On June 18, Animal Kingdom (Leoroidesanimaux {Brz}) will write the next chapter of his illustrious career when he lines up for the G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot. The plucky chestnut has come a long way since upsetting the 2011 GI Kentucky Derby as a lightly-raced and relatively unknown colt, and his story has been one of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Forced to overcome two injuries and lengthy setbacks since wearing the roses, Animal Kingdom came full circle and rewarded the belief and patience of his connections when storming to an authoritative victory in the G1 Dubai World Cup Mar. 30. That victory in itself put Animal Kingdom in an elite league, making him just the second Kentucky Derby winner--in addition to Silver Charm--to complete the Derby/Dubai double. Now, the Team Valor, Arrowfield Stud and Darley-owned colt will attempt to stand on his own as the only racehorse in history to win the Kentucky Derby and Dubai World Cup, and also take one of Royal Ascot’s (the world’s most longstanding and prestigious race meeting) coveted prizes. Next Tuesday, Animal Kingdom will become the first Kentucky Derby winner since 1935 Triple Crown winner Omaha (second in the 2 1/2 mile Gold Cup in 1936) to line up at Royal Ascot. He will be the first World Cup winner since Electrocutionist in 2006 (second in the G1 Prince of Wales’s) to compete at the Royal Meeting, and seeks to become just the second World Cup winner to win at Royal Ascot, joining the late great Dubai Millennium, who closed out his career with a victory in the Prince of Wales’s.
Animal Kingdom
What Animal Kingdom will attempt to accomplish is truly unprecedented, which makes it somewhat difficult to assess what he is up against. The early betting suggests the 5-year-old towers over this field--he was yesterday installed the 8-11 favorite--and with the withdrawal of G1 Lockinge S. scorer Farhh (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) last week, this year’s race appears to be coming up a bit weaker than previous editions. It cannot be forgotten, however, that Ascot--with its undulations and rising finish--is one of the world’s most challenging racecourses, and under these extreme conditions, the opposition cannot be underestimated.
In comparison to your classic American oval, Ascot Racecourse is about as unusual as they come. Refurbished in 1996, its main body is triangular shaped, and includes different courses for flat and national hunt racing. Flat racing is contested on the Swinley course, with the Queen Anne run over the straight course. The mile straight includes two significant dips before the uphill climb to the finish, which begins two furlongs out. Adapting to this type of course can be the most challenging task invaders face. Last year, after Australian superstar Black Caviar
The Ascot straight
scraped home in the G1 Diamond Jubilee, her connections admitted they had likely underestimated the difficulty of the course, and just days ago, South African trainer Mike de Kock withdrew his G2 Godolphin Mile winner Soft Falling Rain from consideration from the Royal Meeting, citing that the 3-year-old had failed to adapt to these conditions since arriving in England from Dubai. Therefore, a mile over the Swinley course would be more challenging than a mile over an American course, which was the key reason given by Animal Kingdom’s connections for selecting the Queen Anne as opposed to the 1 1/4 mile Prince of Wales’s for their stable star. While it is impossible to guess what will materialize on race day, the good news is that, unlike Soft Falling Rain, all reports are that Animal Kingdom has thrived in his work since arriving in England, and he pleased all onlookers with a strong gallop over the Ascot strip May 29. The climb to the finish tends to favor horses who can race handily, and Animal Kingdom has shown that ability in a number of his races, including the World Cup.
The Queen Anne has proven year in and year out to be one of the most competitive and prestigious mile turf races on the global calendar, and regularly features some of the world’s best horses. Last year, Frankel turned the race into a procession, dominating the talented Excelebration by 11 lengths in what many consider to be the undefeated champion’s greatest victory. In 2011 it was five-time Group 1 winner and
Elusive Kate
Ascot specialist Canford Cliffs who got up to defeat defending champion Goldikova. With the withdrawal of Group 1 winners Farhh and Cityscape, this year’s edition undoubtedly lacks the flair
of those recent renewals, but there could be some value to be had, and the 4-year-old filly Elusive Kate (Elusive Quality) looks an attractive proposition at 12-1. Teruya Yoshida’s filly has been the picture of consistency throughout her career, her only off the board efforts coming in her career debut (fourth in 2011 behind eventual multiple stakes winner Falls of Lora) and in the final start of her well-traveled juvenile campaign, when she finished 8th, beaten 5 ¼ lengths, behind Stephanie’s Kitten (Kitten’s Joy) in the GII Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Elusive Kate is a two-time Group 1 winner, both at a mile, and she has not been seen since finishing third behind Excelebration and Cityscape in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. over this track and trip last year. Next to Animal Kingdom, fitness could be her greatest opposition. Elusive Kate found herself not quite up to the task in her seasonal debut off a similar layoff last year, when she finished second to Giofra--withdrawn from consideration for this race yesterday--in the G1 Falmouth S. at Newmarket. Her lone run over the course has it upsides, however, and she could represent value in a race where the favorite will simply be too short to bet. Yoshida’s Racing Manager Patrick Barbe yesterday expressed confidence in the filly and noted that she is 80% likely to run, with Yoshida traveling from Japan for the race. Gregorian (Ire) (Clodovil {Ire}), around 20-1, put in a very strong race over this course in last year’s G1 St. James’s Palace, and the 4-year-old appears to be coming into his best form now. He comes into this off a victory in the G3 Diomed S. at Epsom Downs May 31, and could pick up a piece of the pie.
While Animal Kingdom towers over this field on ratings, the Queen Anne will be an entirely new experience for him, and the breadth of the challenge is not to be taken lightly. Regardless of the outcome, it is a great story for racing, and, win or lose for Animal Kingdom, viewers tuning in from around the world will be treated to history in the making.
