To open Royal Ascot 2011, The Queen unveiled a magnificent bronze sculpture in the Ascot's main paddock of Coolmore's stallion, Yeats, who is the only horse to win Ascot's Gold Cup four times.
It set a quality tone for international racegoers and fans on the first day of Royal Ascot which offers three Group 1 races featuring some of the world's top Turf horses.
This year is also the first year of the British Champions' Series and winners of those three Group 1s qualify for inclusion.
The King's Stand Stakes also qualified for the Global Sprint Challenge.
Breeders' Cup executives actively scout the races on Day 1 and 2 for talent to include in their November championship races which will be held November 4 and 5 at Churchill Downs, Louisville, KY.
Arguably the first and third races generated the most interest generated by the presence of Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Goldikova in the first and mega-star Frankel in the third.
The Queen Anne Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m)for 4yo+
Canford Cliffs got the better of Goldikova. Photo ©David Hastings
Flash Dance was pacemaker for Freddie Head's Goldikova, 6yo triple Breeders' Cup Mile winner and 13-Group 1 winner, who was sent out with her jockey Olivier Peslier weighing in two pounds overweight.*
Handicap officials acknowledge that the extra weight negated her fillies' allowance and cost her a length.
With trainer Richard Hannon gunning for blood after his colt Paco Boy's multiple losses to the mare (costing him over £1.5 million in earnings) and a very fit Canford Cliffs under top jockey Richard Hughes, Goldikova could expect no mercy.
With the weight disadvantage, her jockey should not have taken the lead too early if he wanted to avoid setting her up as a sitting duck.
Further, he did not appear notice Canford Cliffs oncoming assault 1f out and responded too late for even a dead heat.
Goldikova is a mare who will always try with her tremendous speed and determination if she gets the jockey signal soon enough. She did not get it and came in second by 1 length.
Cityscape was another 1¾ lengths in third. The talented Cape Blanco had an off day 16 lengths behind the winner and beat only Flash Dance home and behind Rio De La Plata and Ransom Note.
The King's Stand Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge), 5f (5/8m, 1000m) for 3y0+
Nineteen runners from eight countries competed in this sharp 5f sprint and the impressive foreign competitors looked to have the advantage over Britain's horses.
Robert Cowell's four-year-old gelding, Prohibit, beat out three foreign-trained horses in a tight close with Australia's Star Witness, South Africa's mare Sweet Sanette and Hungary's speedster Overdose.
Prohibit races best from behind under a strong pace and he got his conditions paying 7/1.
He gave Ballydoyle's Zoffany the chance to streak from the rear 1f out to nearly, but never able to, catch him.
Favourite Kingsgate Native at 11/2 was 3¾ lengths behind the winner in sixth and the second favourite at 13/2, Sole Power, was eighth by 4¼ lengths.
*In Peslier's attempt to lose his extra 2 pounds, he took a sauna and grabbed boots which looked like his. They were not and he was fined £650. Not his best day.
The St James's Palace Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo entire colts
The world's highest-rated horse, unbeaten Frankel, won his cliffhanger St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This must be the race of races at this year's Royal Ascot.
There is no adequate description of the excitement leading up to seeing the world's highest rated horse, Frankel, annihilate another hapless field of the year's best three-year olds.
Yet confused signals between the pacemaker Rerouted who went too fast burning himself out early and the wilful Frankel who forced himself into the lead 2f out and then dawdled almost contemptuously.
The playful Frankel left part of the audience holding its collective breathe and other sounding as if they were having heart attacks with the tension.
After watching Goldikova's being pipped, it was good to see jockey Tom Queally rally his colt thereby averting disaster.
Zoffany has the rare distinction of getting closest to the Wonder at a ¾ length, but only because of a failed Cecil (Sir Henry) team tactic.
Cecil promised to change tactics in future races and defended his jockey from what he felt was unfair criticism.
Marco Botti's Excelebration lost again to Frankel - this time ceding second to Zoffany and just holding third from Neebras by a head. They were 2¼ and 2½ lengths behind the winner.
The other five competitors were too far behind to be in the same class: Dream Ahead, Dubawi Gold, Wootton Bassett, Grand Prix Boss from Japan and pacemaker Rerouted.
