Appleby praises ‘faultless’ Space Blues after stunning Maurice de Gheest strike
Godolphin’s Space Blues powered home strongest to capture the LARC Prix Maurice de Gheest in a tight finish.
The Charlie Appleby-trained four-year-old, recording his fourth consecutive win this season, was held up by William Buick throughout the race. Golden Horde made the first challenge and was taken on by Hello Youmzain, while favourite Earthlight moved into contention.
But in the final furlong it was the son of Dubawi who was finishing strongest, quickening into the lead for a convincing success with Hello Youmzain second and the fast-finishing Lope Y Fernandez back in third.
Favourite Earthlight lost his unbeaten record in fourth position with Golden Horde close behind in fifth.
Space Blues is now 5-1 with Betfair for the Prix de la Foret over seven furlongs at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe meeting in October.
“He’s a Dubawi and we know what they can do as they get older,” said Appleby.
“His profile this year has just been faultless. Every time he’s stepped up in grade he’s been more impressive. A lot of credit goes to the team at home. Paulo who rides him at home does a fantastic job looking after him.”
He added: “I’m delighted, he deserves to win a Group 1.” (fonte : RacingPost)
Deauville, Pick5 Larc Prix Maurice de Gheest (Gr. I). SPACE BLUES jaillit tel un diable de sa boîte
Space Blues // Arrivée chiffrée : 2 – 3 – 8 – 10 – 7
EARTHLIGHT a donc perdu aujourd’hui son invinciblité. C’est SPACE BLUES (photo), troisième de ce Groupe I l’an passé, qui s’est imposé. Après avoir galopé à l’arrière-garde, le pensionnaire de Charlie Appleby a commencé à se rapprocher depuis la mi-parcours. Dans les 100 derniers mètres, il a jailli, plaçant une terrible pointe de vitesse pour mettre tout le monde d’accord. EARTHLIGHT a eu un moment l’avantage dans la phase finale, mais à la lutte il s’est incliné aux abords du poteau, face à HELLO YOUMZAIN, deuxième côté tribunes et LOPE Y FERNANDEZ, troisième en ayant produit son effort en pleine piste. Tout près, GOLDEN HORDE, animateur de la course, s’est classé cinquième en se montrant courageux.
