Cracksman bang on target in Niel but Arc challenge still up in the air
Cracksman passed his Arc audition with flying colours at Chantilly on Sunday – but his backers could be made to wait until only a few days before Europe’s richest race to discover whether he will line up on October 1.
Moments after Cracksman had passed the post an easy three and a half lengths clear of Avilius for a bloodless win in the Prix Niel, owner-breeder Anthony Oppenheimer was in no mood to change his long-held opinion the colt should be put away and preserved before taking on Europe’s best at four.
However, Oppenheimer stressed it would be trainer John Gosden – absent for the Keeneland Yearling sales in Kentucky – who would make the final decision.
Oppenheimer knows the joys of winning the Arc having scaled that particular peak only two years ago with Golden Horn, and his latest flagbearer is now generally second favourite for the Qatar-sponsored €5 million showpiece at between 5-1 and 10-1.
Frankie Dettori, who rode Cracksman here, is committed to partner stablemate and Arc favourite Enable at Chantilly next month, which will also be a factor in the decision about whether to run Cracksman.
Oppenheimer said: “The options are the Arc or the Champion Stakes but we would prefer to put him away next year without a hard race. We think if we give him a hard race this year it may just take the sting out of him for next year. And there’s only one Frankie.”
Asked how quickly a decision might come, Oppenheimer replied: “I won’t make a decision, Mr Gosden will make a decision. I’d think it will be another ten days or more.”
Pressed as to whether the decision might not come until the week leading up to the Arc, he added: “I’ve no idea what Mr Gosden is going to do. I think he might do that [wait till final declarations]. If Enable wasn’t able to run for some reason then it might change his plans.”
Dettori, already a four-time Arc winner, said: “It wasn’t a particularly strong race but it went the way I expected, even though the ground is a bit too soft for him.
“I don’t know if he’ll run in the Arc but I expect to be on Enable. At this stage she’s stronger and more streetwise than him.”
Dschingis Secret out as Klug star floors Satono Diamond
Most people present expected the other main Arc clues to come in the Prix Foy but the nationality of the challenge might have caught a few by surprise, as the German-trained Dschingis Secret ran out a fine winner and Japan’s great hope Satono Diamond was only fourth.
This year’s Deutsche Derby-winning trainer Markus Klug was not here to see his biggest success outside Germany but connections have made no secret of the fact they believe their four-year-old will be worthy of a place in the Arc, granted a repeat of these favourable soft conditions.
“I didn’t get any cover but I wasn’t worried because he travelled very sweetly and didn’t pull at all,” said jockey Adrie de Vries. “I waited because I knew I had a lot of horse and he just loves this ground.”
Dschingis Secret was last seen beating Hawkbill in a Berlin Group 1, and De Vries believes his partner – who was cut to 12-1 (from 33) by Sky Bet for the Arc – has come on again.
“He was even better than last time,” said De Vries. “I’d think he can be among them in the Arc. He did it pretty well and I gave him only two slaps. It was over pretty quickly.”
Cloth Of Stars ran a very pleasing comeback on his first start since May’s Prix Ganay and looks sure to head for the Arc to attempt the same feat as trainer Andre Fabre performed with Subotica, who won the race in 1992 after being beaten in the Foy.
No Arc for Vermeille ace Bateel
The Vermeille had the biggest field of the three Arc trials but seemed beforehand to have much less relevance.
In beating gallant Gosden raider Journey by two and a half lengths, Bateel appeared to have thrust herself into contention for being supplemented to the Arc, but while trainer Francis Graffard did not rule it out, owner Al Asayl Bloodstock’s manager John Peter-Hoblyn said: “The Prix Royal-Oak could be a possibility. The Arc is definitely not on the radar for her.”
Connections had an anxious wait for nearly half an hour, a stewards’ inquiry having been called after the four-year-old had been involved in squeezing the Andrew Balding-trained Blond Me – subsequently eased down and last home – rounding the final turn into the home straight.
“She’s a bit of a character and we’ve worked hard with her since she joined us,” said Graffard.
