Europe
Wootton Bassett's Bucanero Fuerte in a league of his own in the Phoenix
The Curragh's G1 Keeneland Phoenix S. on Saturday looked an open affair beforehand, but Amo Racing Limited and Giselle De Aguiar's Bucanero Fuerte (GB) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) left no doubt as to who ruled the roost as he made virtually all for an impressive success.
The Adrian Murray-trained €165,000 (AU$290,700) Arqana Deauville August graduate could be called the clear-cut winner some way out. At the line, the 9-4 second favourite had 4l to spare over the G3 Albany S. scorer Porta Fortuna (Ire) (Caravaggio {USA}), with 1.05l back to Givemethebeatboys (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) as he edged Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) out of the placings by a short head.
“It didn't really go to plan with the pacemaker not getting anywhere near me, so I had to ride my own race but he's very uncomplicated and lengthened and stretched from 2.5 (furlongs) out and was quite surprised that nothing came to challenge me,” jockey Kevin Stott said of the winner, who had taken the first juvenile race of the season over five furlongs here in March before running third in the G2 Coventry S.
“We've always thought he was nice, but he was a big baby the first day of the season and has only grown and strengthened since,” Stott added. “Adrian and Robson have done a great job with him and made my life easier to just steer him. He was only just doing enough and I'm sure, had something come to him, he'd have gone again. He's a horse that we think will get further in time and who knows what kind of horse we've got heading into next year? He's a big horse and takes his racing very well and settles nicely, so you'd like to think he'll get further and if he doesn't we've got a nice sprinter.”
Murray said, “He was very impressive. We had him here 10 days ago doing a piece of work and Robson got off him and said to me, 'This is the best horse I've ever ridden'. He was certainly correct in that one. He's a serious horse. That's three runs and three wins here, he's the horse of a lifetime. I'd say it'll be the (G1) National S. now and I don't think he'll have any problem stepping up to seven. The ground today would be a bit easier than the last day. He was very impressive in his maiden here on heavy ground, but it's not an issue for him as he's won on quick ground as well.”
Bucanero Fuerte is from the Elusive City (USA) mare Frida La Blonde (Fr). He is a full brother to the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp hero Wooded (Ire), who will shuttle to Swettenham Stud, Australia, for the 2023 breeding season, standing at a fee of $22,000 (inc GST).
Fallen Angel gives Too Darn Hot a first black-type winner in the Sweet Solera
Providing her first-crop sire Too Darn Hot (GB) with his first black-type winner on Saturday, Clipper Logistics' Listed Star S. runner-up Fallen Angel (GB) proved far too strong in Newmarket's G3 Molson Coors Sweet Solera S. Denied by Shuwari (Ire) (New Bay {GB}) in that Sandown contest over this seven-furlong trip last month, the Karl Burke-trained 9-4 favourite travelled strongly near the front end under Danny Tudhope before starting the stretch of her rivals approaching the final furlong. Soon clear of the Star S. third Soprano (Ire) (Starspangledbanner), the grey daughter of the G2 May Hill S. winner and G1 Fillies' Mile runner-up Agnes Stewart (Ire) (Lawman {Fr}) had 3l to spare over that rival at the line, with 3.75l back to Les Bleus (GB) (Blue Point {Ire}) in third.
“It was very impressive,” Tudhope said of the winner, whose debut success came over this trip at Haydock in May. “I probably learned a lot about her the last day at Sandown, I maybe didn't make as much use of her but the ground that day was very soft and you're always a bit wary of how quick you're going. This filly stays this trip well, she wants a mile now and she may even get 10 furlongs in time. The further she went today the better – she powered clear up the hill. She's just a classy filly who goes on all types of ground and she's got a great mind on her. The future is very bright.”
Too Darn Hot will return to Darley, Kelvinside, Australia for the 2023 breeding season and will be available for $44,000 (inc GST).
Book 1 millionaire Diego Velazquez a new TDN Rising Star in Ireland
Saturday's Bord Na Mona Recycling Irish EBF Maiden at the Curragh has been a springboard to success in the G1 Vincent O'Brien National S. for Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Thunder Moon (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}), who annexed two of the last three editions. This year's renewal witnessed the emergence of another potential candidate after Aidan O'Brien trainee Diego Velazquez (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) romped to 'TDN Rising Stardom' in the seven-furlong contest.
He had already caused a stir at Newmarket last October, when knocked down for 2.4 million gns (AU$4.9 million) at Tattersalls' Book 1 sale, but was unable to fulfill a June engagement over this strip after suffering an allergic reaction. There was a buzz in the air for this belated debut and the April-foaled bay was hammered down to odds-on favouritism. The eventual winner was slightly askew leaving the gates and soon recovered to stalk the tempo in a prominent second. Asked to stretch soon after passing halfway, the 2-5 pick quickened stylishly to seize control approaching the final furlong and powered clear in impressive fashion to easily outclass Guildenstern (Ire) (Starspangledbanner) by 4.75l.
