Wednesday, September 8, 2004

BETFAIR.COM ST LEGER FESTIVAL
DONCASTER, THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ DAY
RACENEWS RACECOURSE SERVICE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2004

Form Horse Age/Wt Owner Trainer Probable Jockey
0163- ACROPOLIS (IRE) 3-9-00 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
0(3)-02113 ALBINUS 3-9-00 Kirsten Rausing Andrew Balding Martin Dwyer
0-211111 DARSALAM (IRE) 3-9-00 Turan Stables Arslangirey Shavuyev CZE Stanley Chin
00-61311 FRANK SONATA 3-9-00 Adams, Flynn, Arnold Mick Quinlan Ryan Moore
1-323 GO FOR GOLD (IRE) 3-9-00 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
12-13352 LET THE LION ROAR 3-9-00 Neil Jones John Dunlop Richard Quinn
414-221 MARAAHEL (IRE) 3-9-00 Hamdan Al Maktoum Sir Michael Stoute Richard Hills
211-443 MIKADO 3-9-00 Sue Magnier & Michael Tabor Aidan O'Brien IRE
32-1140 PERCUSSIONIST (IRE) 3-9-00 Sangster Family John Gosden Jimmy Fortune
113-2241 RULE OF LAW (USA) 3-9-00 Godolphin Saeed bin Suroor Kerrin McEvoy
1224 TWO MILES WEST (IRE) 3-9-00 Michael Tabor & Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
3215-360 TYCOON 3-9-00 Sue Magnier Aidan O'Brien IRE
5-131 QUIFF 3-8-11 Khalid Abdulla Sir Michael Stoute

13 entries remain after September 6 five-day confirmation stage
5 Irish-trained
1 Czech-trained

BREAKDOWN OF ENTRIES BY TRAINER WITH PAST SUCCESSES IN THE betfair.com ST LEGER

5 Entries
Aidan O’Brien IRE
(2001 Milan, 2003 Brian Boru)
Acropolis
Go For Gold
Mikado
Two Miles West
Tycoon

2 Entries
Sir Michael Stoute
Maraahel
Quiff

1 Entry
Andrew Balding
Albinus

Saeed bin Suroor
(1995 Classic Cliche, 1998 Nedawi, 1999 Mutafaweq)
Rule Of Law


John Dunlop
(1986 Moon Madness, 1997 Silver Patriarch, 2000 Millenary)
Let The Lion Roar

John Gosden
(1996 Shantou)
Percussionist

Mick Quinlan
Frank Sonata

Arslangirey Shavuyev CZE
Darsalam


CZECH-TRAINED BETFAIR.COM ST LEGER RAIDER HAS ARRIVED

An intriguing contestant in Saturday’s betfair.com St Leger is the Arslangirey Shavuyev-trained Darsalam, who arrived at Doncaster yesterday afternoon.

The three-year-old colt has been in fine form this season, winning on his last five starts including in the Austrian Derby, the Czech Derby and, most recently, the Czech St Leger by nine lengths from Reviton at Velka Chuchle on August 29.

The half-brother to St Leger winner Moonax was trained by Mark Johnston for Jaber Abdullah in 2003 when he was beaten over 40 lengths in 10-furlong events at Pontefract and Leicester.

Shavuyev, born on September 16, 1954, is a Russian citizen who has been training at the new racecourse at Most in the Czech Republic since 2000. He currently has 14 horses in training, four of whom, including Darsalam, are owned by Ardak Amirkulov of Turan Stables.

The trainer is a Nagayen national, hailing from a small ethnic group of about 8,000 people in the Caucasus mountains. Born at the Tersky stud farm, which breeds Arab horses in Russia, Shavuyev comes from a family steeped in racing.

He is the son of a leading Russian rider in Arab races, while his uncle Anvar Zekashev rode for Russian trainer Nikolai Nasibov, winning over 500 races in the former Soviet Union including the Moscow Derby. Zekashev also rode a Russian Derby winner, Zbor, in the 1969 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp.

Shavuyev joined the Kabardinsky stud farm as a trainer in 1976 and, in addition to Darsalam’s two Derby successes in 2004, has won a further four Derbys - Temirkanov also took the Czech Derby as well as the Slovakian Derby in 1998 and two Derbys in the former Soviet Union.

Amirkulov, who purchased Darsalam for 6,500 guineas at last year’s Tattersalls October Horses-in-Training Sale in Newmarket, was born 48 years ago close to the Kazakh town of Almaty and is a Professor of the Film Department of Kazakh University.

He also owns a big trout farm and inherited from his father a stud farm boarding 20 Kazakh broodmares and the same number of thoroughbred mares. In addition to his horses in the Czech Republic with Shavuyev, he has a dozen horses in training at Almaty Racecourse.

Darsalam will be ridden by Stanley Chin, who rides mainly for Johnston in Britain, and knows his mount well having partnered him to success in both the Austrian and Czech Derbys.

CROWD UP

The first-day attendance at the betfair.com St Leger Festival meeting was 8,500 - 700 up on last year.

Steven Clarke, racecourse manager at Doncaster, expressed himself “delighted” with the increased crowd.

He said: “With Frankie Dettori riding four winners, there were a lot of happy faces - he is very popular up here.”

Responding to the fact that five of the seven races were run in course-record time, Clarke added: “I think that goes to show that the ground is near perfect. If it was firm the horses would not let themselves down, and we are very happy with the condition of the track.”



PREVIEW OF THE THREE GROUP TWO RACES TOMORROW

Let The Lion Roar will carry the hopes of Arundel in Saturday’s betfair.com St Leger, but the first round of Family Fortunes for John Dunlop’s Castle Stables team comes at Town Moor tomorrow when Millenary, Let The Lion Roar’s elder half-brother, puts his stamina to the test in the eight-runner Group Two GNER Doncaster Cup.

Millenary, who claimed a place in history when winning the oldest classic on this course in the Millennium year, is reunited with Richard Quinn, who was also aboard when the evergreen seven-year-old bolted up in the Emirates Airline Yorkshire Cup on the Knavesmire in May.