“The ground was ideal for her today, and she came into this in very good form. Bateel is entered in the Fillies’ & Mares’ at Ascot, which could be a possibility, but the decision is also ground dependent as this is the firmest she would want it.”
Winning rider Pierre-Charles Boudot received a four-day suspension after the stewards adjudged he had not done his best to stop his mount from moving over to the rail rounding the final turn.
fonte : RacingPost
Prix Foy has hopefully put Cloth Of Stars right for Arc
Godolphin horses finished second and third in the G2 Prix Foy at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, September 10, with Cloth Of Stars (Mickael Barzalona) just ahead of Talismanic(Vincent Cheminaud).
The two Andre Fabre-trained four-year-olds raced at the rear of the six-strong field for the 12-furlng contest before making progress in the straight.
Cloth Of Stars, having his first appearance winning the G1 Prix Ganay over an extended 10 furlongs at Saint-Cloud on May 1, had the more troubled passage after racing a bit keenly on the inner in last place.
He did not have much room around the furlong marker to make a challenge but ran on to gain second by a neck from Talismanic, who was settled in fifth towards the outside and then came with a good run from two furlongs out. Neither could get to grips with the length and a half winner Dschingis Secret, whose time came to 2m 35.88s in soft ground.
Lisa-Jane Graffard of Godolphin said: “Cloth Of Stars has been kept back for an end of season campaign and ran a fantastic race.
“He was a bit keen early on and did not get room at a crucial point.
“He probably needed the outing and hopefully this will set him up for a tilt at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (12f, G1, Chantilly, October 1), all being well.
“Talismanic ran another good race but showed his limitations behind two G1 performers.
“He takes his races very well and we will be looking at an international campaign for him at some point.”
Fourth G1 success for Ribchester
Ribchester consolidated his position as Europe’s top miler by gaining a fourth G1 victory in the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp at Chantilly, France, on Sunday, September 10.
The four-year-old Iffraaj colt, unlucky in the G1 Sussex Stakes on his previous start, made no mistake this time.
Ribchester, trained by Richard Fahey and with James Doyle in the saddle, raced a close second as Robin Of Navan led.
He moved up with two furlongs remaining and soon took over in front.
Taareef came to challenge in the final furlong but Ribchester was always in command, running on to win by three quarters of a lengths in 1m 40.75s on soft ground, the pair three and a half lengths clear of the third Massaat.
Richard Fahey commented: “It is just nice to see Ribchester win again. I was very happy with the victory.
“He does not make it easy for his rider, but I think he gets bit lonely out in front.
“He was hardly blowing afterwards and has got a lot of ability. You never feel the tank is empty – he is a very tough horse.
“He coped with the soft ground but is better on a sounder surface.
“We will be aiming him towards the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot (G1, October 21) and then consider the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1, Del Mar, November 4) in California two weeks after that.”
James Doyle added: “Ribchester played with Taareef at finish, after waiting for his company. He is certainly the best miler in Europe.”
fonte : Godolphin
Prix du Moulin de Longchamp : Ribchester est bien le meilleur des milers !
Quatrième Groupe 1 de la carrière de Ribchester, qui confirme qu’il est certainement l’un des meilleurs milers européens du moment. Dans le Qatar Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, il a repoussé avec brio jusqu’au poteau l’attaque d’un très bon Taareef. Encore une victoire britannique dans un Groupe 1 français cette année !
Un an après sa dernière course en France, qui s’était déjà soldée par une victoire sur le mile (c’était dans le Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard à Deauville), le champion anglais Ribchester a de nouveau prouvé qu’il était l’un des meilleurs (si ce n’est LE meilleur) milers européens.
Ce ne fut toutefois pas une sinécure cette fois, tant la résistance que lui a opposée le frenchie Taareef à celui que les parieurs avaient installé favori fut dantesque. Toujours installés à proximité de la pointe du combat, ces deux-ci ont lutté jusqu’au poteau, le lauréat ne laissant jamais le pensionnaire de Jean-Claude Rouget lui prendre le dessus. Après le passage du poteau, la sirène a même résonné après l’arrivée pour un changement de ligne du lauréat. L’arrivée a finalement été maintenue par les commissaires. C’est l’autre Al Maktoum (avec Taareef) de la course Massaat qui complète le podium.
