A colt named after the greatest of all world leaders ruled on the Rowley Mile, just as so many had predicted he would, with the beautiful beast that is Churchill converting two-year-old dominance to Classic glory thanks to a wonderfully authoritative triumph in the Qipco 2,000 Guineas on Saturday

When Coolmore supremo John Magnier’s wife Sue handed the son of Galileo and Meow the same surname as Britain’s iconic wartime prime minister, she set him a mighty task.
He lived up to that task quite brilliantly to give Aidan O’Brien an unmatched eighth win in the showpiece the sport’s pre-eminent trainer has come to dominate.

As has so often been the case in recent years, Sheikh Mohammed played second fiddle to Coolmore, whose latest champion beat Godolphin’s Barney Roy into second, with French raider Al Wukair a strong-finishing third. Churchill’s Ballydoyle stablemate Lancaster Bomber took fourth.

“He’s not Frankel, but he’s a good horse,” said part-owner Michael Tabor, whose blue and orange colours were donned by Ryan Moore in a Guineas in which the simplicity of the success was striking.

 

Always Dreaming wins Kentucky Derby

With Godolphin’s Thunder Snow taking virtually no part in proceedings, trainer Todd Pletcher and jockey John Velazquez – in many ways the old firm of US racing – joined forces yet again to claim the 143rd Kentucky Derby in emphatic fashion courtesy of Always Dreaming on Saturday.

The fifth straight favourite to win America’s most celebrated race, the Florida Derby victor was always handy as he splashed through the slop in a dominant performance in front of a crowd of 158,070 beneath the iconic Twin Spires at Churchill Downs.

On the other hand, Godolphin’s Kentucky Derby dreams were crushed when UAE Derby winner Thunder Snow, said to be the Dubai team’s best-ever chance of success by trainer Saeed Bin Suroor, seemed to lose his footing from the gate and started bucking. His mount unrideable, Christophe Soumillon had no choice but to pull him up in front of the stands first time around. No injury came to light in an initial veterinary examination.

Long since regarded as the most powerful combination in American racing, Pletcher and Velazquez have teamed up for a multitude of big-race triumphs over the years. They had each won the Derby once before, with Super Saver (2010) and Animal Kingdom (2011) respectively; never, though, had they managed to win in tandem.

“It does mean a lot,” said Velazquez, 45. “We’ve had so much success in the past but we’ve never won the Derby and he’s just an incredible horse. This is the best horse Todd and I have ever come to the Kentucky Derby with. Nothing against all the others, but this was the best horse.”

– Racingpost.com

Callan Murray is a rising star amongst the jockey ranks and Mike de Kock has been quick to recognise his talents – major recognition from a world-respected trainer – so it was more about Murray’s feat of landing three Gr1 victories in an afternoon than the shock defeat of Legal Eagle in the Gr1 Premier’s Champions Challenge.

Geoff Woodruff is also a Murry supporter and they plotted the downfall of Legal Eagle. It was the relatively unheralded Deo Juvente who came up trumps in a desperate finish with two short heads separating the winner, Legal Eagle and the filly Nother Russia.

“We obviously schemed of a way to beat Legal Eagle; not nice I know. But we felt that he did not truly see out 2000m, his best ratings coming over a mile,” said Woodruff.

Marcus certainly rode a confident race on the 1-5 favourite and when he moved into contention approaching the 400m mark the writing appeared to be on the wall. At this stage in the past Legal Eagle would have taken command but this time he had a battle on his hands. Deo Juvente stuck to him like glue and in spite of Marcus shifting in on his rival, Murray was not intimidated and nore was Deo Juvente who battled all the way to the line. Nother Russia was tremendous in defeat and boasts a superbly consistent record.

In an afternoon of high drama, Carry On Alice was all the rage for the Gr1 Computaform Sprint but the De Kock genius was to the fore again as a drop to a sprint and a set of quarter-cup blinkers brought out the best in Rafeef, a full brother to the earlier SA Nursery winner Mustaaqeem.

Carry On Alice inched ahead of the chasing pack approaching the 300 m mark but was clearly hard-pressed to hold her lead under a driving ride from S’Manga Khumalo. But all his efforts came to naught as Rafeef came charging home as did Talktothestars who finished strongly to deny Carry On Alice second. “He quickened like a machine,” was Murray’s ecstatic comment after the win.

With this victory under his girth the Gr1 Tsogo Sun Sprint at Scottsville would be an obvious target for Rafeef.

