Race Report - 13th September 2008
1.35 Keepmoat Champagne Stakes (Group 2) (7f)
WESTPHALIA had blotted his copybook with a below-par performance in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes in Ireland, but redeemed himself in taking fashion to deny warm favourite Zacinto. Johnny Murtagh's mount took a while to find his momentum as he tried to quicken off a muddling early pace, but when he found his stride he was certainly impressive. The runner-up has a bright future, stepping up on his debut win in a Sandown maiden to keep himself in the frame for a possible return to Doncaster in the Group One Racing Post Trophy next month. Playfellow was the first to commit in defence of his unbeaten record but was no match for the first two.
2.05 Ladbrokes Portland Handicap (51/2f)
A furious early pace was assured as Tamagin and Strike Up The Band attacked from their high draws. However, it was HOGMANEIGH who came from off the pace to deliver what he has so often threatened to do in a big handicap. Trainer Stuart Williams put the success down to a new set of shoes! "We have had all sorts of problems with his feet and flew a set of stick-on shoes over from America. I'm delighted they've done the trick," he said. Hogmaneigh, ridden by Saleem Golam, may now re-appear in the Ayr Gold Cup next weekend. He is a 12-1 chance with some firms. Meanwhile, Jim Goldie was left rueing the narrow defeat of his admirable veteran River Falcon, another Ayr possible, while Andrew Balding's filly Siren's Gift ran well in third on ground that was considered less than ideal.
2.35 Ladbrokes Sprint Cup (Group 1) (6f)
French-trained filly AFRICAN ROSE confirmed the form of her second to top European sprinter Marchand d'Or at Deauville with a gritty success in this rescheduled event, salvaged from waterlogged Haydock last weekend. Stephane Pasquier produced the filly off a strong pace to take up the running over a furlong out, and she showed a great attitude to repel Assertive by a neck. The daughter of Observatory may now drop back to five furlongs in the Prix de l'Abbaye next month, while a tilt at the Breeders' Cup Sprint is also under consideration. Richard Fahey's Utmost Respect lived up to his name in third, but Royal Ascot winner Equiano was withdrawn after breaking out of his stall.
3.10 Ladbrokes St Leger (Group 1) (1m61/2f)
Sir Michael Stoute finally ended his quest for a Ladbrokes St Leger victory when CONDUIT galloped to glory in the hands of Frankie Dettori. Sir Mchael had been unsuccessful in 25 previous attempts, dating back to 1974, but 'super sub' Frankie set the record straight on the progressive Gordon Stakes winner. Dettori had been booked to ride Doctor Fremantle for the Newmarket trainer, but was switched to Conduit on Thursday when stable jockey Ryan Moore changed his mind and elected to partner Doctor Fremantle instead. That colt travelled ominously well until his stamina ran out half-way up the home straight. Favourite Frozen Fire also failed to see out the trip in holding ground, but stamina was not an issue for the two fillies Unsung Heroine and Look Here. The former relished every yard to finish second while Oaks winner Look Here plugged on for a respectable third and looks booked for more top level success if she stays in training next year.
3.45 National Express Park Stakes (Group 2) (7f)
ARABIAN GLEAM won this for the second year running, putting behind him a disappointing campaign. He had at least hinted at a return to form in the Hungerford Stakes and, having worked well and sporting cheepieces, stuck on gamely to hold favourite Major Cadeaux, who could not change Ryan Moore's fortunes despite holding every chance. Arabian Gleam may head to Newmarket next for the Challenge Stakes. Trainer Jeremy Noseda said: "He struggled to bridge the gap under his Group penalties this year, plus the yard was under a cloud in the summer, but he showed what a game horse he is."
4.15 Keepmoat Stakes Handicap (1m4f)
The November Handicap could be on the agenda for MAGICALMYSTERYTOUR, who looked well in the preliminaries considering he had been off for 450 days due to a muscle problem. Willie Musson's gelding travelled strongly in the hands of Eddie Ahern and could be one to follow in autumn staying handicaps, including Doncaster's traditional autumn feature. Tastahil is lightly raced for a four-year-old and Barry Hills' runner shaped well in second. His turn will come.
4.50 Landini Tractors Nursery (1m)
Jamie Spencer came from a long way back to win this straight mile handicap on the progressive juvenile BATTLE OF HASTINGS, who was enhancing Michael Bell's fine record at the track this season. A winner over seven furlongs at Newmarket last time, he relished - and needed - every yard of this longer trip, having been set plenty to do. Locally-trained Thunderball ran a solid race in defeat, as did third placed Roly Boy under his big weight.
5.25 State Club Handicap (1m)
John Gosden gave VIRTUAL a break after his disappointing show on unsuitably fast ground at Royal Ascot, and the plan paid off. The son of Pivotal, a winner for Richard Mullen, had been progressive before his lay-off and could be capable of stepping back up in class on this evidence. Huzzah ran well but could not quite get to grips with the winner and may still be capable of winning off his lofty mark. Godolphin's Gold Sovereign may be high enough in the weights but also shaped well, while Mia's Boy was hampered when challenging and is capable of better.