The three races were fast on good ground, but this race was the fastest by 0.76s (1m 39.24s).
One can only admire Sir Henry Cecil for allowing the Juddmonte colt his head and experimenting with different tactics.
He is not playing it safe. Frankel will have his chance to show how good he really is.
Day Two
Races with international 'star' horses and good weather increased Royal Ascot's opening day crowd by 10% over last year to 43,354. Even Tote betting increased by 14% over last year to £1,245,535.
The second day of Royal Ascot has three world-class Group races which were full of surprises and without a favourite winning.
The Jersey Stakes (Group 3), 7f (7/8m, 1400m) for 3yo
After seeing Richard Hannon's Strong Suit in the saddling area, it was difficult to imagine the imposing colt not being the favourite (11/1), but Codemaster was at 7/4.
Strong Suit was one of last year's best two-year olds. Breathing problems developed this year and he had surgery to relieve the difficulty.
When he powered up, Codemaster and the third Western Aristocrat at 9/2 had no answer. Strong Suit was out front by ½ length and a neck in 1m 26.09s (fast by 0.61s).
The victory gave trainer Richard Hannon and son-in-law Richard Hughes their second Group victory in Royal Ascot's opening races.
The Windsor Forest Stakes (Group 2), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 4yo+ fillies and mares
Ireland's Lolly For Dolly bested 12 far more experienced and higher-rated fillies to win by 1½ lengths over Sir Henry Cecil's Chachamaidee and David Simcock's First City (by another length).
Tommy Stack, trainer of the winner. attributed her victory to staying ability and newly-fitted blinkers. Wayne Lordan gave her a perfect ride and was thrilled with his first win at Royal Ascot.
The Prince of Wales's Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m2f (10f, 1¼m, 2000m) for 4yo+
Frankie Dettori's flying dismount from Godolphin's Rewilding after winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. Photo ©David Hastings
This race probably had the most shocking conclusion of any during the meet.
Ballydoyle's famous import from Australia, So You Think NZ, was sent out 4/11 favourite. Any and all would probably have done battle over his being the one sure winner of the day.
Godolphin did not agree and they sent in their Debussy and Rewilding, winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic, to take on the challenge.
Debussy is a better frontrunning horse at 7f or a mile and Rewilding is a true 1m4f stayer who lags in the back to make bursting closes.
Godolphin bet on So You Think's actually not being a stayer and Rewilding having the ability to handle a sharper trip than usual. And they have jockey Frankie Dettori.
The saddling-up area is the best place to assess the fitness and mood of potential winners. Those three horses, plus the underestimated Sri Putra, looked the best.
I bet on the sleek and lightly-raced Rewilding, half brother of Dar Re Mi by dam Darara, who looked outstanding to me.
Jan Vermeer, who was So You Think's pacemaker, missed the break and took 2f to get to the front putting SYT in second to be closely shadowed by Debussy.
Ryan Moore had trouble settling his mount SYT who was sweating in the paddock.
Once they hit the front, it appeared the race was locked down 1f out until the Dettori torpedo shot from back of the pack to wear down So You Think winning by a neck with Sri Putra third 6 lengths out.
The crowd was stunned and Godolphin jubilant.
Dettori did his flying dismount after earning himself a nine-day ban for excessive use of the whip.
Aidan O'Brien claimed his horse lost, because he was not fit enough. Australians and New Zealanders had much more unkind assessments.
Day Three
The third day of Royal Ascot draws the largest crowd of the Meet as it is Ladies' Day and the ladies come in droves to outdo each other in fashion.
It is also Gold Cup Day. For the last four years, the race was won by Yeats who is now retired to the Coolmore Stud and commemorated on Day One by The Queen when unveiling his statue in the main paddock.
This year's tussle for Royal Ascot's iconic was between the two major racing empires: Opinion Poll for Godolphin (Darley) and Fame And Glory for Ballydoyle (Coolmore).
The Gold Cup (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 2m4f (20f, 2½m, 4000m) for 4yo+
Yeats' worthy successor Fame And Glory outclassed Royal Ascot's Gold Cup field winning by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll. Photo ©David Hastings
The race was slowly run in 4m 37.51s (16.51s) and perfectly set up for jockey Jamie Spencer to bring Ballydoyle's relaxed Fame And Glory to the front of 14 other competitors in the final furlongs of the Gold Cup.