With Australia’s undefeated 2-year-old Triple Crown champion Pierro lining up for Saturdays G1 Caulfield Guineas at Caulfield Racecourse in
Melbourne, the classic race is sure to provide a memorable result. Many of the
Lonhro colt’s rivals have already conceded defeat, and while Pierro is certain
to be a short-priced favorite, Epaulette--the colt who will be second in the
betting--could make things interesting, especially if he takes after his older
half-brother, last year’s Caulfield Guineas winner Helmet.
In winning last year’s edition of this race, Helmet provided
one of the most exciting and impressive performances of the year, anywhere in
the world. His victory in this Melbourne Guineas was visually similar to what
Frankel had achieved in his own Guineas some six months earlier, except Helmet
had more to prove. After winning four of five starts as a 2-year-old, including
a Group 1 double in the G1 Sires Produce and G1 Champagne S. (as Pierro did
this year), Helmet could manage only a pair of thirds in his first two starts
of his 3-year-old campaign: the G3 Run to the Rose, and the G1 Golden Rose S.,
both at Rosehill in Sydney.
Helmet at trainer Peter Snowden's Crown Lodge yard in Sydney
The blaze-faced chestnut showed a liking for
Caulfield when winning the G3 Guineas Prelude (his younger brother has already
emulated him by winning that event two weeks ago), but many called Helmet’s
class into question, wondering if he was capable of winning a Group 1 event
against top class 3-year-olds. Two weeks later, Helmet silenced his critics in
a big way. When the barriers broke, the fastest horse to the lead was
Manawanui, who had beaten Helmet in his last Sydney start in the Golden Rose.
Kerrin McEvoy, the jockey aboard Helmet, quickly made the decision to confront
his rival immediately, and hustled Helmet forward to blow past Manawanui.
McEvoy must have truly believed he had the superior horse on the day, because
to make a move like that was incredibly gutsy, and was not unlike what Tom
Queally pulled off aboard Frankel at Newmarket, slingshotting clear of his
rivals to put it all on the line with a risky run to prove once and for all who
was the best. While Helmet did not show the sheer exceleration and wide winning
margin that Frankel did in his Guineas, he nonetheless turned back the
challenge of Manawanui in the straight, and while the margin of victory was
only a neck, it is important to realize that Manawanui did not head Helmet,
even in the gallop out. Kerrin McEvoy truly knew what he had, and it showed in
not only one of the best performances of the year by a horse, but by a jockey,
also.
The Caulfield Guineas proved to be Helmet’s crowning glory,
and his last career victory before retiring to stud. He was given a tall order
when facing older horses for the first time next out in the G1 Cox Plate, and
put in a good effort to be eighth, beaten 4 ½ lengths. His first run of 2012
resulted in a close finish to grab fourth in the G3 C.S. Hayes S. at Caulfield,
but that was the closest he ever got again to finding the finish line first. After
a brief career in Dubai and England, Helmet was retired to stud at Darley’s
Northwood Farm in Seymour, Victoria, and it was recently
announced that he will shuttle to Kildangan Stud in Ireland for the Northern
hemisphere season.
It would be a disgrace to discuss Helmet and Epaulette
without mentioning their dam, the superstar producer Accessories. A
British-bred daughter of Singspiel, Accessories has produced three Group stakes
winners from her first three foals. In addition to Helmet and Epaulette, her
first foal was Bullbars, a son of Elusive Quality who won the G3 C.S. Hayes S.
as a 3-year-old. Bullbars finished second in the G1 Australian Guineas, just
1.8 lengths away from giving Accessories three Grade 1 winners from three foals
to race. Breednet.com.au published this article on Accessories a few weeks ago.
Darley's Woodlands Stud
Speaking of the Caulfield Guineas pedigrees, it should also
be noted that while Pierro and Epaulette compete for different connections now,
they were both bred by Darley, and were raised on the same pastures at the
operation’s Woodlands Farm near Denman in the Hunter Valley. While Darley opted
to let go of Pierro for A$110,000 as a weanling, his dam, the Irish-bred Miss
Right Note, still resides at Woodlands, as does Accessories.
Darley's Woodlands Stud
The Caulfield Guineas is certainly not a race lacking in
pedigree strength. One of the dark horses of the race will be Patinack Farm’s
All Too Hard, a half-brother to Australian champion Black Caviar, the world’s
highest rated sprinter. While All Too Hard has been disappointing in his
placings this season, he has never been beaten far, and one of his co-trainers,
Wayne Hawkes, has been outspoken in the fact that he believes his colt could
upset Pierro with an equipment change of sorts. Read what he had to say here.
Pierro or no Pierro, this year’s Caulfield Guineas is packed
with interesting stories, and should no doubt produce an exciting outcome. For
a form guide for the race, click here.
While reading Bill Finley’s Op/Ed titled “NYRA Is For Sale.
But Who Would Want It?” In Friday’s TDN, I admittedly felt chills run down my
spine when I read the following excerpt:
“There’s every reason to believe that this anti-racing
governor who keeps hoovering cash from casino companies will find a way to cut
racing out of the equation, whether that means taking VLT revenue away from the
track operator or from purses or from both. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli
issued what was a scary threat back in August when releasing an audit of VLT
racino revenues. ‘We are unable to determine whether the millions of dollars
that pay for increased purses (prize money), rather than for education, are
having their intended effect.’”
For anyone who has kept a close eye on the racing business
over the last few months, and years, there are some keys phrases here that are
all too familiar.