That race was run over 23 yards short of a mile and six furlongs and, though Millenary stays two miles - he was only beaten a short head by the much-lamented Persian Punch in last year’s Jockey Club Cup at Newmarket - Quinn knows that he will have to exercise all his patience over this extra two furlongs, which is foreign territory.

The same can be said of High Accolade who, while a brave runner-up to Brian Boru in last year’s St Leger, has raced over over a mile and a half.

The pace in the race is likely to come from Darasim, who made all when winning the Goodwood Cup, while Nicky Henderson is sweet on the chance of Dancing Bay, who belied odds of 25-1 when splitting First Charter and Millenary (they meet on the same terms) in the Weatherbys Insurance Lonsdale Cup at York and will be fancied to reverse Queen Alexandra Stakes placings with Corrib Eclipse, who has lost his way somewhat since Royal Ascot.

The second day (Ladies’ Day) kicks off at 1.15pm with another Group Two contest, the betfair.com May Hill Stakes, over a mile for two-year-old fillies, in which all eight runners are previous winners.

This is one of the few Pattern races at Doncaster to have eluded Barry Hills, but the Lambourn trainer is hopeful of adding another big prize to his CV with Maids Causeway, who looked a progressive filly when she won the Sweet Solera Stakes at Newmarket last month.

Maids Causeway has clearly improved since being beaten a head by Queen Of Poland when starting favourite for a Listed race at Sandown, though David Loder’s filly, who reopposes, having earlier made a winning debut at Yarmouth, is also going the right way.

Sandwiched in between the betfair.com May Hill and the GNER Doncaster Cup is third Group Two race of the afternoon, the seven-furlong GNER Park Stakes, whose eight runners are headed by Firebreak, who won the Godolphin Mile on the dirt of Nad Al Sheba for the second year running in March.

Firebreak ran right up to that form back on turf when finishing a close fourth behind Russian Rhythm in the Group One Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May and, though he has not been seen since and has to give weight away all round, he is the class horse in the race and goes well when fresh.

Suggestive is becoming frustrating and was no match for Chic in the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury and more interest surrounds the three-year-old Fong’s Thong, an American recruit of Brian Meehan’s, who was an impressive winner in Listed company at Goodwood and has already been pencilled in for a crack against the big guns in the Queen Elizabeth 11 Stakes at Ascot.

Tillerman is the old man of the party, aged eight, and drops down from Group One company after good runs in Sussex Stakes at Goodwood and the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, while Court Masterpiece and Pastoral Pursuits have done well this season.

NEAR PERFECT GROUND FOR OPENING DAY

Doncaster Racecourse chief executive John Sanderson and acting clerk of the course John Gundill both expressed themselves “delighted” with the ground for the opening day of the betfair.com St Leger Festival after walking the Town Moor track this morning.

Gundhill, formerly clerk at Redcar, said: “We are officially GOOD - GOOD TO FIRM in places,
but there is plenty of moisture in the turf and it is near perfect ground.”

Sanderson, who revealed that almost seven inches of rain fell on Doncaster’s historic racecourse during August, added that they watered on Saturday and Sunday and have no plans to turn on the sprinklers again.

He explained: “We have a changeable forecast for the end of the week and, though I sympathise with connections of Quiff, who want some ease in the ground for the betfair.com St Leger on Saturday, being selfish I would prefer the rain to stay away.

“We took a real soaking throughout August, but often the rain came down in stair-rods and it does not have the same effect that it would if we had steady rain over a period of 24 hours. The weather took a turn for the better at the start of last week.”

Sanderson stressed that there will be no change to the make-up of the track over the four days of the meeting, with the rail on the inside having been moved backed after the last fixture here on July 31.

He added: “We moved it five metres so they are racing on fresh ground throughout, and the groundstaff have done a terrific job.”

The first three races today all have full fields and are run on the sprint course but, despite the fact that the stalls are being placed on the stands side, neither Gundhill nor Sanderson think there will be much between the two sides.

Sanderson said: “Everyone always maintains that you need a high number on the straight course, but three years ago these three races went to the low numbers, and the following day the winners came from the stands’ side group, so it’s anybody’s guess.

“One trainer walked the course this morning and reckoned that it was a bit softer up the middle and that it might be slightly quicker up the stands’ and the far side, but the pace is the all-important factor and it does not walk as if there is any significant advantage to either side.”


Race One: EBF Carrie Red Fillies Nursery

FRANKIE AND GODOLPHIN WIN THE FIRST


Frankie Dettori got off to a flying start at the four-day betfair.com St Leger Festival when steering Swan Nebula to victory in the opening EBF Carrie Red Fillies’ Nursery.

Having shaken off the favourite Lamh Eile passing the two-furlong pole, Indiena looked the winner, but Dettori then swooped and Swan Nebula, a rare runner in a nursery for the Godolphin team, proved the stronger, winning by a length and three-quarters.

Saeed bin Suroor, the Godolphin trainer, said: “Swan Nebula is an improving filly and she has really muscled up and is now stronger than she was earlier in the season. She loved the ground and the trip, and now we will have to look for something better.”

With nine of the 21 runners staying on the far side, inevitably interest surrounded which group came out on top, but the stands’ side group had the call from half-way, and the first eight home all came from the high numbers.

Some jockeys expressed the view that “that was where the pace was” and stressed that it was too early to be dogmatic about any draw bias.

However, Dettori was more than happy to be drawn high. He said: “Swan Nebula won really well - the ground is perfect, and there is a big tail wind from behind.”

The race was 11 minutes late off, the start having been delayed by the withdrawal of Encanto, who reared up behind the stalls and proved very unruly, but, more sigificantly, by a bottle found on the course.

A couple of jockeys spotted an object, about four furlongs from the winning post, cantering down to post and reported the fact to the starter, and, following a search of the track, a bottle was recovered.