Al Sahem, runner-up in both the first two legs of the Triple Crown, made good in the Gr1 SA Derby, running out a fluent winner from Pagoda and hot favourite Heavenly Blue. Stamina was hardly put to the test as King Of Blues and Captain At Sea towed the field along at a pedestrian gallop with Al Sahem and Heavenly Blue content to settle in amongst the back markers.

Heavenly Blue tracked Al Sahem into the straight and the pair gradually built up momentum as the opposition struggling to quicken. Heavenly Blue was going well enough as he tracked Al Sahem but went the chips were down he cashed in early and never got to his rival and it was left to outsider Pagoda to do the chasing, though the truth be told, Al Sahem was never in danger of defeat.

Everything went my way and he got to the front so easily,” said Delpech. “I knew it would take a good one to beat me.”

Al Sahem gave the starter’s assistants a tough time and according to Tarry it was a matter of timing. “He was always behind the black ball fitness wise in the first two legs (of the Triple Crown). But we stuck to the plan and when he got off the float this morning I knew he was a bomb.”

It was an Australian one-two in the Gr1 SA Nursery as Mustaaqeem put the field to the sword with stable companion Naafer a well-beaten second but also clear of the chasing pack.

Whorly Whorly set a smart gallop but Mustaaqeem was always in the hunt with Naafer back early. Approaching the halfway Naafer had moved into a challenging position but when all went for home approaching the 400 m marker, it was race over. “When he dug down at the 400 I knew it was race over,” confirmed Murray. “Coming into this race I was confident and I tell you what I still had a bit more in hand.” Barrack Street, who had moved up alonsides Mustaaqeen, was quickly disposed of as Murray punched is mount out hands and heels. Naafer tried to make a fist of it but once Murray drew his stick,

Mustaaqeem kicked again and won going away. Mike de Kock commented that it did not always work out when putting the best to the best but it certainly worked out yesterday. Champion Redoute’s Choice and National Colour was a great filly and was only touched off in the Nunthorpe. Hopefully he will go to stud in this country. We need this sort of blood but I won’t be surprised if I’m instructed to take him overseas.”

“I will put him away now. I don’t want to run the legs off him but the other one (Naafer) will probably go to Scottsville.”

Joey Soma has pulled of more than one surprise on a big day and it was the turn of Wind Chill to freeze out the opposition in the Gr2 Wilgerbosdrift Oaks. Orchid Island and Smiling Blue Eyes, winners of the first two legs of the Wilgerbosdrift Triple Tiara, were in warm order for the Oaks but neither got in a blow as Wind Chill moved smoothly through her field under Anton Marcus to win with the minimum of fuss and turning the tables on Oriental Oak who had beaten her two runs back.

Both fancied runners were towards the tail end of the field for much of the early exchanges but came up empty when asked the question.

A big raceday seldom passes without champion trainer Sean Tarry taking home a trophy and it was the Gr2 SA Fillies Nursery that got his day off to a cracking start as Green Plains stormed to victory to beat home Winter’s Forge with the hither to unbeaten Daring Diva in third. Approaching the 400 m mark, Fortune went for broke on pacemaker Daring Diva but Green Plains was always travelling ominously well while Winter’s Forge was making up ground quickly on the inside.

Daring Diva tried gamely to hold onto her lead but Green Plains soon had her measure. Winter’s Forge came through quickly on the inside of this pair and although making up ground on the winner she was unable to get to terms with Green Plains.

Andrew Harrison

Pictures: JC Photos
1- Deo Juvente (centre) holding off Legal Eagle (closest) and Nother Russia
2- Al Sahem
3- Mustaaqeem

A big purchase price does not automatically ensure performance on the racetrack but record yearling buy Horizon has been giving out all the right signals of late.

After a poor debut there were concerns in some quarters that he may be a ‘lemon’ but he has improved with age and distance and victory in the Gr3 Politician Stakes during the Cape summer will have added immediate paddock value should he make it that far.

A seemingly below par performance in the Investec Derby when starting favourite gave fuel to the neighsayers but that could all be water under the bridge come the Gr2 Daisy Guineas at Greyville tomorrow and the R5.2 million forked out at the sales will have been money well spent.

Candice Bass-Robinson had the colt nicely prepped for his Champions Season opener where he finished with a wet sail to beat favourite and Derby runner-up Zodiac Ruler over the Greyville 1400m. Given that performance and his effort in the Politician Stakes, tomorrow’s ‘mile’ trip will be more to his liking.