Last year while interning at the TDN, I wrote a magazine
feature on what was then the future of New York racing: the Aqueduct racino
(click here to read). I have to admit upon starting the project I wasn’t fully
convinced that a racino would solve all the State’s woes. Therefore, I asked
administrators the hard questions: what would stop the government from tweaking
the agreement and encroaching on NYRA’s share of the VLT revenues, such as we
had already seen in Pennsylvania and Indiana at the time? I was assured by a
number of parties that the NYRA racetracks were different from most others,
because NYRA is a not-for-profit organization, and its arrangement with the
State created “layers of legislation” that would make it difficult for the
government to alter the agreed upon distribution of the VLT revenues. So long
as Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga were being run by NYRA, the VLT revenues
would be safe. I was told that NYRA and Genting had modeled the racino after
Woodbine’s (also run by a not-for-profit), so what could go wrong?
As we have learned this year from Woodbine, a lot can go
wrong, and very quickly. In early March, the Ontario government announced they
were considering pulling racing’s 20% share of the revenues from the Slots at
Racetracks agreement, which had fuelled purses and breeders awards at the
province’s Thoroughbred and Standardbred tracks for more than 15 years. Just a
few weeks later, the government officially ended the Slots at Racetracks
program, throwing the industry (and particularly the breeding sector) into
turmoil. Stallion nominations were cancelled left, right and center, a handful
of stallions have since been exported from the province, and the Ontario-bred
yearling sale earlier this month experienced significant declines. What is
more, it has been truly disheartening how the government has fabricated outright
lies to justify its behavior to the public: they have described the racetracks’
cut of the slots revenues ($345 million a year) as a “subsidy” to rich
racetrack owners, and they have depicted these “rich racetrack owners” as
taking money away from education for school children and healthcare for the
elderly. The truth is that the racetracks’ 20% was used to fuel purses and
breeders awards, which stimulated growth in the breeding industry and therefore
had positive reverberations across the province’s agricultural industry. Growth
of the racing and breeding industries also allowed them to spend nearly $2
billion annually within the province. Furthermore, these “subsidies” were in
fact a revenue-sharing agreement, because Ontario’s racetracks provided the
government existing infrastructures in which to build its casinos. The racing
industry’s share of the revenue also offered some compensation for the risk
that casino players would take away from racing’s wagering customers.
While the distribution of revenues from the Aqueduct racino
have yet to be altered, my point is that recent developments show that it may
not be all that difficult for it to happen. Look how easy it was for Cuomo
to demand that NYRA be sold, when it was under contract to run racing in New
York for 25 years. At this point nothing is set in stone, and we can only guess
what future operation of the NYRA tracks will look like, but to me, the situation
(as well as wording in recent reports, like Finley’s) are eerily similar to
what we have seen in Ontario. I certainly hope I am wrong.
With the first Group 1 of the year already in the books, the
Australian spring racing season is in full swing. Last weekend, race goers at
Rosehill in Sydney were treated to a thrilling one-two finish by Darley stable mates
Epaulette (Aus) (Commands {Aus}) and Albrecht (Aus) (Redoute’s Choice {Aus}) in
the G1 Golden Rose S., and this weekend the Group 1 action continues at
Randwick in Sydney and Caulfield in Melbourne. Caulfield will host the enticing
G1 Underwood S. over 1800m for 3-year-olds and older. This event has drawn top
Australian-based gallopers Manighar (Aus) (Linamix {Fr}), Southern Speed (Aus)
(Dubawi {Ire}), and Sincero (Aus) (Umatilla {Aus}), but also featured among the
entrants are two runners with strong American ties.
Winchester (Theatrical {Ire}), winner of last year’s GI
Sword Dancer and the 2010 GI Manhattan and GI Turf Classic Invitational, will
make his debut Down Under. The 7-year-old has compiled a truly international
record. He made his first five starts in Europe for trainer Dermot Weld,
breaking his maiden in his second start in Ireland. After finishing a
well-beaten 7th in the G1 Irish Derby, Winchester turned the tables
in his stateside debut, winning the 2008 GI Secretariat S. by 7 ¼ lengths.
After two subsequent (and unsuccessful) American starts, Winchester was turned
over to trainer Christophe Clement. It was nearly two years before Winchester
won again, but after getting back to his winning ways in a Keeneland allowance
event in April 2010, he added two more Grade I victories that year. After a
fourth place finish in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf, Winchester travelled to
Hong Kong for the G1 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase, where he was a well-beaten
11th. He redeemed himself by winning last year’s Sword Dancer, and
early this year was announced as retired by his owner/breeders, Mr. and Mrs.
Bertram Firestone. As it would turn out, the star turfer was picked up by
Anthony Mithen’s Rosemont Stud in Australia as a G1 Melbourne Cup prospect and
is now trained in Melbourne by John Sadler (the Australian version).
The second American interest is Sanagas (Ger) (Lomitas
{GB}). Although he is German-bred and recorded his first five starts (for four
wins) in that country as a 4-year-old, Sanagas was transferred to the States in
the middle of his 5-year-old campaign by owner Andreas Jacobs, and entrusted to
trainer Graham Motion. Sanagas went on to have a very productive season,
recording wins in the Johns Call S. and the GIII Sycamore S. before tallying
his most important win to date in the GI Hollywood Turf Cup. After a sixth
place finish in his seasonal debut in the GII San Marcos S. at Santa Anita Feb.
11 for trainer Peter Miller, Sanagas was sold to the BC3 Thoroughbreds
partnership in Australia. He joined the barn of the legendary Aussie
conditioner Bart Cummings, and finished 13th in his Aussie debut
over this strip in the G2 Memsie S. Sept. 1.