“We had him ready to run about a month ago, but he'd a little setback so we had to stop and start again,” O'Brien explained. “We wanted to get him out and he was ready to come racing today. Ryan (Moore) said he was very babyish, but he obviously has a massive engine. He doesn't even know what he's at yet, he only came on the bridle with 50 yards to go and only realised he was racing then. We felt he could go anywhere, but looking at today you'd like to give him another run somewhere before he goes for a big one. He was absolutely half-speeding with horses (at home), but didn't take hold of the bridle today. That can happen first time as it did with Paddington first time in Ascot last year. He's probably going to come on and learn a lot from it.”
Diego Velazquez, immediately identifiable due to his four white socks, has the option of Leopardstown's G2 Golden Fleece S. on Irish Champions Weekend next month, according to the trainer.
Diego Velazquez, the latest of 11 foals, becomes the seventh for Listed National S. victrix Sweepstake (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), whose own dam Dust Flicker (GB) (Suave Dancer {USA}) is a full sister to G3 Prix de la Nonette victrix Dust Dancer (GB).
Team Ladies the big winners in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup
Team Ladies accumulated 78 points to just edge Team Rest of the World by five points to take the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup at Ascot on Saturday.
Hollie Doyle and Saffie Osborne each rode two winners on the day, and Doyle scored points with each of her five rides, resulting in her first Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle, awarded to the day's leading rider. Her points total for the day stands at 48.
After winning with The Very Man (Ire) (Jeremy {USA}) and Regal Empire (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Stayers and the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Classic respectively, Doyle said, “I haven't won the Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle before, so it's great to have that on my CV. I got to ride in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup first when I was an apprentice, and it let me showcase myself on a wider stage internationally.
“I rode a winner for Clive Cox and I ended up riding out and had quite a few winners for him, I actually rode him a Listed winner – so something really did come of that opportunity, and I think it is important in that regard. It's a very good meeting and Ascot does a great job.”
Osborne was successful aboard Scampi (GB) (Nayef {USA}) in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Challenge and Dark Trooper (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) in the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Sprint. Hayley Turner, the most successful jockey in the history of the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, captained the Ladies Team but was unable to add to her cumulative 322 points.
She said, “It has been good fun again and it is nice to have all the family here. This has been the best Ladies team we have ever had–I did not get any points at all and they carried me. It has been great fun and I hope I can do this for many years.”
Kazuo Yokoyama won the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Dash with Rogue Lightning (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), which helped boost Team Rest of the World to second with 73 points. Perotto (GB) (New Bay {GB}), with Thore Hammer Hansen aboard, won the Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Mile with Team Europe accumulating 54 points. Team Great Britain and Ireland was fourth with 35 points.
Nick Smith, director of racing and public affairs at Ascot Racecourse, said, “It has been another brilliant Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, with the competition going all the way to the final race. It was fantastic to see Alistair Haggis Silver Saddle winner Hollie Doyle and debutante Saffie Osborne ride doubles to land the competition for the (Team) Ladies, their fourth success in the last eight renewals.
“We were also thrilled to see international success for Kazuo Yokoyama, which will have been hugely popular in Japan, and delighted that Thore Hammer Hansen rode a winner after stepping in so late in the day.
“Andrew Balding takes home £12,500 (AU$24,400) for his yard as the leading trainer on the day and, once again, we are hugely grateful to all the trainers and owners for supporting this unique event. There has been more than £500,000 (AU$980,500) on offer to participants today, which we wouldn't be able to do without the sponsors Dubai Duty Free, so a huge thanks goes to them for their continued long-standing support.”
United States of America
Casa Creed picks up second Fourstardave and his spot at the Breeders' Cup
The ageless Casa Creed (USA) (Jimmy Creed {USA}) became the fourth two-time winner of Saratoga's G1 Fourstardave H., a 'Win and You're In' for the G1 Breeders' Cup Mile with a thrilling 0.75l victory over 'TDN Rising Star' Annapolis (USA) (War Front {USA}).
Casa Creed, a last out 1l winner over the aforementioned Annapolis in the G3 Kelso S. at Saratoga July 15, made his fourth straight Fourstardave appearance Saturday. The two-time G1 Jaipur S. winner finished third in his first two attempts before breaking through last year with a 1.25l tally over eventual champion Regal Glory (USA) (Animal Kingdom {USA}).
“To run in four straight Fourstardaves, regardless of where you finish, is a ridiculous accomplishment,” winning co-owner Lee Einsidler of LRE Racing said. “To win it two years in a row and win it today at seven years of age. He's remarkable. I'm thinking maybe we'll bring him back and try again next year.”