Sean Tarry has a wealth of talent in his yard and Africa Rising turned in a similarly impressive performance in the Gr3 Bayerly Turk over the same course and distance, coming from mid-field to snaffle Copper Force close home and win going away.

What made that victory all the more emphatic was that the colt raced in brushing boots that had not been removed at the start – one coming off in the running.

Copper Force has smart Cape form to his credit but was nailed late by Africa Rising and on that showing could play second fiddle again.

Zodiac Ruler, winner of the Gr2 Golden Horseshoe back in July last year, was gelded after a string of disappointing efforts, his second to Edict Of Nantes in the Gr1 Investec Derby the final straw. His second to Horizon was his first after gelding so there may still be more to come.

Of the balance, Janoobi pulled up sort in the Gr1 SA Classic, fading badly over the final 100m, this after a fighting performance in the Gr2 Gauteng Guineas.

A mile appears to be his optimum trip and his chances will be enhanced by a pole position draw, always a major advantage over the Greyville 1600m on the turf.

Duncan Howells has been in cracking form of late and he has set his sights on the Gr1 Daily News 2000 and the Gr1 Vodacom Durban July for the grey Secret Captain.

Given a lengthy break after a disappointing Highveld sojourn, the colt made an eye-catching debut in a competitive sprint last time out. He is highly rated by the stable and one can expect a forward showing in what is a competitive race.

The Gr2 Daisy Fillies Guineas is an equally difficult puzzle but Gimme Six, most impressive when winning her local debut, had many of this field behind her, including Final Judgement who started favourite on the day. On that showing she should have her measure again and also that of Sail and Dawn Calling, although the latter will much prefer this trip.

A possible dark horse is Philae out of the Andre Nel yard. She was deemed good enough to be sent to Turffontein for the G1 SA Fillies Classic but trips to the Highveld by Cape-based runners has always been tricky. She was in contention 400 m out but became the meat in the sandwich in some early scrimmaging and never recovered.

Of the balance Ektifaa should have found her last outing on the short side and will much prefer this trip. She comes from a powerful yard and it will be interesting to see how the Highveld form pans out here.

The Gr2 Independent On Saturday Dill Hall Stakes is the traditional pipe-opener for the July and as such is a tricky race with many warming up for bigger things during the season. Both Marinaresco and Captain America have not been out since the Met but are top class and effective over the trip. But they may just need it while New Predator is both course and distance suited and has been on the go since January. He should strip at the top of his game. Saratoga Dancer is versatile and ran an excellent sprint last time out. He can finish in the money at decent odds.

By Andrew Harrison

Joey Ramsden can continue his extraordinary domination of the Somerset 1200 by taking tomorrow’s Kenilworth Listed race with the cheaply bought Morning Catch. Stable companion Speedpoint should also make the frame.

The pair were bought in successive lots at the Emperors Palace Select just over 12 months ago and R200 000 Morning Catch, despite starting at 16-1, led a furlong out on debut and increased his advantage to the line. He gave the impression that he should have no difficulty confirming the form with second-placed Captain Ram despite being 2kg worse.

Speedpoint was only beaten half a length by Dutch Philip in a strong juvenile plate over a furlong less than this three weeks ago and he is now 2kg better. The way they both quickened suggests that Speedpoint may well reverse the placings at these weights.

However both Candice Bass-Robinson and Aldo Domeyer were adamant that their horse will be far more effective over this trip and the colt is expected to start favourite which is a positive pointer  – favourites have won three of the last six runnings.

However Speedpoint’s pedigree is also a long way from being pure speed. He might be by Var but his Grade 3-winning Casey Tibbs dam is a full sister to July winner Big City Life.

There is a line of form which suggests that Morning Catch could be slightly better than Speedpoint. Certainly he has more scope for improvement.

Zodiac Jack looked good when winning three races back and, while there were valid excuses for his odds-on defeat next time, he was well beaten in the Dutch Philip race.

However Kasimir finished in front of Dutch Philip when second in the Met day Listed race, an extraordinary performance for a newcomer. Although he then met with a shock 2-10 defeat he was shin-sore afterwards. He receives all the allowances and if he can reproduce his debut form the rest might as well stay at home.

Pen-Chan’s maiden win has not really been franked and, although it is obviously significant that Victorious Captain now runs without blinkers, it is hard to see him justifying his name in this company.