His stamina gave him the edge in the staying race over Godolphin's respected Opinion Poll and trainer Andre Fabre's accomplished Brigantin who raced for owners Team Valor.
Fame And Glory won easily by 3 lengths over Opinion Poll and a further 4½ lengths over Brigantin.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien confirmed that the five-year old horse will be prepared for October's Arc de Triomphe and he will return to Royal Ascot next year to try to equal or best Yeats' Gold Cup record.
Day Four
Thursday at Royal Ascot may be Ladies' Day, but the fourth day of Royal Ascot or Friday has the showcase mile race for the best international fillies of the three-year-old Classic generation.
The Corronation Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series), 1m (8f, 1600m) for 3yo fillies
Robert Collet and son brought their dynamic filly duo, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, from France to take first and second in Royal Ascot's Coronation Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Twelve fillies competed led by some of Britain and Ireland's best females.
France's Robert and son Ron Collet believed they had two of the best three-year old fillies, Immortal Verse and Nova Hawk, of 2011 and committed them to Royal Ascot's prestigious Coronation Stakes.
They were right. The beautiful Immortal Verse beat her beautiful compatriot Nova Hawk by 2¼ lengths followed a half length by Richard Fahey's Barefoot Lady.
The British were stunned but gracious to the happy Frenchmen. Regretfully, there is some truth in the French trainers complaint to the French press that they received only a tepid reception for their victories.
The King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f (12f, 1½m, 2400m) for colts and geldings
Trainer John Gosden usually has good reasons when he brings a three-year-old colt who has only won a maiden to compete in one Royal Ascot's Group 2 historic races.
Nathaniel was second to Treasure Beach in the Group 3 Chester Vase and did not face as stiff competition in the King Edward.
The handsome Nathaniel, who has proven to be best at 12 furlongs, waltzed 5 lengths past his nearest rival (of nine) Fiorente and another 2 lengths ahead of Alexander Pope in a slow 2m 34.48s (slow by 4.48s).
Young jockey William Buick rode Nathaniel to perfection.
The team is just beginning its upward curve for they have a very talented colt.
Day Five
Royal Ascot's closing day on Saturday is often family day which has one of the best races for two-year olds and a prestigious 6f sprint which is part of the Global Sprint Challenge along with the 5f King's Stands Stakes won by Britain's Prohibit on opening day.
Many foreign sprinters come to Royal Ascot just to compete in both races as the 5 and 6 furlong distances.
Until recently the British sprinters were easy prey for the superior foreign horses, but that has changed with Prohibit and Society Rock (below).
The Golden Jubilee Stakes (Group 1) (British Champions' Series and Global Sprint Challenge, 6f
Society Rock outpowered Monsieur Chevalier and Star Witness in Royal Ascot's Golden Jubilee Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Australia's Star Witness travelled to Royal Ascot to compete in both its Global Sprint Challenge races a 5 and 6 furlongs.
He was unfortunate to be touched off by Prohibit in the King's Stands Stakes, but had no excuses when he lost to Society Rock by 1¾ lengths. He was third 1¼ lengths behind trainer Richard Hannon's Monsieur Chevalier who has recovered much of his earlier form.
Trainer James Fanshawe always seems to produce a winner at Royal Ascot.
The Chesham Stakes (Listed Race), 7f for 2yo fillies and colts
Future star Maybe in the Ballydoyle Tabor colours imposed herself on 15 other 2y olds by 2¼ lengths in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes. Photo ©David Hastings
Sometimes trainers are overly enthusiastic about their horses, but Aidan O'Brien's words about his two-year-old filly Maybe were understatements.
With Ryan Moore on board, the filly was sent out 5/2 favourite in Royal Ascot's Chesham Stakes and she thrashed the field of 16 - 2¼ lengths in front of Fort Bastion and another 3 lengths before Self Centered.
The youngster is a very finished professional filly and one expects great things from her.
The O'Brien/Moore team also won the second race of the day, the Hardwicke Stakes (Group 2), 1m4f for 4yo+, with four-year-old colt Await The Dawn who beat Harris Tweed by 3 lengths and Drunken Sailor in third.