While these two former American gallopers should be well
regarded by Aussie punters, as mentioned previously it will certainly not be a
cakewalk for them. Manighar, Southern Speed and Sincero are among the highest
rated horses in that country, and should all be doing well fitness wise with
solid runs under their girths already this prep. In fact, it was Sincero who
won the Memsie that Sanagas participated in. Maluckyday (NZ) (Zabeel {NZ}) a
consistent Group 1 galloper and one of the early favorites for the Melbourne
Cup, was eighth in the Memsie. Niwot (Aus) (Galileo {Ire}), a Group 1 winner
early this year, was 12th that day. Ocean Park (NZ) (Thorn Park
{Aus}), second in last year’s G1 Rosehill Guineas, won his seasonal debut in
New Zealand in the Challenge S. Sept. 1. It is important to note that most of
these horses are considered route specialists, and it is normal in Australia
for trainers to build their horses up to running longer distances throughout a
prep. Therefore a race like the Memsie (at 1400m {7 furlongs}) would have been
far from ideal for a number of its competitors (including Sanagas), and it is
important to watch how these horses come into shape as they step up in distance
throughout the season.
Across the country in Sydney, eight will line up for the
1600m G1 George Main S. at Randwick. Americans will likely best resonate with
All Too Hard (Aus) (Casino Prince {Aus}), the 3-year-old half-brother to Black
Caviar who excited race goers with three straight wins to begin his career last
season. The colt appeared to falter when stepped up to top class competition,
however, and is winless in his last three starts. He has not been beaten far,
however, and he gets a break in the weights of up to 19 pounds from his rivals.
His older sister didn’t reach her best stride until later in life, so it
probably isn’t wise to throw this guy out yet. The George Main will certainly
be a tough task, though, as razor sharp trainer Chris Waller brings three,
including Group 1 winner Shoot Out (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}), who makes his
first start of the season off a strong trial win Sept. 10. Although stablemate
Danleigh (Aus) (Mujahid) doesn’t boast quite as flashy a record, he appears to
be coming into excellent form, and could be interesting here. Secret Admirer
(Aus) (Dubawi {Ire}) was a very consistent galloper in Group company last
season, and returns to the track and trip of her career best score last season
in the G1 Epsom S., so should not be discounted.
The Underwood will go off at 1:40 am Eastern time Saturday morning, and the George Main at 2:00 am. So if you're able to stay awake, it will be worth tuning in to TVG to watch!
Royal Ascot is over for another year. And what a renewal it was. Although I have only been following racing outside America for a few years, this was easily one of the most anticipated and exciting few days I have experienced in the sport. The spotlight was on undefeated high weights Frankel and Black Caviar in their respective races.
Frankel opened the show with a flourish, winning the Queen Anne Stakes by an authoritative 11 lengths in what may have been his greatest performance in an already illustrious career. I am sure this was the greatest racing performance I have ever seen, in terms of sheer dominance, and obviously others agreed: he was assigned a Timeform rating of 147, making him the highest rated horse in history on that scale. Now trailing in his wake are all-time greats Sea Bird (145) and Tudor Minstrel and Brigadier Gerard (144).
Frankel and Tom Queally crush the Queen Anne
Here is an article that describes how Frankel’s all-time high Timeform rating was achieved:
Here is a list of the all-time highest rated horses by Timeform:
http://www.timeform.com/show_article.asp?num=122
In the end, though, the week was all about Black Caviar. It was an incredible build up to the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on the final day of the meeting, and her fans were prepared, turning out in their Black Caviar paraphernalia every day of the lead up. And just like the preceding days, the aftermath has been all about the great mare as well.
The build up to the race was all about comparing Frankel and Black Caviar, something I grew tired of pretty quickly as you could tell by my last blog. Europeans were quick to throw their support behind Frankel, boasting about why he is better, and Aussie’s the same with Black Caviar in their camp. The aftermath, however, has seen a refreshing sense of appreciation for both animals. It seems as though racing fans everywhere were humbled by Black Caviar’s near defeat, realizing how difficult the task dealt to her actually was when she seemed invincible. For reasons that we’ll never be entirely sure of, Black Caviar ran 15 rating points short of her best performance in winning the Diamond Jubilee by a nose, recording a rating of 115, her lowest number in almost two years. Perhaps it was the testing track, the muscle tears she sustained in running, or the fatigue of international travel (the relatively slow time and weak field would also have hurt the rating). It was probably a bit of everything.
Black Caviar and Luke Nolen win the Diamond Jubilee
The most important measure of Black Caviar’s greatness in this instance was laid out by Timeform analyst Simon Rowlands. Rowlands pointed out in an article on Betfair.com that of the 392 horses that ran over the five-day Royal Ascot meeting, 46% (including Black Caviar) ran 13lbs or greater below their pre-race figures. Black Caviar was the only one good enough to still win, and a Group 1 at that, also overcoming a questionable ride. To me, that is simply remarkable. Rowlands’ article can be read here:
I think racing fans and commentators everywhere were united in the shock dealt by Caviar’s near blow, and the result has been an outpour of appreciation for the great mare (even from the British). Gone from the media are comparisons of Black Caviar and Frankel and arguments over who is better. It is clear now that the two cannot be compared, as there is no way to stage a fair contest between them. Black Caviar will now return to Australia likely to stay, and Frankel will remain in Britain.
I must say that amongst the media crush and pressure last week, Frankel’s trainer Sir Henry Cecil was the ultimate gentleman and professional. While he could easily have boasted about Frankel’s superiority after the colt’s Queen Anne romp, the master trainer remained humble, refusing to compare his colt to any other horse or to discredit Caviar at all.