Succès à suspense de Bateel dans Qatar Prix Vermeille
A l’entraînement en France chez Francis-Henri Graffard depuis le printemps, Bateel confirme son succès du 6 août à Deauville dans le Prix de Pomone (Gr. 2). La fille de Dubawi enlève avec autorité l’édition 2017 du Qatar Prix Vermeille. Un succès qui permet à Pierre-Charles Boudot d’enregistrer son premier Groupe 1 de la saison.
R1C5 : Qatar Prix Vermeille
Bateel est maintenue après enquête
Alors que depuis le mois d’août les chevaux français avaient régulièrement dû subir la loi des concurrents britanniques, l’édition 2017 du Prix Vermeille permet à nos couleurs de briller enfin au plus haut niveau par l’intermédiaire de Bateel. Une victoire nette, mais à suspense, puisque l’arrivée a été assortie d’une enquête sur la gagnante. Retour sur les péripéties d’une épreuve qui sert de tremplin au Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Dans le dernier tournant, Bateel fait un écart et gêne Blond Me et par voie de ricochet plusieurs autres concurrentes. A l’issue d’une longue enquête, les commissaires maintiennent finalement le résultat, au plus grand soulagement du clan de la lauréate.
Dés le départ, Ajman Princess s’empare du commandement et imprime une allure soutenue à l’épreuve devant God Given et Journey. À mi-ligne droite, l’animatrice subit l’attaque de Journey alors que Bateelentame son effort. La lutte se résume bientôt à un duel entre la Britannique Journey et Bateel qui domine finalement nettement sa rivale au passage du disque (2,5 longueurs). À distance des deux premières, Left Hand, qui n’était autre que la tenante du titre, termine bien et monte sur la 3e marche du podium. Un podium qui sourit à l’étalon Dubawi puisque les trois premières sont toutes issues de ce sire d’exception.
Pour l’instant, Bateel n’est pas sur la liste des engagés de la prochaine édition du Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Son facile succès de ce dimanche pourrait changer la donne.
fonte : Equidià
Irlanda: #Order Of St.George vince di 9 l’Irish St Leger verso l’Arc o Flemington. Al Curragh Caravaggio e Verbal Dexterity..
Al Curragh la risposta irlandese ai trial francesi l’abbiamo vista nel Comer Group International Irish St. Leger G1 sul miglio e 6 furlongs con l’atteso Order Of St George(Galileo) che ha lasciato a “n” lunghezze, esattamente 9, il primo dei rivali che comunque non erano entusiasmanti. Secondo Torcedor(Fastnet Rock) e Moun Moriah(Mount Nelson) terzo, mentre quarto Wicklow Brave (Beat Hollow). Insomma, che potesse vincere non c’erano dubbi ma ora c’è da capire quale sia il suo prossimo passo. Order lo scorso anno fece un figurone nell’Arc de Triomphe ed è probabile che sia ancora lui una delle punte di Ballydoyle, insieme a Highland Reel(Galileo), fra 3 settimane a Chantilly. Insomma, Order insieme a Dschingis Secret è un pesante candidato all’Arc de Triomphe tra gli anziani pronti ad insidiare Enable, rimasta nel box a guardare. Per Order, che ha perso tragicamente la Gold Cup, si parla anche di una possibile trasferta australiana per correre la Melbourne Cup. IL VIDEO QUI. Betfair ha tagliato Order da 20/1 a 12/1 per l’Arc.