Overall World Top Ten Ratings
Outstanding winners and seconds enhanced their reputations on the World Top Ten Ratings with their Royal Ascot Turf performances:
Canford Cliffs and Goldikova rose to 130 and 126 respectively for the Queen Anne race.
Rewilding and So You Think raised their ratings to 130 and 129 respectively for the Prince of Wales's Stakes.
Frankel retains his 133 world leader rating for the 2000 Guineas though his impressive St James's Palace Stakes did not rate a 133.
Workforce earned his 127 from the Brigadeer Gerard and did not compete in Royal Ascot.
Five of the world's top Turf horses competed at Royal Ascot and six of the 11 are European.
Posted June 19, 2011
Royal Ascot Will Set Season's Form Again
The five-day Royal Ascot Meet occurs during the early peak season for most horse. Its races are known to establish the year's form for the horses competing in its wide range of races and distances.
It is suitable, that given 2011 is the 300th Anniversary of Royal Ascot, the QIPCO British Champions Series should start its first Series in the same year having seven of Royal Ascot's races are part of the Series.
Three major QIPCO BCS races are on opening day June 14th.
The Queen Anne Stakes (1m, 4yo+) has lured six-year-old Goldikova back to England to repeat her success last year. She is up against very tough competition against powerful males like Canford Cliffs, Cape Blanco, Citiscape, Ransom Note and Rio Del La Plata. Flash Dance will be her pacemaker.
Given the mess in the Prix de Diane, one hopes Goldikova's jockey remembers that she is 2010 Horse of the Year in both England and France as well as being the three-times' winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile.
The King's Stand Stakes (5f, 3yo+) has attracted 19 of some of the world's finest sprinters - except Black Caviar who will compete in 2012 - and trainers.
Overdose is back for the Czech Republic. Todd Pletcher brought Bridgetown and Wesley Smith brought Holiday For Kitten to be ridden by Zenyatta's partner Mike Smith who is riding in Britain this Spring.
Star Witness is currently favourite and hails from Australia.
The European home team claims the favourites in Sole Power and game Kingsgate Native.
This is the most open race of the three starting the RA/BCS Series.
The St James's Palace Stakes (1m, 3yo) promises to be a thriller with eight taking on Frankel who is the highest-rated colt in the world at 130.
Japan is not affraid of him. It has sent Grand Prix Boss with Dubai World Cup winner Mirco Demuro on board. Dumuro is proving to be one of the world's top jockeys in and out of Italy along with his chum Frankie Dettori.
Dubawi Gold and Wootton Bassett return to the challenge against Frankel along with Dream Ahead, Excelebration, Rerouted, Godolphin's Neebras and Ballydoyle's Zoffany.
Many think Canford Cliffs will beat Goldikova. He may, but my heart is always with her.
I cannot predict the sprint outcome, but I cannot see any colt beating Frankel unless he has his first bad day.
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Power-Packed Finish
The sixth leg of the QIPCO British Champions Series did not disappoint.
Three of England's favourite sprinters were pipped on the line by Ireland's Sole Power (Kyllachy) in the betfred.com Temple Stakes at Haydock Park (Group 2), 5f on good to firm ground.
The speedy little colt flew from nowhere to snatch victory from Kingsgate Native, Prohibit and Borderlescott who are among Britain's most consistent sprinters.
Though out of form since winning last year's Nunthorpe Stakes at York, he bounced back and his trainer Edward Lynam is sending him next to the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 14 and to repeat his victory in the August 19 Nunthorpe Stakes.
Jockey Keagan Latham said the very hard early pace helped his four-year-old gelding slip through pockets to challenge wide in the final furlong to win by ¾l and ½l.
Time was fast at 57.67s (fast by 1.33s) close to the course record of 57.15s set by filly Fleeting Spirit IRE (Invincible Spirit IRE).
Sole Power will probably regain his 117 rating, according to the BHS handicapper Stuart Copeland.
The Budapest Bullet, Overdose (Starborough), was sent out favourite at 9.4 on his return to British racing after an injury.
He led from the beginning and perhaps ran too fast to survive the pace he set.
His jockey A Suborics felt his action was too high-stepping on the fast ground and he was not sure of himself.
He is the wonderful horse who ran all the way to finish the Qatar Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp only to have the race halted.