He continued, “They tell me that he's known as the Mayor of Saratoga, maybe after today he's the Governor of Saratoga. That was really special. He's an amazing racehorse and today's performance was just fabulous.
“You set yourself up for anything,” winning Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said. “It's his second race here (this meet), it's a hot day, you just never know. You prefer to give him a little more time in between races, but he handled it well. He ran his rear end off. He gives it to you. He digs in and gives it to you. Not much more to say than that.”
Mott continued, “We knew he (Annapolis) was going to try and get the first run on us today. I knew they were going to try and get away a little better; they did and they got the first run, but it didn't matter. He probably deserves a rest. He's a good horse, very special. How can you ask for anything more? He's improved with every year he's raced. He's as good now as he ever was.”
She's in! Fev Rover punches Breeders' Cup ticket in Beverly D
Fev Rover (Ire) (Gutaifan {Ire}) is heading West.
With a win in Saturday's G1 Beverly D. S., another line of history was written in the storied legacy of thoroughbred racing in Virginia.
Colonial's first Grade 1 race attracted a field of just five over the famed Secretariat turf course. And with the Friday night defection of her main rival Didia (Arg) (Orpen {USA}), Fev Rover took full advantage and asserted her dominance. In doing so, she booked herself a fees-paid spot in November's G1 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf.
“She really started to pick it up,” said Castellano, who rode his second straight winner after taking the G2 Secretariat S. aboard longshot Gigante (USA) (Not This Time {USA}). “And by the way she finished, I think she was best in the race. I feel like I had the best horse in the race.”
Trainer Mark Casse was all smiles following the race and held his charge in high praise.
“There wasn't a lot of speed,” he said. “The thing about her is she's very versatile so she can do whatever you want. If the pace is fast, she'll sit back. If it isn't, she'll be on the lead. She's a good horse and that's what good horses do. You know, actually she could be pushing a really good horse.”
“I told my wife this morning,” he added. “I said, we're going to win. I was pretty confident and I'm not one to be like that.”
When asked about her next steps towards the Breeders' Cup, Casse said, “I'll have to talk it over with the owners and we'll come up with a game plan. She's like a couple of good mares like Tepin. They like to run. We'll figure out what's the best way to get her there (the Breeders' Cup).”
Veteran Set Piece conquers Colonial with Arlington Million score
Not far from the Colonial Downs racetrack in southeastern Virginia, a sign on the interstate reads, 'Welcome to America's Historic Triangle'. The trio of Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg provide a gateway into American history from a time when the British ruled the American colonies. And while it's been a long time since Great Britain had success in this part of the country, Set Piece (GB) (Dansili {GB}) got them back on the board with a win in the G1 Arlington Million.
In Virginia's first rendition of the 'Million', held under a scorching sun in front of the largest crowd ever assembled at Colonial Downs, the Juddmonte horse, under the expert guidance of Florent Geroux, took his time from the gate and eased into stride at the rear of the field. Before Set Piece was eased out up the backstretch and into the far turn, had to come widest of the frontrunners to get himself into striking position at the quarter pole, and closed determinedly past Santin (USA) (Distorted Humor {USA}) to nab the clear win.
“You hate to be that far behind,” said Katie Tolbert, assistant to winning trainer Brad Cox. “But when you see fractions like that, and Florent knows him so well, it gives you a little confidence that he's gonna make sure to be there at the end.”
“It was great,” added Florent Geroux. “I thought it was going to be at an expected pace and it obviously was not. But up the backside, I could see a lot of horses and how they were going and I thought we were going quick enough.”
Flameaway's Dreamfyre sizzles in Sorrento
Dreamfyre (USA) (Flameaway {USA}) may not have been the G3 Sorrento S. favorite behind 'TDN Rising Star' Benedetta (USA) (City Of Light {USA}) and the flashy Baffert/Zedan runner Dua (USA) (Arrogate {USA}), but she ran like it, controlling the 2-year-old filly contest from pillar to post to score 3.05l the best.
“She's fast, I knew it,” said trainer O.J. Jauregui, who was winning his first-ever Del Mar stakes. “That's why I brought her here for the meeting. Usually I have my barn in Northern California. She's been doing everything right and I expected her to run a very honest race. She got a little breather about the five-sixteenths going to the quarter pole, so I knew I had a chance. She kicked right in and she ran really big.”
John Oxley bred Dreamfyre in Kentucky and sold her as a yearling at Keeneland September to Lehigh for US$130,000 (AU$200,000). The dark bay changed hands again as an OBS Spring 2-year-old, going to Northern California's Danny Eplin for US$140,000 (AU$200,400) post sale.