FIRST RACE RESULT
1.15pm EUROPEAN BREEDERS FUND CARRIE RED FILLIES’ NURSERY
Class B1, Handicap, total prize fund £40,000, for 2-y-o which are EBF eligible. 6f 110yds. Minimum weight 7st 12lb. Penalties: after August 28, a winner of a Class/Category D to G race 5lb; of a Class/Category A to C race 8lb. Penalty values: 1st: £26,000; 2nd: £8,000; 3rd: £4,000; 4th: £2,000

1. SWAN NEBULA (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 2-8-13 Frankie Dettori [22] 5/1
2. INDIENA (P Minikes) Brian Meehan 2-8-05 Chris Catlin [15] 16/1
3. BIBURY FLYER (Ridgeway Downs Racing) Mick Channon 2-8-13 Ted Durcan [21] 20/1
4. DANCE FLOWER (Jaber Abdullah) Mick Channon 2-8-08 Tony Culhane [13] 12/1
5. ABERDOVEY (Usk Valley Stud) Michael Bell 2-8-08 Richard Mullen [17]
6. MISS MEGGY (David Armstrong) Tim Easterby 2-9-07 Mick Kinane [12]
7. CONSIDER THIS (Rob Hughes) Mark Brisbourne 2-8-13 Kevin Darley [14]
8. HIGHLAND CASCADE (J Ratcliffe) James Eustace 2-8-09 Jason Tate [18]
9. STRAWBERRY DALE (M Dawson) James Bethell 2-9-07 Richard Quinn [4]
10 DORN DANCER (The Ebor Partnership) David Barker 2-8-12 Darryll Holland [7]
10. MOLLY MARIE (Vintage Partners) Tim Easterby 2-8-08 Philip Robinson [1]
11. AFRICAN BREEZE (G Pemberton) Richard Whitaker 2-8-11 Dean McKeown [19]
12. EASY FEELING (Speedlith Group) Richard Hannon 2-9-02 Richard Hughes [3]
13. LAMH EILE (Oghill House Stud) David Barron 2-9-02 Nicky Mackay (3) [16] 9/2 Fav
14. MISS MALONE (Paul Dixon) Richard Hannon 2-8-06 Dane O'Neill [5]
15. GHASIBA (Saeed Manana) Clive Brittain 2-8-13 Jamie Mackay [11]
16. GENNIE BOND (Mrs J Powell) Richard Hannon 2-8-10 Ryan Moore [20]
17. KEEP BACCKINHIT (Pleasure Palace Racing) Gary Moore 2-8-11 Jimmy Fortune [6]
18. APPLE OF MY EYE (R Hill) John Jenkins 2-8-06 Willie Ryan [8]
19. ALVARINHO LADY (Mick White) Derek Haydn Jones 2-8-05 Paul Eddery [2]
20. ON THE WATERLINE (M Lawrence) David Evans 2-8-04 Fran Ferris (3) [9]

21 ran withdrawn not under orders ENCANTO
Breeder: Darley Breeding: b or br filly Seeking The Gold (USA) - Bright Tiara (USA)
Distances: 1.75, hd, 1, nk, nk, 0.75, hd, 1.25, 1, 0.5, nk, 0.5, 1.5, 0.5, 1.25, hd, 2.5, 2.5, 4, 1.75
Time: 1m 17.95s (new course record)
Totes: Win: £4.50 Places:£1.70, £4.80, £2.80, £2.70 Exacta: £87.70

Race Two: £200,000 St Leger Yearling Stakes
HAIL CAESAR

Caesar Beware buried the opposition when overcoming a horrid preparation to win the £200,000 St Leger Yearling Sales, worth £346,800, and made it three wins from as many starts.

All the rage in the offices in the morning, Ceasar Beware, backed down to 13-8 favourite, looked to be in trouble two furlongs out, but he sprouted wings in the last 200 yards, winning comfortably by two lengths from Distinctly Game and creating a new six-furlong juvenile course record in the process of 1m 9.64s.

Henry Candy, who had been frank and open about the problems encountered by Ceasar Beware in the run-up to this race, said: ”At one time I didn’t think we’d even be here. He went down with the cough and then trod on a foot at exercise, so he was three weeks doing nothing and he came here off two half-speed pieces of work.

“I was worried at half-way, but he didn’t half pick up. He is a very classy beast and, if he comes out of the race OK, we will have to consider the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury on Saturday week.”

Caesar Beware was knocked down at last year’s Doncaster Bloodstock St Leger Yearling Sale for 17,000 guineas, but Candy stressed that it was a long way from being a stroke of genius.

He added: ”It was a buy-in. He was for sale and I had 20,000 guineas to spend, so we got lucky.”

Candy, who also won this race with Goggles four years ago, said: “Caesar Beware can be lazy and, though you would not have given a prayer for his chances at half-way, it was the same at Chepstow first time out.”

Winning jockey Dane O’Neill, breaking a poor spell, said: “My middle draw did not help, and it took me time to get across and find a rhythm, but he flew home and I had a job to pull him up. He’s a bit special.”

SECOND RACE RESULT
1.50pm £200,000 ST LEGER YEARLING STAKES

Class B1,£200,000 guaranteed. 6f. For 2yo which were catalogued in the Doncaster Bloodstock Sales Ltd St Leger Yearling Sales of September 9-12, 2003, and which have been declared as eligible to be entered and run in accordance with the relevant conditions in the DBS Sales Catalogue. Weights: colts & geldings 8st 11lb; fillies 8st 6lb. Penalties: a winner of a Class C race 3lb; of a Listed race or Class B race 5lb; of any Pattern race 7lb (nursery handicaps excluded for the purposes of penalties). Penalty values: 1st: £173,400; 2nd: £69,360; 3rd: £34,680; 4th: £17,340; 5th: £8,670; 6th: £8,670