His jockney never got the message until too late. It was rerun that day without him in a ridiculous cock up on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe day.
Posted May 21, 2011
Look Out Goldikova!
Sheer aggression without whips as Canford Cliffs powers past Italy's Worthadd to
win the JLT Lockinge Stakes at Newbury. ©Photo David Hastings
Europe's long-standing champion miler Goldikova IRE (Anabaa USA) is firmly in the sights of both youngster Frankel (Galileo IRE), 2000 Guineas winner, and Newbury's 2011 JLT Lockinge Stakes four-year-old winner: Canford Cliffs IRE (Tagula IRE).
Canford Cliffs will meet the French six-year-old mare Goldikova at Ascot in the Queen Anne Stakes.
Frankel, Ascot bound for the St James Palace Stakes, may tackle her later in the Summer. His trainer Henry Cecil will choose the best races for his unbeaten three-year-old colt and, if Goldikova is in them, he knows no fear.
Both Cecil and Freddie Head, Goldikova's trainer, are headed to the Breeders' Cup Mile November 5 at Churchill Downs. Goldikova is the three-times' back-to-back champion.
She also has won 12 Group 1 races in her career.
The trio's competitions could turn out to be a battle of the sexes, experience over youth and, to be sure, a ratings battle.
Frankel, at three, is currently rated by handicappers at 130 (provisional by BHS official), 133 (Racing Post) and 143 (Timeform).
Canford Cliffs is rated at about 127 from last year and it is doubtful that his workman-like Lockinge victory will raise it.
Goldikova was the world's hightest-rated female and miler last year at 131. N.B. Females are always rated lower than the quality of their performances as they are given weight allowances in races with males, i.e., they carry less weight.
The Queen Anne at June's Royal Ascot will be her season debut.
The Group 1 JLT Lockinge, 1m (8f, 1600m) on Turf for 4yo+, appeared to be a three-horse race in the line-up.
Trainer Richard Hannon' two horses, Canford Cliffs and Dick Turpin IRE (Arakan USA), were vying with Henry Cecil's Twice Over (Observatory USA).
Italy's Guineas and Derby winner Worthadd IRE (Dubawi IRE) was sent out at 20-22.1 and Premio Loco USA (Prized USA) at 40.1. Neither Red Jazz nor Balthazaar's Gift impressed in the betting.
Worthadd led most of the mile at a nice, even pace until he was overtaken near the post by Canford Cliffs.
The race was a pleasure to watch compared to the messy Dante at York.
Worthadd only lost by 1¼ lengths with Premio Loco in third another 2¾ lengths behind, Dick Turpin 2 lengths and Twice Over 9¾ lengths behind the winner. The latter seems to have lost his edge since early March though he looks superb.
Canford Cliffs has grown over the Winter and looks super fit though he needed this race to sharpen up for the 2011 season.
His jockey Richard Hughes' confidence in the horse was justified and their victory left his father-in-law and trainer in tears.
The surprise for England was Worthadd, another son of Darley's most successful sire Dubawi (Dubai Millennium USA), who made his reputation in Italy.
His trainer Vitorio Caruso felt that "he is better at 7f and, though he won the Derby in Italy, his adversaries were not at the top level".
Rocco Demuro, who won the Dubai World Cup on Victoire Pisa this year, gave him a perfect ride.
Worthadd won seven of his 10 races and placed in the other three. His excellent performance at Newbury qualifies him for the best 7f races throughout Europe.
It was a wise decision for connections to put him up against several of England's top milers as a test. He, like all good horses, needs worthy competitors.
Posted May 15, 2011
Blue Bunting Snatched 1000 Guineas for Godolphin
Sheikh Mohammad of Dubai and his wife Princess Haya of Jordon congratulate their
filly Blue Bunting on her 1000 Guineas victory with jockey Frankie Dettori, trainer
Mahmood Al Zarooni and Crown Prince (in background) at Newmarket.
©Photo Racing International
Those of us who follow international racing know that Sheikh Mohammed loves racing, has spent a fortune all over the world to promote good races and good breeding.
We also know he truly likes to win. Still, nothing could prepare us for the emotion he showed in the Winner's Circle of Newmarket Racecourse when his American-bred Blue Bunting USA (Dynaformer USA) won The QIPCO 1000 Guineas Stakes (Class 1) (Group 1) for three-year-old fillies on the Rowley Mile by ¾ lengths under heavy head winds.