For what it’s worth the sahorseracing computer has Dutch Philip beating Morning Catch by just under half a length with Kasimir third. But was it told that Ramsden had won the last four runnings?

It predicts victory for the erroneously-named Too Phat To Fly in the Perfect Promise and that could be spot-on despite the strong claims of Rose In Bloom who ran so well in the Dutch Philip race.

By Michael Clower

Champions Day at Turffontein is one of the highlights of the racing calendar and the Pick 6 will be worth taking as there will be a guaranteed pool of R4, 5 million and an expected pool of R5,1 million.

Legal Eagle will attempt to write himself into the record books as the first horse since the great Sea Cottage to defend three Gr 1 crowns in one season. He should dominate the R4 million Gr 1 Premier’s Champions Challenge over 2000m in his usual handy style before producing his usual winning kick. French Navy’s form looks a bit inconsistent, but that is simply due to him taking a while to reach his peak. When he is at his peak, as he will be tomorrow, he can mix it with best. Unlike last year, when runner up, he does not carry a Gr 1 penalty. On paper he could even go close to winning it, being 2kg better off with Legal Eagle for a 2,1 length beating and drawn three as opposed to eleven last year. The filly Nother Russia improves everytime she runs and comes off a good win in the Gr 1 Empress Club Stakes. Her dam Mother Russia was unlucky to not have won at least one J&B Met, so Nother Russia will enjoy this trip. Brazuca has proven his class in Gr 1 company often enough and last time out he proved he stay this course and distance with an easy win in the Gr 2 Colorado King Stakes. Master Sabina’s two Gr 1 Summer Cup wins were over this course and distance, but the latter race is a handicap and he has a tougher task here. Celtic Captain has a good draw, which is important, because when he settles well he is capable of a superb turn of foot and a strong finishing effort. He is the dark horse. Deo Juvente has not always had the best of luck and has the class to earn here too. Juxtapose finished fifth in the Summer Cup and is up against it despite her class. Stonehenge could well play an important pacemaking role for his stablemate Legal Eagle.

The Gr 1 Computaform Sprint over 100m could well be the most exciting race of the day as some world class sorts square up. Trip To Heaven put up a phenomenal performance in the Gr 1 Cape Flying Championship when losing a lot of ground at the start and still getting with 0,2 lengths of his stablemate Carry On Alice. He can come from any draw as he can be dropped out due to his devastating turn of foot. Rafeef is undoubtedly the value in this race as he is full of class and has plenty of speed too. Carry On Alice is drawn close to the standside, as she was when winning this last year, and her speed coupled with her kick will take her close again. Rivarine has the ability to be a threat but does have to bounce back from his disappointing Cape Flying run and he hasn’t run since. Brutal Force will be spot on but the question is whether his low draw will be a disadvantage? Only the day will tell. If high draws are advantageous the like of Dollar Dazzler and Pivotal Pursuit could earn. Talktothestars was runner up last year and was named Equus Champion Sprinter but he has had a downturn in form this season.

The Gr 1 SA Derby should be won by Heavenly Blue who ran on strongly last time out to win the Gr 1 SA Classic over 1800m. He looks likely to enjoy this trip and Mike de Kock has a fine record in this race. The SA Classic runner up Al Sahem is by Silvano, so should be improving and should enjoy the trip so he looks the main danger, although Furiosa has always truck as a staying type and could also go close. Pagoda and Captain At Sea are others who can’t be ignored.

The Gr 1 SA Nursery could fall to Rafeef’s full-brother Mustaaqem, who obliterated the opposition on debut, although Wonderwall and Barrack Street could also win it.

In the Gr 2 SA Fillies Nursery Daring Diva is not the most visually impressive specimen but will attempt to remain unbeaten. Green Plains and the big striding Silver Thursday could be the biggest threats.

In the Gr 2 SA Oaks, Orchid Island won the SA Fillies Classic from the widest draw of all and now has a good draw over a trip she should enjoy. She can beat Belle Rose and Oriental Oak. Bi Pot, Smiling Blue Eyes and Wind Chill are also possible winners.

Later, Trophy Wife can defend her Gr 2 Gerald Rosenberg crown and once again emphasise how good the fillies crop she hailed from was.

The Gr 2 Camelia Stakes will see an intriguing clash between Exquisite Touch and Green Pepper and Joan Ranger could be a threat too.

By David Thiselton