1. CAESAR BEWARE (Mill House Partnership) Henry Candy 2-8-11 Dane O'Neill [12] 13/8 Fav
2. DISTINCTLY GAME (Mr & Mrs Julian & Rosie Richer) Kevin Ryan 2-8-11 Neil Callan [17] 25/1
3. MOSCOW MUSIC (O’Connor Racing) Mick Quinlan 2-8-11 Richard Hughes [19] 33/1
4. OMASHERIFF (K Spieb) Bruce Hellier GER 2-9-02 Terence Hellier [10]
5. CLARET AND AMBER (The Matthewman Partnership) Richard Fahey 2-8-11 Tony Hamilton [20]
6. CAMMIES FUTURE (Collins, Deal, Harrison-Allan, Chapple-Hyam) Peter Chapple-Hyam 2-8-11 Mick Kinane [21]
7. JOSH (T & Mrs M Holdcroft) Michael Jarvis 2-8-11 Philip Robinson [18]
8. TRANSACTION (George Darling) James Eustace 2-8-11 Ted Durcan [13]
9. RAINBOW RISING (Andrea & Graham Wylie) Howard Johnson 2-8-11 Robert Winston [4]
10. OLIGARCH (Team Havana) Neville Callaghan 2-8-11 Frankie Dettori [9]
11. DANCE NIGHT (John Fretwell) Bryan McMahon 2-9-02 Richard Quinn [3]
12. PERSIAN ROCK (Waney Racing Group Inc & Karmaa Racing) Jamie Osborne 2-8-11 Darryll Holland [14]
13. CANTON (Louis Stalder) Richard Hannon 2-8-11 Ryan Moore [11]
14. MIMI MOUSE (Jean Connew) Tim Easterby 2-8-06 Kevin Darley [2]
15. BIGALOS BANDIT (Ian Buckley) John Quinn 2-8-11 Johnny Murtagh [6]
16. CAPTAIN HURRICANE (The Comic Strip Heroes) Peter Chapple-Hyam 2-9-04 Jimmy Fortune [15]
17. IMPERIAL SOUND (J Stephenson) David Barron 2-8-11 Eddie Ahern [16]
18. FOR LIFE (Brian Oakley) Alan Jarvis 2-8-11 Michael Hills [5]
19. DARIO GEE GEE (Crewe & Nantwich Racing Club) Kevin Ryan 2-9-00 John Carroll [22]
20. RIGHT ANSWER (Christopher Shankland) Alan Jarvis 2-8-06 Kerrin McEvoy [8]
21 FORZEEN (Cavendish Racing) Jamie Osborne 2-8-11 Chris Catlin [7]
22. DON PELE (Pedro Rosas) Sylvester Kirk 2-9-02 John Egan [1]

22 ran
Breeder: Glending Bloodstock Breeding: b g Daggers Drawn - Red Shareef
Distances: 2, 1.5, 1, sh, nk, nk, 2.5, 0.5, nk, nk, sh, sh, sh, sh, nk, hd, sh, 1.5, nk, 7, 5
Time: 1m 9.64s (new course record)
Totes: Win: £2.70 Places: £1.60, £7.70, £7.90 Exacta: £57.80

Race Three: totesport Portland Handicap
HALMAHERA GRABS HISTORIC WIN

The Kevin Ryan-trained nine-year-old Halmahera swooped fast and late to become the first horse to win the totesport Portland Handicap for a third time, setting a new course record time of 1m 5.64s.

Only three horses stayed over on the seemingly unfavoured far side, but Texas Gold, who was drawn one, looked to have nicked it until Neil Callan came flying up the near side to pip him by a head.

In a blanket four-way photo-finish, Ptarmigan Ridge, who went over to join the far side trio entering the final furlong, was a neck back in third, with a further neck to Whistler.

Former Irish soccer international Niall Quinn, whose wife Gillian owns Halmahera in partnership with John Duddy, flew over to see the evergreen nine-year-old claim his place in the history books.

An emotional Quinn said: ”Kevin has aimed at this race all year, and Halmahera is an absolute star. We were so lucky to get him and, while I used to get excited scoring a few goals for Arsenal and Ireland, this was as good as any day I’ve had in sport.”

Ryan, who has done so well from his Hambleton yard, hugged Quinn in the winner’s enclosure and joked: “I love all my horses, but Halmahera is such a special character. I think I’ll kick the wife out and bring him in the bedroom!”

It was three years ago that Ryan bought Halmahera out of Ian Balding’s yard, and he has never regretted that purchase.

He added: “I paid 40,000gns, which was a lot of money for me at that stage of my training career, and when the guy I bought him for told me that he didn’t want the horse because he thought he was too old I was devastated.

“Luckily, John and Niall came and bailed me out, and I’ll never be able to thank them enough. Halmahera does not have a routine in the mornings - we just let him enjoy himself.

“He is in the Ayr Gold Cup, but everything is a bonus now. I needed something to replace Eastern Blue, and this fellow fitted the bill. Now he has won three Portlands, and they’ll never be able to take that away from him.”

William Muir was “gutted” that Texas Gold has been chinned on the line yet again. He said: ”This horse never has any luck. I picked the draw myself in the Stewards’ Cup and got it wrong, and when I leave it to the authorities here they end up giving me stall one. If we had been drawn high, we would have won half the track. Now we’ll go to Goodwood on Sunday and hope we get lucky.”

THIRD RACE RESULT

2.25pm TOTESPORT PORTLAND HANDICAP

Class B1, Heritage Handicap. For 3yo+ rated 0-110. 5f 140yds. Minimum weight 7st 12lb. Penalties, after August 28, a winner of a Class/Category C to G race 7lb; of a Class/Category A or B race 10lb. Weight for age: 3yo from 4yo+ 2lb. Penalty values: 1st: £32,500; 2nd: £10,000; 3rd: £5,000; 4th: £2,500