The filly calmly posed after her exertion, but her owner was positively giddy with joy.
The American beauty will go on to the Investec Oaks at Sandown on May 3 where she is installed as favourite.
She has won three of her four starts at a mile and came in second in her first 7f race.
Frankie Dettori, the face and voice of the British Champions Series, rode a canny race keeping Blue Bunting covered up as long as possible before challenging Sheikh Hamdan's Maqaasid (Green Desert USA) and Aiden O'Brien's Together IRE (Galileo IRE) for the lead.
Light-framed Maqaasid lost out to Together for third as she took the brunt of the wind. She came in 1 ¼ lengths behind Together with less experienced French diva Nova Hawk (Hawk Wing USA) in fourth by another 3 ¼ lengths.
Together had lost her way for a while, but is back to her best and will compete in the Investec Oaks. Her jockey, Colm O'Donogue, was suspended for two days for excessive use of his whip.
Nova Hawk, trained by Rodolphe Collet, is now rated as top three-year-old female miler in France and has a bright future with a little more experience.
Blue Bunting's connections were surprised at the speed she showed in closing as they had seen her primarily as a stayer including her trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni.
It was his first Classic victory in his two-year training career with Godolphin.
There is much speculation about her breeding and whether it was meant for a mile and a half (1m4f or 12f) as her American sire Dynaformer and dam Kind's sire Linamix FR are known for a mile to 9f progenies.
Posted May 1, 2011.
Frankel's 2000 Guineas - Top European 3yo Miler
Out-and-out galloper Frankel showed his true style in Guineas trial
Greenham Stakes at Newbury Racecourse.
©Photo David Hastings
The magnificent three-year old Frankel (Galileo IRE) laid down the challenge, after just two furlongs, to the other twelve runners in The Qipco 2000 Guineas Stakes (Class 1) (Group 1), Rowley Mile for three year old males at Newmarket Racecourse.
After watching his impatience in the Greenham Stakes at Newbury and his losing lengths fighting his jockey Tom Queally for his head, I could only hope that his Juddmonte connections would let him sort out the Guineas on his own imperious terms.
They did and he did. No colt ever posed a danger to him as Frankel was some 10 lengths ahead of the pack at times in the first Classic of Britain's 2011 season.
His trainer Henry Cecil, who won the 25th Classic of his career with Frankel today, said he appeared to hesitate two furlongs out for some horse to come for him.
This horse is a scrapper - if he can find a horse capable of battling him. Only Goldikova IRE (Anaaba USA), triple Breeders' Cup Turf Mile winner, comes to mind.
A horse who impressed me on the AW, much more than the experts and punters who sent him off at 33.1, was recently switched to trainer Richard Hannon. Dubawi Gold (Dubawi IRE) passed late-entry grey Native Khan FR (Azamour (IRE) for second at six lengths behind Frankel and Native Khan a further ½ length.
Native Khan's trainer, Ed Dunlop, was not sure his horse was ready for the step up in trip and and cannot regret giving the grey his chance.
His jockey Olivier Peslier felt a mile and quarter or half would be no problem and he will be targeted at either the French Derby or English Derby.
Turkish races could be in his future as he is owned by Turkish businessman Ibrahim Araci.
Hannon, chuffed with Dubawi Gold's success, intends to send him to all the big mile races where Frankel is not competing. The Irish Guineas and Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot are likely next races.
Jockey Richard Hughes said his “horse passed every horse on the bridle” from last place as it took him 100 yards to settle and he was well out of the race. It was quite a feat of acceleration and guts.
Slim Shadey (Val Royal FR), who was a 200 to 1 outsider, came in fourth by another 11 lengths. His half brother, Cockney Rebel IRE (Val Royal FR), won the 2000 Guineas in 2007 when he also ran as an outsider. SS was the handsomest horse in the race.
Frankie Dettori who rode Goldolphin's 10th-placed Casamento IRE (Sharmardal USA) said "It was a superb race. I tried to go after him (Frankel) and killed myself. My horse is a middle distance horse and the pace was too hot. Basically Frankel got everybody out of the comfort zone. He is a superstar."