Getting back to this week’s post-race coverage, there has been some excellent commentary and analysis. I think it is a really positive sign for the industry that so many reporters are engaging in thoughtful analysis, as it is a common criticism (by me included!) that the industry is too archaic and poor at keeping records. It is this type of figurative analysis that will give mainstream fans a historical context and benchmark by which to understand the sport, and encourage their interest in racing. Here is another good article in addition to the two listed above:
A shout out must also go to the ever charismatic Australian fans. In addition to the estimated 3000 that turned up at Royal Ascot with their Black Caviar ties, hats, and flags, millions more watched from their homeland and elsewhere. Fans packed Melbourne’s Federation Square at a chilly 12:45 am (remember it’s winter there) to cheer home their heroine on the big screen, and they didn’t disappoint. Check out this video:
Black Caviar fans pack Melbourne's Federation Square
to watch the Diamond Jubilee
I spent four months of last year in Australia, and I found that Australians are some of the most incredible and enjoyable people to be around: they simply love gambling and sport, and will easily latch onto anything that resembles either and provides a thrill. They are the key reason why Australian racing is thriving: it seems that almost everyone in the country either owns a “leg” of a horse, bets regularly, or at least likes to dress up and go to the races, and they embrace a culture that is lost amongst the mainstream public in many other countries, especially America. Racing is regularly front page news in Australia. If we could bottle up some Aussie enthusiasm and spread it around America and Europe, racing would be thriving once again.
Here is proof of this observation: I watched the Diamond Jubilee Stakes on TV in the corner of a pub in Galway, Ireland. About a half hour before the big race, a family came in and sat at the table beside me. Seeing I was engrossed in the racing, they asked when Black Caviar was running. They said they were from Australia, and knew nothing about racing, but they heard Black Caviar was running so wanted to watch the race. I proceeded to share with them everything I could about Black Caviar, racing, and my time working for Peter Moody, and they were thrilled. In the end I hope I contributed to them becoming lifelong racing fans, but hey, they’re Australian, they were destined anyway.
So here’s to Black Caviar and Frankel, two undefeated champions from Australia and Europe, and two of the greatest horses ever. We are so fortunate to have been fans of racing in their time, and hopefully we will get the chance to see each of them a few more times before they embark on their careers in the breeding shed in their respective hemispheres.
If, like myself, you would like a bit of the hair of the dog to overcome your Royal Ascot hangover, here are some pictures from my two days there last week (Tuesday and Wednesday).
--Kelsey Riley is a second year trainee on the Darley Flying Start programme. She will join the TDN staff in July.
Frankel and Tom Queally after winning the Queen Anne
So You Think in the parade ring before the Prince of Wales's
The Ascot parade ring/grandstand
Frankel
William Buick returns on Joviality after winning the Windsor
Forest Stakes
Next week will mark the 301st renewal of Britain’s historic Royal Ascot meeting. The flagship races of the five day meeting will be Tuesday’s Queen Anne Stakes and Saturday’s Diamond Jubilee Stakes, where Frankel and Black Caviar, the world’s two highest-rated horses, have their respective engagements. Frankel will attempt to take his record to 11 unbeaten in the one mile Queen Anne, while Australia’s Black Caviar goes for a perfect 22 in the newly named six furlong Diamond Jubilee. Frankel is currently the world’s highest rated horse based on the World Thoroughbred Rankings at 138, and Black Caviar sits below him at 130, and she is the world’s highest rated sprinter.
The European press is abuzz this week with speculation and debate over who is better. Because the two are unlikely ever to meet on the racetrack – Black Caviar may contest Newmarket’s July Cup before returning to Australia, and Frankel will remain on his home turf – the great debate will most certainly always be just speculation. The respective connections of Frankel and Black Caviar have been widely criticized for not arranging a meeting for their charges; However, I am relieved that the two are unlikely to meet.
For the simplest of reasons, Frankel and Black Caviar are just too different to allow a fair contest to be conjured. Frankel is a specialist miler with the potential to stretch out to nine or ten furlongs, and he trains over the softer surfaces and undulating gallops of rural Britain. Black Caviar is a sprint specialist trained over the faster and flatter surfaces of Metropolitan Melbourne. Although trainer Peter Moody has repeatedly stated that he believes his great mare could excel over longer distances (a mile or more), Black Caviar has carved a niche in sprints. If she were to compromise and meet Frankel over a greater distance and be beaten, there would always be a fair excuse. The same goes the other way around: surely it wouldn’t be a great stretch of the imagination to drop Frankel back a furlong to meet Black Caviar at seven, but it would be taking him out of his element. In addition, master trainer Sir Henry Cecil has put loads of work into teaching Frankel to relax and rate, and he seems to have finally gotten into the big horse’s head. A rubber match with the best sprinter in the world would surely undo all the work that Cecil has put into preparing Frankel to step up to 10 furlongs for the Juddmonte International this summer.
Black Caviar warms up for last November's Patinack Classic at Flemington in front of her adoring Aussie fans
Being from opposite points of the world, one horse would have to travel a substantial distance to meet the other. As we have seen in America over the past few years, it is difficult to get two greats to meet even when they’re from the same country and excel over similar distances (Zenyatta vs. Rachel Alexandra, Curlin vs. Big Brown). There is always the excuse of the taxing flight and the adjustment to a new environment. Earlier this year, Qipco, which sponsors the British Champions Series, offered a £1 million bonus for Frankel and Black Caviar to both line up for the August 1 Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood over a mile (a race Frankel won last year). While it can be reasonably argued that Black Caviar could have stayed in England and had sufficient time to adjust for the Sussex, why should she have to be the one to travel and forego much richer purses in Australia? There has yet to be any significant pressure for Frankel to travel to Australia. The other side would argue that the great mare should be the one to travel because British racing has been historically perceived as the best in the world. But with rapid changes in racing internationally in recent years, especially in Australia, I don’t think that’s a fair perception, especially for a sprinter.