1. HALMAHERA (J Duddy & Mrs G Quinn) Kevin Ryan 9-9-10 Neil Callan [13] 11/1
2. TEXAS GOLD (C Edginton) William Muir 6-8-13 Martin Dwyer [1] 16/1
3. PTARMIGAN RIDGE (The Hon Miss Heather Galbraith) Linda Perratt 8-8-09 Nicky Mackay (3) [8] 33/1
4. WHISTLER (Raymond Tooth) Milton Bradley 7-9-02 Richard Hills [12] 40/1
5. WHITBARROW (Seasons Holidays) Milton Bradley 5-9-04 John Egan [3]
6. FOREVER PHOENIX (J Greetham) Robert Cowell 4-9-06 Amir Quinn (5) [17]
7. CORRIDOR CREEPER (G & L Johnson) Milton Bradley 7-9-07 Ryan Moore [19]
8. JONNY EBENEEZER (Ruth Serrell) David Flood 5-9-02 Frankie Dettori [2]
9. MUTAWAQED (East Wind Racing Ltd) Mikael Magnusson 6-9-02 Eddie Ahern [22] 7/1 co fav
10. PERUVIAN CHIEF (Mark Harniman) Nick Littmoden 7-9-07 Richard Mullen [10]
11. FUN TO RIDE (Abdulla Buhaleeba) Barry Hills 3-9-02 Michael Hills [5]
12. FUNFAIR WANE (Jean Keegan & David Nicholls) David Nicholls 5-9-02 Darryll Holland [4]
13. MERLIN'S DANCER (Chalfont Foodhalls Ltd) David Nicholls 4-8-13 Adrian Nicholls [21] 7/1 co fav
14. POMFRET LAD (Maxilead Ltd) David Nicholls 6-9-08 Alex Greaves [20]
15. CONNECT (Mrs P Bowring) Mark Tompkins 7-9-05 Philip Robinson [15]
16. PIC UP STICKS (Alan Ball & W Harrison-Allan) Mick Channon 5-9-07 Ted Durcan [16] 7/1 co fav
17. ATLANTIC VIKING (David Faulkner) David Nicholls 9-9-10 Robert Winston [14]
18. SPANISH ACE (The Farleigh Court Racing Partnership) Andrew Balding 3-8-13 Johnny Murtagh [11]
19. RACCOON (Peter Savill) David Barron 4-9-01 Kevin Darley [6]
20. FANTASY BELIEVER (The Fantasy Fellowship B) John Quinn 6-9-03 Tony Hamilton (3) [9]
21. HIGH VOLTAGE (Mrs K Halsall) Karl Burke 3-9-06 Darren Williams [7]
22. LAKE GARDA (John Fretwell) Bryan McMahon 3-9-03 Richard Quinn [18]

The winning rider was suspended for one day (Sept 19) for using his whip out of the horse’s stride pattern

22 ran
Breeder: Mrs John McEnery, Breeding: b g Petardia - Champagne Girl
Distances: hd, nk, nk, 0.5, sh, hd, nk, nk, 0.75, nk, nk, nk, sh, 0.5, 1, nk, 0.5, nk, 1.25, 5, 2.5
Time: 1m 5.64s (new course record)
Totes: Win: £14.20 Places: £3.10, £3.60, £7.50, £9.60 Exacta: £233.30


Race Four: National Stud Never Say Die Club Park Hill Stakes

ECHOES RINGS THE BELL FOR GODOLPHIN

Godolphin has never been afraid to take risks, and the gamble of stepping up Echoes In Eternity from 10 furlongs to a mile and six plus for the National Stud Never Say Die Park Hill Stakes paid off when the filly, a second winner of the day for Frankie Dettori, galloped her Group 2 opponents into the ground.

Simon Crisford, racing manager to Godolphin, was justifiably delighted with Echoes In Eternity, who took charge a furlong and a half out and stretched out well to hold off Mazuna and the pacesetting Bowstring in game fashion.

Crisford said: “We were guessing as far as the trip was concerned, but she has always looked a galloper so it was worth a shot, and she stayed the distance very well.

“Echoes In Eternity won a Listed race at Yarmouth and also the Sun Chariot at Newmarket last year, and she now has two Group Twos in the bag.

“However, she is a filly who likes fast ground, so, though the Prix Royal-Oak at Longchamp would come into the equation, she probably would not get her conditions, and as I doubt very much whether she would stay in training at five this might well have been her swansong. We’ll go home and talk to Sheikh Mohammed before making a final decision.”

Dettori felt that the drop in class helped Echoes In Eternity as much as the step up in trip.

He said: ”This is turning into a great day, and we’re all looking forward to Doyen and Rule of Law at the week-end.

“I will obviously be in Ireland for Doyen in the Irish Champion Stakes and as you’ve all read he is in fantastic form. He is now working much better than he was before the King George - I think he has got used to Newmarket and has started to speak the language instead of talking in French!

“However, Kerrin (McEvoy) has a great chance of winning his first British classic on Rule of Law (Betfair.com St Leger). He is the most uncomplicated horse, and it does not matter what ground comes up on the day. He is tough and, while there are question marks about the other major contenders, he is looking solid and has the form. They’ve all got him to beat.”


FOURTH RACE RESULT
3.00pm NATIONAL STUD NEVER SAY DIE CLUB PARK HILL STAKES


Class A1, Group Two, £100,000 guaranteed, for 3yo+ fillies & mares. 1m 6f 132yds. Weights: 3yo 8st 5lb; 4yo+ 9st 3lb. Penalties: in 2004, a winner of a Group Two race 3lb; of a Group One race 5lb. Weight for age 3 from 4yo+ 12lb. Penalty values: 1st:£60,000; 2nd:£23,000; 3rd:£11,500; 4th:£5,500

1. ECHOES IN ETERNITY (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 4-9-03 Frankie Dettori [3] 5/1
2. MAZUNA (Saeed Manana) Clive Brittain 3-8-05 Ryan Moore [6] 100/1
3. BOWSTRING (Sangster Family & Sue Magnier) John Gosden 3-8-06 (1lbow) Jimmy Fortune [5] 10/1
4. TARAKALA (H H Aga Khan) John Oxx IRE 3-8-05 Mick Kinane [2] 5/2 Fav
5. MODESTA (Khalid Abdulla) Henry Cecil 3-8-05 Richard Hughes [4]
6. LIGHT OF MORN (Matthews Breeding & Racing) Rae Guest 3-8-05 Kevin Darley [1]
7. ASTROCHARM (Mystic Meg Ltd) Mark Tompkins 5-9-03 Philip Robinson [7]
8. OPERA COMIQUE (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 3-8-05 Kerrin McEvoy [9]
9. DESERT ROYALTY (Janice Quy) Ed Dunlop 4-9-03 Johnny Murtagh [8]
10. SELEBELA (Scuderia Rencati Sri) Luca Cumani 3-8-05 Ted Durcan [10]