Sempre in Irlanda da segnalare il ritorno alla vittoria, appena ha abbassato il tiro, di Caravaggio (Scat Daddy) nelle Derrinstown Stud Flying Five Stakes G2 sui 1000 metri con in sella Ryan Moore ancora una volta. Coolmore ha fatto tre su tre anche nelle Moyglare Stud Stakes G1 per femmine di 2 anni sui 1400 metri con la vittoria di Happily (Galileo) che ha ribaltato l’ultimo riferimento con Magical (Galileo) e September(Deep Impact). Il dominio di O’Brien si è esaurito nelle Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes G1 dove a vincere è stato il Bolger Verbal Dexterity (Vocalised) che ha battuto nettamente Beckford (Bated Breath) e poi Rostropovich (Frankel) come primo di O’Brien. Il grande assente, sul soft, è stato Gustav Klimt (Galileo) ritirato a causa di terreno.
Chantilly, parte 3: Il #Foy parla tedesco, con il progressivo Dschingis Secret alla terza vittoria consecutiva. Arc anche per lui
Il tedesco volante Dschingis Secret (Soldier Hollow) ha completato quel percorso di crescita che si aspettava Markus Klug dalle ultime 2 uscite e dopo il Grosser Hansa-Preis G2 di Amburgo e dopo il Longines Grosser Preis von Berlin G1 di Hoppergarten di metà Agosto, ha ottenuto il suo hat trick di vittorie riportando anche il Qatar Prix Foy G2 in attesa di capirne le potenzialità in vista dell’Arc. Guardate che quando un cavallo è così in ascesa può arrivare ovunque.
Dschingis (che si pronuncia “gingis” ha seguito Satono Noblesse (Deep Impact) quale valletto di Satono Diamond (Deep Impact) ed in dirittura, sul calo del giapponese più atteso, è progredito nelle mani di Adrie De Vries trascinandosi Cloth Of Stars (Sea The Stars) senza spazio nelle fasi finali, con Talismanic (Medaglia D’Oro) al largo e Satono Diamond risucchiato dal gruppo. IL VIDEO DEL PRIX FOY QUI. IL RISULTATO QUI.
Il vincitore è un portacolori di Horst Pudwill, il quale recentemente ha acquistato anche suo fratello pieno alle selezionate tedesche, che ha cominciato la sua ascesa da tipico tedesco doc con la vittoria a 3 anni del St Leger Italiano G3 a Milano dopo essere arrivato terzo nel Derby tedesco G1. Quest’anno ha coronato la sua crescita con vittorie di prestigio.
Chantilly, i G1. #Bateel domina il Vermeille, #Ribchester controlla Taareef nel Prix du Moulin de Longchamp..
PRIX VERMEILLE: Due erano i G1 nella domenica di Chantilly che oltre a fungere da preparazioni, in qualche modo erano dei punti di arrivo. In particolare il Vermeille G1 che si di solito serve alle femmine per rifinire la condizione per l’Arc, ma non avendo troppa qualità nel campo partenti era come detto un traguardo prestigioso da ottenere. Missione compiuta per la 5 anni Bateel (Dubawi), di proprietà di Al Asayl Bloodstock Ltd ed allenata da Francis-Henri Graffard, che ha fatto suo il G1 culminando la sua stagione con una crescita esponenziale. Fino allo scorso anno era in training in Inghilterra da David Simcock, mentre quest’anno ha cominciato subito forte piazzandosi contro i maschi a 3000 metri nel Prix de Barbeville G3 e poi vincendo in serie le Pinnacle Stakes G3 di Haydock, il Pomone G2 di Deauville e grazie ad una monta severa di Pierre Charles Boudot, anche il Vermeille. Per il jockey francese, curiosamente, era il primo G1 di questo 2017.
Bateel ha battuto di 2 e mezzo Journey (Dubawi) e poi al terzo Left Hand (Dubawi) per una tripletta per il sire Darley Dubawi (Dubai Millennium). Alle spalle di queste c’è stata una lotta furibonda che ha coinvolto Blond Me (Tamayuz), poi ultima, che ha incocciato contro Endless Time e Baiyouna sull’ultima curva, tanto che poi è stato chiamato intervento per capire bene cosa fosse successo. Nulla di che, ma ne sono uscite malconce l’Aga Khan e la cavalla di Andrew Balding recente piazzata nelle Nassau.