If the two did meet, I feel it would be difficult to not be disappointed after the race, because one of them would have to lose. I have gotten so much enjoyment out of watching these two brilliant, beautiful horses over the last two years and, after next Tuesday, I will have seen both of them race in person. The fact is they are incomparable, so why compare? Why can’t we have two of the best in the world?
-- Kelsey Riley is a second year trainee on the Darley Flying Start programme. She will join the TDN staff in July.
During the last two years on the Darley Flying Start program, I have been very fortunate to attend most of the world’s best races. I have seen the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes, the Melbourne Cup, the Hong Kong International race meeting, and the Dubai World Cup. But as I stood amongst a crowd of 130,000 at Epsom Downs on Saturday while Coolmore’s Camelot charged to victory in the Epsom Derby, I felt like I was witnessing something truly spectacular.
With his resounding victory Camelot became just the third horse in 23 years to take the English classic double of the 2000 Guineas and the Derby. His five-length winning margin erased any doubts of stamina or class dominance, and he is now poised, if his connections please, to pursue the rare distinction of England’s Triple Crown in the St. Leger Stakes on September 15.
Epsom Downs: Home of the Derby
The English Triple Crown has not been claimed since the great Nijinsky in 1970, and has largely gone out of fashion since, with few 2000 Guineas winners attempting the Derby or St. Leger. Only two horses since 1989 have completed the Guineas/Derby double, and most of the top three-year-olds these days bypass the St. Leger in favour of more glamorous contests like the Arc. If there is to be any horse to buck the trends and go for Triple Crown glory, you would think it would have to be Camelot. Having achieved nearly every major milestone in European racing, Coolmore have little to lose by trying.
Camelot's trainer Aidan O'Brien
While world heavyweight Frankel remains the darling of European racing, I think Camelot would be in a position to nab that title should he win the St. Leger. Even by simply starting in the race, he would undoubtedly draw massive mainstream attention to racing, something we all want. As with all major stars of the turf, there is already big talk happening in the days following the Derby, and some are speculating a matchup with Frankel at the end of the year. Or, maybe he could come to America and hook up with I’ll Have Another in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Longshot, yes, but isn’t this a sport of dreams?
Coolmore's Astrology being saddled
for the Derby. He finished third.
My day at the Derby ranked right up there with the best race meetings I have attended. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish, no doubt helped by The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, which kicked off at Epsom before the first race. With the monarch herself in attendance, a large crowd turned out for the festivities, which included an elaborate infield carnival. Before the main attraction, patrons were treated to a showing of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf winner St. Nicholas Abbey in the G1 Coronation Cup. The son of Montjeu (like Camelot) turned the race into a procession under Joseph O’Brien, providing a sneak preview of what was to come in the Derby. Speaking of young Joseph, I can’t express how much I admire the 19-year-old. He has shown to have a cool head and confident yet capable style in some of the most pressure packed situations in the sport. This was accentuated by his flawless ride on Camelot around what is regarded as one of the world’s most challenging racecourses. While he is no doubt helped by his family tree (father Aidan is Coolmore’s trainer), he would never have reached the level he has without loads of hard work and ability.
Camelot walking the parade ring
before the Derby
Credit must also be given to second and third-place finishers, Main Sequence and Astrology, who both ran huge races to hit the board. Astrology, another Coolmore charge, made all the running for his stablemate Camelot. For a few strides it looked as if the son of Galileo may have stolen the race from his stablemate, but in the end Camelot was too strong for him, and he was just nipped by Main Sequence, a son of American sprint champion Aldebaran, for second. Bonfire, the second choice, looked spectacular in the paddock but got worked up in the warm up and failed to factor.
Needless to say, my day at the Derby was one to savour and remember. I hope these photos capture a bit of the excitement and atmosphere. I would certainly recommend any racing fan make the trip to England for the Epsom Derby.
Aidan O'Brien brushes Camelot before he heads to the track
Derby second place finisher Main Sequence
Derby second choice Bonfire
A packed Epsom Downs grandstand
Camelot and Joseph O'Brien return victorious
-- Kelsey Riley is a second year trainee on the Darley Flying Start program. She will join the TDN staff in July.
The countdown is on for I’ll Have Another and his loyal
legion of fans. On June 9, the plucky chestnut will attempt to become American
racing’s 12th Triple Crown winner, and the first since Affirmed in
1978. The press is awash with opinions on whether the son of Flower Alley will
complete the elusive hat trick, and while I am not here to throw my
speculations into the fire, I would like to point out that the Triple Crown has
been trending in racing around the world in 2012.
America isn’t the only nation with Triple Crown fever.
England caught a raging case of it when Coolmore’s undefeated colt Camelot ran
away with the English 2000 Guineas on May 5. The son of the late great Montjeu
has subsequently been installed an overwhelming odds-on choice for this
Saturday’s Epsom Derby. He will take on eight other colts over Epsom’s uniquely
challenging course while jumping up to a mile-and-a-half for the first time. While
this seems a daunting task, a great many European racing pundits have
unwavering faith in the star colt. Shortly after Camelot won the Guineas,
gossip grew that the Aidan O’Brien charge may make an attempt at the Triple
Crown. Believe it or not, England has experienced a longer Triple Crown drought
than America. The English Triple Crown (the 2000 Guineas, the Epsom Derby, and
the St. Leger) has not been won since Nijinsky swept the series in 1970. In
fact, the English Triple Crown has gone rather out of fashion. It is a rare
occurrence for a horse to attempt it, and many Guineas winners will bypass the
Derby itself in favour of shorter contests. Only two horses have doubled up in the
Guineas and Derby since 1970: Nashwan in 1988 and Sea the Stars in 2009. In
turn, the St. Leger has lost its lustre, and has not been a significant target
for top three-year-olds in a number of years. Although Sea the Stars won the
first two legs of the Triple Crown in 2009, his connections opted for a
schedule that included the Juddmonte International, the Irish Champion Stakes,
and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Coolmore has yet to indicate their plans for
Camelot, and while there is doubt over whether he will even get his chance at
the Triple Crown, we can dream.
