USA}), herself kin to the triple group-winning Guardini (Fr) (Dalakhani {Ire}). Their dam is the dual Listed-winning Guantana (Ger) (Dynaformer {USA}), a daughter of the G1 Oaks d'Italia heroine Guadalupe (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) whose progeny list is headed by the three-times group 1-winning Guignol (Ger) (Cape Cross {Ire}) and the G1 Grosser Dallmayr-Preis hero Guiliani (Ire) (Tertullian {USA}). Guadalupe is a full-sister to the G1 Grosser Pries von Baden-winning sire Getaway (Ger) from the immediate family of the G1 Gold Cup hero Royal Rebel (GB) (Robellino). Gouache's unraced 3-year-old filly by Cloth Of Stars (Ire) is named Galaxy (Ger), while she also has a 2-year-old full-sister to the winner named Go Flying (Ire) and a yearling filly by Magna Grecia (Ire) named Grande Merci (Ire).
Second G2 York S for Alflaila
Shadwell's 4-year-old entire Alflaila (GB) (Dark Angel {Ire}) secured back-to-back renewals of the G2 York S. on Saturday in a tactical affair on the Knavesmire.
The Owen Burrows trainee employed patient tactics and raced under a firm hold, behind all three opponents, through the initial fractions as King's Gambit (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}) led at a crawl. Easing into third at the top of the straight, the 9-4 joint-favourite made continued headway under pressure and was driven out inside the final quarter-mile to deny the long-time leader by a half-length nearing the line. The 10 1/4-furlong heat became a four-furlong sprint, with fellow 9-4 joint favourite Passenger (USA) (Ulysses {Ire}) unable to strike a telling blow and finishing 3/4-of-a-length back in third, a half-length in front of Royal Rhyme (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}).
“He's an absolute star and he'd be better off with a faster pace, but everything that ran in that race would have been,” said Burrows. “Two furlongs down I thought that he was going to come and win and a furlong down I thought maybe second, but he just kicked in. He's so game and such an honest horse. The manoeuvre [taking closer order] on the bend was probably the difference between winning and losing. If they'd have kicked where he was sat [at the back] I don't think he'd have got there and that was a great move from Jim [Crowley].” Alflaila has won seven of his 16 starts.
Looking ahead, the trainer added, “I'll have to have a chat with Sheikha Hissa [about the G1 Juddmonte International], but he obviously does love it here. It's the third time he's won here (at York), so it does suit him. We'll see what everybody thinks and then make a plan.”
In the aftermath, the Niarchos family's racing manager Alan Cooper reported Passenger had suffered a condylar fracture to his off fore. Cooper told the PA news agency, “Unfortunately, he has suffered a fracture to his cannon bone, he was pulled up safely after the winning post by Richard Kingscote. He is on his way home and he will be seen by veterinary surgeons, he is stable and he will be treated. It is a non-displaced fracture, so hopefully all will be well.”
“He (Alflaila) obviously does love it here. It's the third time he's won here (at York), so it does suit him.” - Owen Burrows
Alflaila is one of three winners from as many foals out of Listed Montrose Fillies' S. runner-up Adhwaa (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}). Adhwaa's dam, Listed Cheshire Oaks winner Hammiya (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}), also produced Listed Nereide-Rennen victrix Shaqira (GB) (Redoute's Choice) and is the leading performer for Listed Prix Herod winner Albacora (Ire) (Fairy King {USA}), herself a half-sister to G3 Prix de Saint-Georges winner and G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches runner-up Pont-Aven (Ire) (Try My Best {USA}). Pont-Aven produced a quartet of black-type winners headed by dual G2 Prix du Gros-Chene victrix Sainte Marine (Ire) (Kenmare {Fr}), G2 Gimcrack S.-winning sire Josr Algarhoud (Ire) (Darshaan {GB}) and the stakes-producing Listed winners Traou Mad (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}) and Cap Coz (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}).
Friendly Soul bounces back to form in G3 Valiant S.
Bouncing back from her disappointing effort in the G3 Musidora Stakes, George Strawbridge's 3-year-old filly Friendly Soul (GB) (Kingman {GB}) relished the drop to a mile to boss Ascot's G3 Longines Valiant S. on Saturday.