10 ran
Breeder: Swettenham Stud, Breeding: b f Spinning World (USA) - Magnificent Style (USA)
Distances:1, 0.5, 0.5, nk, 1.75, hd, 8, hd, 7 Time: 3m 5.82s
Totes: Win: £4.20 Places: £1.90, £8.60, £2.70 Exacta: £253.30


Race Five: McKeever St Lawrence Conditions Stakes
LIBRETTIST MAKES IT THREE FOR DETTORI AND GODOLPHIN

Librettist leapfrogged up the ante-post market for next year’s UltimateBet.com Two Thousand Guineas to become second-favourite with Ladbrokes at 14-1 with a polished display to win the McKeever St Lawrence Stakes - and it was another course record!

A third winner of the day for Frankie Dettori and Saeed Bin Suroor’s Godolphin team, Librettist (evens) settled in front and kept pulling out extra, winning without being extended by a length and a half from Embossed.

Bin Suroor said: ”I liked Librettist a lot even before he won his first race at Newmarket. He sweated up that day and got a bit upset, and he was still a bit keen today, but if he learns to relax during the winter I think he could be a Guineas horse.”

However, Bin Suroor, who revealed that Librettist would have one more run this season, in the Tattersalls Somerville Stakes at Newmarket at the end of the month, confessed that this Danzig colt, a half-brother to Godolphin’s Champagne Stakes winner Dubai Destination, was not yet top of the pile in his own Guineas list.

He explained: “He could be my number one come next May, but at this stage I would have to say Dubawi - a possible for either the Royal Lodge Stakes or the National Stakes at The Curragh - had the edge.

“He is more the finished article, whereas Librettist still needs to grow up mentally. They are two nice colts and very different.”

Similarly, Dettori would not be drawn on a pecking order. He said: ”We have so many nice two-year-olds - I like all the Dubai Millennium’s but this fellow is a good-looker and has speed. He is coming through the ranks, and we will know more when he steps up another grade and tackles Group Three company at Newmarket, so ask me in a month which is the best and I might be able to tell you.”

Embossed, though clearly second best, lost nothing in defeat, and Ryan Moore, who rode the Mark of Esteem colt, said: ”He is a lovely horse and will get a mile no problem. He doesn’t travel but keeps on finding for you, and it didn’t help when he spooked after Motarassed jumped a shadow.”

Richard Hannon is also considering the Tattersalls Somerville Stakes for Embossed.

FIFTH RACE RESULT
3.35pm McKEEVER ST LAWRENCE CONDITIONS STAKES

Class C2 for 2yo which have not won a Class/Category A or B race, 7f. Weights: colts & geldings 8st 11lb, fillies 8st 6lb. Penalties: each Class/Category E race won 2lb; for each Class/Category D race won 4lb; for each Class/Category C race won 6lb (nursery handicaps excluded for the purposes of penalties), (penalties cumulative and maximum penalty 12lb). Allowances: horses which have never run 3lb. Penalty values: 1st:£6,431.95; 2nd:£2,378.20; 3rd:£1,189.10; 4th:£540.50; 5th: £270.25

1. LIBRETTIST (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 2-9-01 Frankie Dettori [5] Evens Fav
2. EMBOSSED (Ms R Stephenson) Richard Hannon 2-9-01 Ryan Moore [1] 100/30
3. CAMACHO (Khalid Abdulla) Henry Cecil 2-9-01 Richard Hughes [4]
4. LE CORVEE (David Mason) Alan King 2-9-01 J D Smith [3]
5. MOTARASSED (Hamdan Al Maktoum) John Dunlop 2-9-01 Richard Hills [2]

5 ran
Breeder: Calumet Farm Breeding: b c Danzig (USA) - Mysterial (USA)
Distances: 1.5, 3.5, 2, 12 Time: 1m 22.61s (new course record)
Totes: Win: £1.90 Places: £1.40, £1.60 Exacta: £3.40

Race Six: Thwaites Smooth Beer EBF Maiden Stakes
NO STOPPING BOYS IN BLUE

Frankie Dettori started the day eight winners adrift of Kieren Fallon in the race for the jockeys’ championship, but victory on Monsoon Rain, who completed a sizzling four-timer for the Italian and his Godolphin stable, halved the gap at the top.

Shannon Springs, favourite on the strength of his third to Elliots World in Listed company at York, ran another a solid race, but Monsoon Rain threw down a challenge entering the final furlong and gradually got on top, winning by three parts of a length and setting another course record.

Dettori said: “He is still very weak, but I didn’t want to get him beat today. It was important to build up his confidence, and he’ll be a lovely horse for next year.”

Simon Crisford, racing manager to the Godolphin operation, said: “That was a warm maiden, and we could not be more pleased with Monsoon Rain. His form with Winds of Knot at Newmarket first time out looked rock-solid after that one had gone on to win the Solario Stakes at Sandown, but we’ll take our time with the horse and he would not want too much more this year.”

Crisford said that the Godolphin team will be rooting for Dettori but would not change their policy just to boost his chances of another jockeys’ title.

He said: ”We will support Frankie as much as we can and we’ve still got quite a few two-year-olds to run, but he’ll be in Ireland this Saturday and, hopefully, he’ll be in America for the Breeders’ Cup, so he is sure to miss a few days. We just have to hope that he rides enough winners to take the crown.”

Looking ahead to Thursday’s GNER Park Stakes, in which Dettori and Godolphin are represented by dual Godolphin Mile winner Firebreak, Crisford said: ”It will be tough giving the weight, and he has been off since the Lockinge because of an ulcer in his mouth. But he is such a fighter than I am sure he will do us proud.”