The dream has already come true for Australian racing fans
this year, as Pierro became the first horse in eight years (sixth in history)
to sweep Australia’s two-year-old Triple Crown of the Golden Slipper, Sires’
Produce, and Champagne Stakes. The undefeated son of Lonhro has serious star
quality, and while we’re dreaming, who’s to say he won’t go on next year to win
that country’s three-year-old Triple Crown, which consists of the Randwick
Guineas, Rosehill Guineas, and AJC Australian Derby? That trio has been won by
just four horses, but the most recent winner was Pierro’s paternal grandsire,
Octagonal. Pierro has the pedigree to go a route of ground and to improve with age, so it's exciting to think of how good he could be.
Pierro winning the Champagne Stakes
Another nation that has tasted the excitement of the Triple
Crown this year is Singapore. Super Easy completed the sweep on May 18 when he
won the Singapore Guineas, remaining undefeated in 10 starts including the
Three-Year-Old Sprint and the Three-Year-Old Classic. If his courageous win in
the Guineas wasn’t enough, the New Zealand-bred’s form was justified when Ato,
a horse he has beaten twice, got up to win the Krisflyer International Sprint
(G1), the fourth race in the Global Sprint Challenge, last weekend.
Across the map in Japan, three-year-old filly Gentildonna
continued her dominance of the female sophomore division when she took the May
20 Japanese Oaks by an easy five lengths. The Sunday Racing colour-bearer was
following up on her win in the Japanese 1000 Guineas on April 8, and she looked
to be the real deal while stepping from 1600 metres to 2400 metres. The
Japanese fillies Triple Crown consists of the Oka Sho (1000 Guineas), Yushun
Himba (Oaks), and the Shuka Sho in October. The series was won in 2010 by
Apapane. If any horse has the genetics to complete the sweep it is Gentildonna.
Her sire Deep Impact took the colts’ version in 2005.
Gentildonna winning the Japanese Oaks. Courtesy Japan Racing Association
Whether or not it influences anyone’s opinion on I’ll Have
Another’s Triple Crown chances, the topic is clearly trending in racing around
the world this year. It is interesting to observe how the various Triple Crowns
are perceived in different countries, and it is important to note that some of
these series have been altered over the years, or have otherwise become
insignificant. Regardless, it is exciting to see so many equine stars around
the world. If anyone knows of any current Triple Crown stories that I haven’t
listed, please share them.
-- Kelsey Riley is a second year trainee on the Darley Flying Start program. She will join the TDN staff in July.
While American eyes will be fixed on Pimlico this weekend
for the 137th Preakness, across the pond in Japan, another classic
race will capture the attention of the locals: Sunday marks the 73rd
running of the Japanese Oaks, and 18 fillies will line up for the international
G1 event.
One of those fillies is Midsummer Fair, a homebred for
Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Japan division.
Sheikh Mohammed has made great strides in the racing
industry since investing in his first thoroughbreds in the 1970s. His
multinational Darley empire has achieved success with satellite operations on
four different continents, and last month Midsummer Fair helped Darley reach an
important milestone when she became the first group-level stakes winner owned
and bred by Sheikh Mohammed in Japan.
Midsummer Fair recorded the important victory in the April
22 Flora Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse, improving her record to three wins from
five starts.
The Darley homebred certainly has the pedigree to reach
classic stature on Sunday. She is by Tanino Gimlet, who is best known as the
sire of the brilliant filly Vodka, winner of the 2007 Japanese Derby and 2009
Japan Cup and Yasuda Kinen (all G1). Her dam is Strawberry Fair, a daughter of
Kingmambo and American champion filly Storm Song.
Midsummer Fair
Midsummer Fair is the product of the persistence and careful
planning of her owner. Sheikh Mohammed started his foray into the Japanese
industry more than 10 years ago. After basing a handful of mares in Japan in
the late 1990s to be covered by Sunday Silence, the ruler of Dubai decided to
keep a few two-year-olds to race in that country in 2002 on the National
Association of Racing (NAR) circuit. The NAR carries less prestige and prize
money than the celebrated Japan Racing Association (JRA) circuit, but requires
a licence that had never before been issued to foreigners. The JRA offers a
rich racing program, and authorities are not keen to see their money go
offshore.
So Sheikh Mohammed set out to reaffirm his intentions to
support and help grow the Japanese industry. While racing horses in the NAR, he
continued to be active at public auctions, and also established the Darley
Japan stallion station and associated stud farms. During this time, he bred G1
winner Danon Chantilly. He also won the Japan Cup, an international G1 open to
foreign competitors, in 1996 and 2007 with Singspiel and Admire Moon. Sheikh
Mohammed’s efforts came to fruition in 2009 when he became the first
non-Japanese to earn a JRA licence. The licence allows horses to compete in the
JRA under the name of Sheikh Mohammed as well as his wife Princess Haya and his
son, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.
Today, Darley Japan numbers six farms, 130 mares, and stands
seven stallions, including Admire Moon, American-raced Pyro and British and
American G1 winner Storming Home. In the beginning, the focus was on creating
quality, which meant selecting and cultivating a select broodmare band to bring
to Japan. Strawberry Fair was one of 50 mares shipped to Japan from the various
other Darley satellites in 2007, with about 20 added and the same number culled
for the next four years. The Darley Japan broodmare band now stands at 138,
with 15 of the original mares still there, including Strawberry Fair.