“We were thinking Prix de Diane, but she was drawn wide at York and when she saw the stables on the right she cocked her jaw–she is a strong-willed lady and so that explains that,” co-trainer John Gosden said. “We did a lot of checking her out as well and couldn't find anything wrong and gave her lots of time off, as she is still an immature filly and she has done it in good style.”
“She is the type of filly who will get better as the year goes on and she will be a lovely filly next year. That is a stiff mile and it rises a lot and I think a mile and a quarter is her proper trip–I wouldn't want to go a mile and a half.” She has now won three of her four starts.
Friendly Soul is the last foal of G3 Prix de Flore-winning mare In Clover (GB) (Inchinor {GB}), making her a half-sister to the G1 Prix de l'Opera heroine We Are (Ire) (Dansili {GB}), her G1 Prix Rothschild-winning full-sister With You (GB) (Dansili {GB}) and to the G1 Prix du Cadran hero Call The Wind (GB) (Frankel {GB}), with In Clover also responsible for three other black-type performers including the Listed scorer Incahoots (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}) who in turn produced last year's G1 Prix de la Foret and G2 Prix de Sandringham heroine Kelina (Ire) (Frankel {GB}).
She is also connected to the G1 Prix Saint-Alary-placed Queen Trezy (Fr) (Almanzor {Fr}), the G1 Hong Kong Vase-winning champion stayer Dominant (Ire) (Cacique {Ire}), the G2 Lennox Stakes-winning sire Es Que Love (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}) and the G1 Prix Jean Romanet heroine Aristia (Ire) (Starspangledbanner).
Another good juvenile for Too Darn Hot in G3 Princess Margaret S
Al Shaqab Racing's recent acquisition 2-year-old filly Simmering (GB) (Too Darn Hot {GB}) got up late to break her maiden in style in Saturday's G3 Princess Margaret Stakes at Ascot. Third on debut at York behind the high-class Arabie (GB) (Dandy Man {Ire}) prior to her standard-setting Albany performance behind Fairy Godmother (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}), the 11-8 favourite was ridden by Ryan Moore.
“It's a real privilege to have Al Shaqab in the stable and great to get off to a good start for them,” said trainer Ollie Sangster. “She's a filly we've always held in high regard and this is a fantastic result. We've got a small team and everyone works really hard. I think she has won it nicely in the end, despite having a few traffic problems and hopefully she will take another step forward–Ryan said he thinks she will and said she was still a bit green coming through horses there. Ryan said he would advise going up to seven furlongs next time, so we will have to have a look at the schedule.”
Al Shaqab's racing manager Alison Begley added, “We have had an eye on her since Ascot and then it was a case of getting our ducks in a row. The form was there in the book and she was sort of the obvious one, so I'm delighted it's worked out well for everybody. Ryan was saying there that he thinks the Breeders' Cup would be ideal. She's got speed, but he thinks she will be better again stepping up to seven furlongs–obviously Del Mar is a very sharp mile. That would be very long term and we would have to speak to the Al Shaqab team and everything and see where we go, but I think quick ground will be key to her.”
Simmering, who is the eighth group winner for her second-crop sire, is out of Cashla Bay (GB) (Fastnet Rock) whose dam Rose Blossom (GB) (Pastoral Pursuits {GB}) annexed the G3 Summer S. Simmering has a win and two placings from three starts.
USA
Back to Back wins in G1 Bing Crosby S. for The Chosen Vron
The Chosen Vron (USA) (Vronsky {USA}) will get another chance at the Breeders' Cup as he took Saturday's GI Bing Crosby S over 1200 metres, a 'Win And You're In' for the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint. Sitting mid pack into the turn, the 3-2 favorite stuck a head in front off the far turn, surged ahead inside the final furlong and came under the wire well clear, successfully defending his title in a race he won narrowly last year.
Closethegame Sugar (USA) (Girvin {USA}) was well back in second with third going to Jackstown (USA) (Speightstown {USA}). This was 6-year-old gelding The Chosen Vron's sixth win in a row dating back to last November's Cary Grant S. He has won 18 of his 23 starts.
One of 14 stakes winners for his Listed winner sire, The Chosen Vron is out of winning mare Tiz Molly (USA) (Tiz Wonderful {USA}). Tiz Molly’s winning dam is a half-sister to Group 2 winner Delightful Kiss (USA) (Kissin Kris {USA}) and Canadian Champion 2YO and Group 3 winner Delightful Mary (USA) (Limehouse {USA}).