IL VIDEO DEL VERMEILLE QUI. IL RISULTATO COMPLETO QUI.
Ed ora Johnny “G” che farà? Cracksman (Frankel) ha guadagnato con stile il pass verso l’Arc de Triomphe vincendo con grande sicurezza il Qatar Prix Niel G2 su stesso tracciato e distanza che fra 3 settimane vedrà la corsa più attesa della stagione. I dubbi sono leciti se si pensa che Gosden in scuderia ha anche una come Enable (Nathaniel), al momento favorita ed in linea teorica senza rivali guardando linee dirette o indirette, e la domanda è quella: Correrà l’Arc de Triomphe o virerà verso obiettivi americani? Sta di fatto che Cracksman, dopo il Derby inglese ed irlandese, gli è esploso fra le mani e dopo l’affermazione incredibile e notevole nelle Great Voltigeur Stakes G2 di York è arrivata quella a Chantilly senza nemmeno forzare la mano, accompagnato a braccia da Frankie che si è detto soddisfatto della prestazione del 3 anni, battendo di 3 e mezzo Avilius(Pivotal) e Finche (Frankel). Ed ancora, in ottica Arc, chi lo monterà se Frankie come sembra sceglierà la femmina? Ad avercene di questi problemi…
Cracksman, come sembra, sicuramente correrà ancora a 4 anni e l’obiettivo a lungo termine sono le King George G1, ma intanto con questa forma acquisita a ridosso dell’Arc sarebbe delittuoso non partecipare. Lo farà, chiaro. Allevato dal Hascombe And Valiant Studs, Cracksman è di proprietà di Anthony Oppenheimer ed è prodotto della fattrice Rhadegunda (Pivotal).
Miss Temple City to be Offered at Fasig-Tipton November
Multiple grade 1 winner will be offered by Select Sales.
Multiple grade 1 winner Miss Temple City will be offered at the Fasig-Tipton November sale Nov. 6 in Lexington. The 5-year-old mare will be consigned as a racing or broodmare prospect by Select Sales, agent.
The globetrotting Miss Temple City is among the most accomplished turf females in recent memory. Trained by Graham Motion, she defeated males twice in grade 1 company in 2016 in the Maker’s 46 Mile Stakes and Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes at Keeneland. Among those she defeated in the Shadwell Turf Mile was subsequent Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T) winner Tourist .
NOVAK: Miss Temple City Scores in Shadwell Turf Mile
Miss Temple City most recently won Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Stakes (G3T) to push her earnings to nearly $1.7 million.
WINCZE HUGHES: Miss Temple City Shows Grit in Ladies Turf Stakes
“What an incredible ride it has been with Miss Temple City,” said Bob Feld, who bred the mare and co-owns her as part of The Club Racing, along with Sagamore Farm and Needle In A Haystack. “From the day she was born, she was truly a star, but to watch her amazing career unfold into such a remarkable racehorse is incredible.”
The five-time stakes winner has won at six different racetracks from ages 2 to 5, at distances ranging from 5 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/16 miles on turf. Her campaigns included three consecutive trips in 2014-16 to compete at Royal Ascot. Those performances included fourth-place finishes in the 2015 Coronation Stakes (G1) and the 2016 Duke Of Cambridge Stakes (G2).
A daughter of Temple City , Miss Temple City is out of the stakes-placed Artax mare Glittering Tax. She is a full sister to grade 3 winner Pricedtoperfection.
“Select Sales is truly honored to consign a mare as special as Miss Temple City at the Fasig-Tipton November sale,” said Amy Bunt, director of sales for Select Sales. “Very few race mares have had such a historic and international racing career as she. Her accomplishments, pedigree, and beautiful conformation make her uniquely suited to fit any number of major breeding programs throughout the world.”
Miss Temple City is eyeing a fall campaign that could include a race on opening weekend during Keeneland’s fall meet and another potential tilt in the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar.