SIXTH RACE RESULT

4.10pm THWAITES SMOOTH BEER EBF MAIDEN STAKES

Class D2, £10,000 added. For 2yo, which are EBF eligible. 1m. Weights: colts & geldings 9st, fillies 8st 9lb. Penalty values: 1st:£7,065.50; 2nd:£2,174; 3rd:£1,087; 4th:£543.50


1. MONSOON RAIN (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 2-9-00 L Dettori [3] 6/4
2. SHANNON SPRINGS (John Grant & A Morton) Barry Hills 2-9-00 Michael Hills [8] 5/4 Fav
3. SANCHI (Nigel & Carolyn Elwes) John Gosden 2-9-00 Kevin Darley [4] 25/1
4. SPEAR THISTLE (Duke Of Devonshire) John Gosden 2-9-00 Jimmy Fortune [11]
5. NORTH SHORE (D Boocock) Richard Hannon 2-9-00 Ryan Moore [2]
6. ASHARON (R Pledger) Clive Brittain 2-9-00 Eddie Ahern [9]
7. SUBTLE AFFAIR (L Cashman & M Fahy) Mick Quinlan 2-8-09 Johnny Murtagh [7]
8. HIGH TREASON (S Rudolf) James Given 2-9-00 Dean McKeown [1]
9. WHOOPSIE (Mrs M Slater) Jeremy Glover 2-8-09 Robert Winston [5]
10 PERFORMING ART (Bloomsbury Stud & Partners) Peter Chapple-Hyam 2-9-00 Richard Hughes [10]
11. LOVE FROM RUSSIA (Bigwigs Bloodstock VII) Alan Berry 2-9-00 Neil Callan [6]

11 ran NR BRUT FORCE (Ground)
Breeder: Ten Broeck Farm Inc Breeding: b c Old Trieste - (USA) - Smokey Image (USA)
Distances: 0.75; 2, nk, 1.75, sh, 5, 0.5, 11, 2.5, 3.5 Time: 1m 37.32s (new course record)
Totes: Win: £2.70 Places: £1.10, £1.10, £4.70 Exacta: £3.90

Race Seven: Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association ClassifiedStakes
MOORE MAKES MOST OF SPARE RIDE

Tartouche extended her unbeaten record to three with a hard-fought half-length win over Mocca in a slow-run Thoroughbred Breeders’ Associciation Classified Stakes but, while Ryan Moore, who is enjoying such a terrific season, was thanking his lucky stars for having picked up such a juicy spare, Jimmy Fortune, who rode the runner-up, will not be requesting a video of the race.

Journalist Julian Wilson, representing winning trainer Lady Herries, who was saddling Zonergem at Epsom, explained: “I feel sorry for Jimmy as he was originally booked for the ride, but Lady Anne began to worry about the prospect of fast ground over the week-end and told him that the horse probably would not run.

“However, I rang Anne up yesterday and talked her into running as they promised me the ground was good, but, unfortunately, by then Jimmy had taken another ride - and the fact that he finished second makes it even worse. I would think that Tartouche’s next run will be at Haydock on September 25.

“Anne has always thought a lot of her, but she has been forced to tread softly this year. She had thought of the filly as a possible for the Galtres Stakes at York, but we never managed to scale those heights. There is every possibility that she will stay in training next year, so perhaps we can pick up some black type then.”

And, allowing himself a wry smile when asked whether an investment had been placed, Wilson, who has an interest in horses in the Angmering stable, replied: ”You could say that she did not run unbacked - somebody had a decent bet at 6-1!”



SEVENTH RACE RESULT

4.45pm THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED STAKES
Class C2, £20,000 added, for 3yo+ rated 0-85, 1m 2f 60yds. Weights: 3yo colts & geldings 8st 11lb; fillies 8st 8lb. 4yo+ colts & geldings 9st 4lb, fillies 9st 1lb. Penalties: after August 28, a winner 6lb. Weight for age 3yo from 4yo+ 7lb. Penalty values: 1st:£14,053; 2nd:£4,324; 3rd:£2,162; 4th:£1,081

1. TARTOUCHE (Lady Herries) Lady Herries 3-8-12 Ryan Moore [11] 4/1 jt-fav
2. MOCCA (Mocca Partnership) Denis Coakley 3-8-10 Jimmy Fortune [3] 20/1
3. JAMES CAIRD (Kenneth Macpherson) Mark Tompkins 4-9-04 Philip Robinson [4] 12/1
4. LOOK AGAIN (J Richmond-Watson) Amanda Perrett 3-8-11 Johnny Murtagh [9]
5. FORT (Highclere Thoroughbred Racing IX) Mark Johnston 3-9-00 Joe Fanning [8]
6. POSTERITAS (Khalid Abdulla) Henry Cecil 3-8-11 Richard Hughes [5]
7. GALVANISE (Khalid Abdulla) Barry Hills 3-8-11 Michael Hills [6]
8. LITERATIM (Aston House Stud) Luca Cumani 4-9-05 Darryll Holland [7]
9. SWAGGER STICK (Robin Scully) John Dunlop 3-9-00 Kevin Darley [12]
10. ODDSMAKER (D Maloney & S Rudolf) David Evans 3-9-00 Dean McKeown [1]
11. SILENT HAWK (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 3-8-13 Kerrin McEvoy [10]
12. INCHLOSS (R Thornhill) Bryan McMahon 3-8-11 Richard Quinn [13]
13. DESTINATION DUBAI (Godolphin) Saeed bin Suroor 3-9-02 Frankie Dettori [2] 4/1jt-fav

13 ran
Breeder: Angmering Park Stud Breeding: b f Pursuit Of Love - Megan’s Flight
Distances: 0.5, 1.25, 1.25, 0.75, 1.25, nk, nk, 0.75, 1, 3, 5, 12 Time: 2m 7.49s
Totes: Win: £5 Places: £1.90, £6.50, £4 Exacta: £108.20

BIG THREE STAND THEIR GROUND IN KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN SUN CHARIOT STAKES

A total of 21 fillies remain engaged in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, which was upgraded to Group 1 status for the first time this year, thereby ensuring that there is now a Group 1 race on each of the three days of the Cambridgeshire Meeting.