Qatar Racing wins G1 Alfred G Vanderbilt H with Nakatomi
Qatar Racing and Mrs. Fitriani Hay's 5-year-old gelding Nakatomi (USA) (Firing Line {USA}), a longshot third in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita, broke through with a career-best effort to capture Saturday's GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at the Spa.
Backed at odds of 7-2, Nakatomi broke smartly from his rail draw and, somewhat surprisingly, showed good early speed while chasing favoured 10-time winner Skelly (USA) (Practical Joke {USA}) from second through an opening quarter in :22.20. Traveling nicely approaching the quarter pole, Nakatomi set his sights on Skelly at the top of the stretch and powered on by to win going away by 1 1/2 lengths. It was another 3/4 of a length back to longshot Twisted Ride (USA) (Great Notion {USA}) in third.
Nakatomi, winner of Keeneland's Bowman Mill S. back in 2021, made two starts since his aforementioned effort at the Breeders Cup, finishing third as the favourite in Tampa's Pelican S. on February 10 and third in the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan last time on March 30.
Wesley Ward was pleased to keep training Nakatomi after he was purchased for $205,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age Sale. Ward selected Nakatomi as a yearling ($25,000 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky Fall Yearling Sale graduate) and he's been in the barn since.
“Everything came together today,” Ward said. “We're lucky he was fresh because the track was playing speed, and he broke so well and he was up a lot closer than he would if he had been running all the time. Everything just worked out–that happens rarely, especially in a Grade I, but it happened today.
“Everything came together today... We're lucky he (Nakatomi) was fresh because the track was playing speed, and he broke so well.” - Wesley Ward
“I picked him out as a yearling and to have him since a yearling until now and win a Grade I and be with him nearly every day just makes it ever so special. He went through the sale last year and I said, 'You've got to buy this horse.' Sheikh Fahad [Al Thani, Qatar Racing] stayed in for his half and he bought out the other partners, so I'm just elated my great friend Alex Cole [racing manager for the Hays] came in for me, otherwise I wouldn't be standing here today. I can't thank Jim Hay and Alex and Fergus Galvin and Sheikh Fahad enough for leaving me with the horse because it really paid off for everybody today, especially me.”
Nakatomi, the winner of six of his 18 starts, becomes the first graded stakes winner for Firing Line who is the sire of two other black-type winners. His dam, Applelicious (USA) (Flatter {USA}) was placed at three and is a half-sister to stakes placed winner K. D.'s Shady Lady (USA) (Maria's Mon {USA}), the dam of Group 1 winner Lady of Fifty (USA) (After Market {USA}) and three other stakes winners. Applelicious sold for $2,000 at the 2019 KEENOV sale.
Thrilling G2 Jim Dandy S goes to Fierceness
Last year's champion 2-year-old colt Fierceness (USA) (City of Light {USA}), a very disappointing 15th as the favourite in the GI Kentucky Derby last time out, showed up in a big way on Saturday, defeating favoured Sierra Leone (USA) (Gun Runner {USA}) by a length in a fantastic renewal of the G2 Jim Dandy S. at Saratoga. It was another 5 3/4 lengths back to Batten Down (USA) (Tapit {USA}) in third.
“Super pleased,” winning trainer Todd Pletcher said after recording a record-extending eighth Jim Dandy win. “He kind of got the trip we were hoping for. We knew what our strategy was, the thing is you don't know what everyone is else is going to do. It looked like there were a couple of other horses with potential speed, so we had to break, get to the first turn in good position and get in a good rhythm, and that is what we were able to do.”
“We kind of talked about this horse seems to do better with a little bit of extra time in between races, so we won't make any decisions right away, but just play it by ear.”
Fierceness's dam, Nonna Bella (USA) (Stay Thirsty {USA}), is a half to 2016 GI Wood Memorial Stakes winner and WinStar stallion Outwork (USA), while his granddam is a half to stakes winner and Airdrie stallion Cairo Prince (USA). Nonna Bella's 2-year-old Mentee (USA), a full-brother to Fierceness, set a new track record (:56.97 for five furlongs) at the Belmont at the Big A meet June 16 in his lone start to date and was scratched the morning of the G3 Sanford S. with a fever as the morning-line favourite two weeks ago. Fierceness now has four wins from seven starts including the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and the G1 Florida Derby.