Ryan Moore on 11-placed Roderic O'Connor echoed Dettori with "I have never seen anything like that. I couldn't lay up with Frankel and, if you can't lay up with them, you aren't going to get to them."
Those are comments from the world-class riders on the betting favourites.
Frankel, named after the late U.S. trainer Bobby Frankel who trained for Prince Khalid Abdullah, is a Juddmonte Farms homebred.
One has to think, if he could, Frankel would be looking down with pride and a chuckle as his muscular namesake trounced the lot of them.
Frankel is being compared to Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE) who was ridden at all distances with restraint and never exposed his full potential.
Instead, the colt reminded me more of the late spirited Dubai Millennium USA (Seeking The Gold USA) who, when allowed, galloped every horse into the ground.
Ratings Game
Now the ratings battles start among handicappers.
Dominic Gardiner-Hill, the official British Horseracing Authority handicapper for milers in Britain, puts Frankel at 127, 128 or 130 depending on how the other horses he beat progress in the season.
The Racing Post’s Paul Curtis issued a star-struck 133 and Timeform topped them all at 142.
Frankly, I would be cautiously conservative. Only major future victories from the two who got near him, Dubai Gold and Native Khan, could justify a 133 for Frankel. The rest of the runners in the race looked like mugs up against him.
Other Future Stars
Dandino is proud of himself after winning The QIPCO Jockey Club Stakes at Newmarket. Photo copyright Racing International
Lest one forget that there were other races on the day. Pretty Boy Dandino (Dansili) under Paul Mulrennan won a squeaker against Native Ruler (Cape Cross IRE) in the latter’s return after two years off track, due to injury, in The QIPCO Jockey Club Stakes (Group 2), 1m 4f.
Dandino’s trainer, James Given, paid tribute to Henry Cecil for bringing Native Ruler back to form after such a long recuperation.
Dandino and Given’s Indian Days (Daylami IRE), in third four lengths behind, will be aimed at Group 1 races in England and abroad. He said that Dandino's experiences travelling to Japan last year really matured him.
Dandino, known for his fitness and stamina, will go for the Coronation Stakes up against Arc winner Workforce (King’s Best USA) on Derby Day.
Godolphin had some joy in The Makfi Newmarket Stakes (Class 1) (Listed Race), 1m 2f, for three-year-old colts and geldings.
Handsome grey Ocean War (Dalakhani IRE) beat Cai Shen IRE (Iffraaj) by 2 ¼ lengths under French prodigy Mickael Barzalona and is entered in the Investec Derby at 33/1 odds – odds unchanged by this performance.
“dream start”
The QIPCO 2000 Guineas was the launch race for the 35-Flat-race QIPCO British Champions Series which will culminate in the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot on October 15.
Chris McFadden, Chairman of the BCS, described Frankel’s victory as a “dream start”.
The enthusiastic crowd was about 15,700 up 11 per cent on last year. Top horses prove to be a big draw along with good weather on a holiday weekend.
Newmarket did not disappoint. It produced a real theatre experience for the audience under Managing Director Stephen Wallis.
QIPCO Holding, a leading private investment company in Qatar, went all out in their sponsorship in a tasteful, professional way supervised in person by its CEO Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani.
If this level of support continues and draws the crowds that the opener has, Britain is on to a real winner in the Champions Series.
Tribute To Makfi
The sponsors bought Makfi (Dubawi IRE – son of Dubai Millennium), last year’s imposing 2000 Guineas winner, just before his Ascot flop. He was retired with injury.
His owners brilliantly marketed their stallion with the race card and banners throughout the day.
Makfi stands at Tweenhills Farm and Stud in England.
Pity that he was not sent back to Shadwell Stud where he was bred by Sheikh Hamdan al Maktoum and later sold off for £20,000 to French owners by the Sheikh’s now-regretful staff.
Champions Series Next Is 1000 Guineas
The second race in the Champions Series is the 1000 Guineas Classic at Newmarket for three-year-old fillies and promises to be a more even handed contest.
France’s Moonlight Cloud is favourite with Havant, Helleborine and Memory as punters’ choices.
Memory will race without a prep this year, but deserves consideration on her record as a two-year old.
Posted April 30, 2011