Russian Rhythm has been off the course with an injury since winning the Juddmonte Lockinge Stakes (G.1) at Newbury in May, but she is reported to be in top form again as she builds up to an autumn campaign. Last season she won the 1000 Guineas in brilliant style, before following up in the Coronation Stakes (G.1) at the Royal Meeting. Attraction won those same two races this year, as well as the Irish 1000 Guineas at The Curragh. However, she tasted her first ever defeat when beaten by Soviet Song in the UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation Falmouth Stakes and found the soft ground against her when last in the Prix Jacques Le Marois in France on her only start since.

Soviet Song, meanwhile, followed up her Falmouth victory with a brilliant triumph in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. She would probably be the pick on this season's form, but was decisively beaten by Russian Rhythm on the two occasions that they met last year in the Guineas and at Royal Ascot.

There are a host of other high class fillies in the race - Chic, who represents the same connections as Russian Rhythm, has come good in her last two starts, notably in winning the totesport Celebration Mile (G.2) at Goodwood last time; Favourable Terms tasted Group 1 success in the Vodafone Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and also won the Windsor Forest Stakes (G.2) at Royal Ascot; Phantom Wind came back to form in the Oak Tree Stakes (G.3) at Goodwood last time, while Red Bloom did the same in the sporting options.co.uk Betting Exchange Strensall Stakes (G.3) at York; and Tropical Lady racked up five wins on the bounce earlier in the season in Ireland.

"Some people doubted the merits of upgrading the UAE Equestrian & Racing Federation Falmouth Stakes and the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes to Group 1 status, but the Falmouth was more than worthy of it in July and the Sun Chariot has all the makings of a sensational race if these forfeits are any guide," said Lisa Hancock, Newmarket's Managing Director.

DAMSON AND SOAR SET FOR REMATCH

With the unbeaten and much-vaunted Suez also amongst the 30 fillies to remain engaged in the race, together with a host of other highly regarded fillies, like Jewel In The Sand, Clear Impression, Cherokee, Salsa Brava and Speciale, the Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes looks like being the two-year-old race of the year so far.

Damson beat Soar by 3 lengths in the Queen Mary (G.3) over 5 furlongs in June and went on to defeat the colts in the Independent Waterford Wedgwood Phoenix Stakes (G.1) at The Curragh a month ago. Soar clearly relished the step up to 6 furlongs after her Royal Ascot defeat and impressively won the Princess Margaret Stakes (G.3) at Ascot and the Jaguar Lowther Stakes (G.2) at York. Both look to be fillies of the highest class and over the 6 furlongs of the Sky Bet Cheveley Park Stakes, Soar's connections will have high hopes of reversing the form with the Irish filly.

Suez has looked very impressive in winning two out of two, starting with a smooth defeat of the highly regarded favourite, Clear Impression, when both made their debuts in a Goodwood maiden. Clear Impression has not been out since, but Suez went on to land a Listed Race very smoothly at Salisbury last week and trainer Michael Jarvis has made no secret of the regard in which he holds her.

Jewel In The Sand showed a great turn of foot when landing the Chippenham Lodge Stud Cherry Hinton Stakes (G.2) at Newmaket's July Meeting, narrowly holding the late run of Salsa Brava. She flopped in the Moyglare Stud Stakes (G.1) at The Curragh at the weekend, but was never travelling that day and is much better judged on that previous Newmarket victory. Salsa Brava went on to finish a good second to Soar in the Jaguar Lowther.

Cherokee, who narrowly won the Go And Go Round Tower Stakes (G.3) on her only start to date, and Silk And Scarlet, the beaten favourite in the Moyglare after winning a Group 2 at The Curragh, look the pick of the 6 fillies left in by Aidan O'Brien, while Speciale, trained in France by Criquette Head-Maarek, also takes the eye. She won a Listed Race at Deauville on her only start to date.

"This race could be a cracker!" enthused Newmarket's Managing Director, Lisa Hancock. "A showdown between Damson, Soar and Suez would be a mouthwatering prospect and a tremendous way to start what should be fantastic three-day, million pound Cambridgeshire Meeting at the end of this month."

ICEMAN'S RETURN?

Iceman has not raced since that Coventry victory at Royal Ascot in June, but looked very good that day and could seek to follow in the footsteps of the brilliant Oasis Dream, whom Gosden saddled to break the two-year-old course record in the Shadwell Stud Middle Park two years ago.

Peter Chapple-Hyam has left in both his unbeaten Richmond Stakes (G.2) winner, Montgomery's Arch, and his TNT July Stakes (G.2) winner, Captain Hurricane, while Clive Brittain's Scottish Equitable Gimcrack Stakes (G.2) winner, Tony James, has also stood his ground. Sylvester Kirk's Don Pele, who won a Listed Race at Newbury last time, is another that is clearly on the upgrade.

Aidan O'Brien has his usual powerful representation. Of the 14 horses that he has left in, Oratorio looks the pick. He has won 3 out of his 5 races so far, including an easy victory in the Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes (G.2) at The Curragh last time following on from a good second to Damson in the Phoenix Stakes. Ad Valorum, who easily won a Curragh maiden on his debut last weekend, and the very consistent Russian Blue also take the eye.

Michael Jarvis's highly regarded Subpoena, an easy winner of a York maiden last week, has stood his ground, as has Brian Meehan's Zohar, who won a Haydock maiden, and one of Henry Cecil's most promising juveniles, Camacho, who won a Newmaket maiden on his only start.

"At this stage the Shadwell Stud Middle Park Stakes looks like being wide open, with a plethora of high class two-year-old colts remaining engaged," commented Lisa Hancock. "It will be a worthy highlight on the second day of the Cambridgeshire Meeting."

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