“We’re now at the mare numbers we want,” said Shane Horan,
Group Bloodstock Manager for Darley. “We want to put 100 two-year-olds in
training each year, and this is the first year we have over 100 yearlings, and
we’re expecting about 120 foals. We’ll sell 15 to 20 of those each year.”
With breeding operations in America, Europe, and Australia,
Horan noted that it is sometimes difficult to decide where a mare may be best
suited. In the case of Strawberry Fair, she was from a great American pedigree
being out of Storm Song, but that mare has thus far been a disappointment as a
producer. Banking on the idea that greatness can sometimes skip a generation,
and that maybe the bloodlines would enjoy the Japanese soil, the decision was
made to bring Strawberry Fair to Japan in foal to Darley stallion Singspiel.
The resulting foal was the winner Sunrise Fair. After producing two non-winners
by stallions Marienbard and Fantastic Light, Strawberry Fair struck gold with
Midsummer Fair in 2009.
Although favouritism on Sunday will likely to go Gentildonna,
the winner of the chief prep race in the Oka Sho, there is reason to believe in
Midsummer Fair. While Gentildonna will be stepping up from 1600 to 2400 metres
for the first time in the Oaks, Midsummer Fair has improved with added
distance, her last two wins coming over 1800 and 2000 metres respectively.
Those close to Darley Japan are enthusiastic about her prospects.
“She was an impressive winner of the Flora
Stakes in April and has shown a lot of improvement during 2012,” said Darley
Japan Managing Director James Hall. “She is a very professional filly and
we hope she can rise to the occasion on Sunday in the Japanese Oaks.”
Connections are hoping that Midsummer
Fair’s success is just the beginning for Darley Japan.
“Going forward we are aiming for the
progeny of our stallions and Sheikh Mohammed`s racehorses to be a regular part
of the top Japanese races. There is a great deal of public interest in
racing in this country and we are committed to playing a part in the future
development,” said Hall.
Strawberry Fair, now one of the gems of the Darley broodmare band,
produced a filly by Darley Australia shuttler Commands earlier this year, and
she will be covered by Admire Moon this year.
Darley is also set to have a runner in next weekend’s G1 Japanese
Derby, in the form of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s Snowdon, a son of Admire
Moon from the Lemon Drop Kid mare Snowlynx. Another potential runner of
American interest in that race is Spielberg, a two-time winner by Deep Impact
out of the Lycius mare Princess Oliva. You may recognize that mare as the dam
of Flower Alley, sire of Kentucky Derby winner I’ll Have Another. Could Flower
Alley’s brother win a Derby on another continent? Tune in next weekend to find
out.
For more information on Japanese racing, including previews
and past performances for the Derby and Oaks, visit http://japanracing.jp/en/index.html.
-- Kelsey Riley is a second year trainee on the Darley Flying Start course. She will join the TDN staff in July.
This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending the races
at Punchestown, the premier national hunt (jumps) race meet in Ireland. Despite
the ominous threat of rain that had persisted in the Emerald Isle all week, I
eagerly pulled on my boots and coat and headed out to the water logged course.
I was eager to take in my first live jumps meeting, and I was far from
disappointed.
Before delving into the story of the Punchestown meet, it is
important to note the prominence of national hunt racing in Ireland. While
jumps racing in America is a rare commodity and takes a notable backseat to the
flat, the opposite is true in Ireland, at least as far as race goers are
concerned. In 2011, almost double the amount of people attended a national hunt
meet than a flat racing meet. The number of people in attendance at Ireland’s
biggest flat racing festivals exceeded regular national hunt meeting crowds by
just 2 per cent.
Busy bookies at Punchestown
Prior to attending Punchestown, I struggled to understand
this trend. My experience as a spectator of national hunt was limited to the
Grand National, and based on that meeting, I was far from impressed: I battled
to find enjoyment in watching horses fall over almost every fence, and two
breakdowns in one race was too many. I couldn’t understand why these people
enjoyed this sector of racing so much. Perhaps it was just an Irish thing.
I headed to Punchestown with the hope of being convinced
otherwise, and happily I was. I quickly came to understand why this fixture is
so popular over here: with races over two and three miles, spectators have much
longer to enjoy the race than they typically do on the flat. Throw in a few
obstacles (jumps, ditches, and hills), and the action gets a little more
exciting. As one of my Irish colleagues pointed out, national hunt racing has a
lot to offer bettors as well. In such long races with so many different
dynamics, if a horse has a bad start or is affected in some way, there is great
opportunity to turn his fortunes around. If the same thing were to happen in a
five furlong sprint on the dirt, it would probably be a different story.
Racing past the stands
The constitution of the national hunt horse predisposes it
to drawing a loyal fan base. These horses typically don’t start racing until
their later years (there was a ‘juvenile’ race on the card for four-year-olds),
which, depending on your opinion, may or may not contribute to longevity and
soundness. The average age of the horses on this particular card was about 9
years, and one was 15. And while one may think racing 3-plus miles over jumps
may be taxing on these horses, the winners of the first two races on the card
were making their second starts at the Punchestown carnival (which is only five
days long).
Over the final fence
While some national hunt horses are former flat racers,
there is a thoroughbred breeding sector in Ireland devoted to producing jumps
horses. Typically, stallions that didn’t earn their keep siring flat horses are
reverted to the national hunt ranks. Nonetheless, the G1 AES Champion Hurdle
for four-year-olds boasted the progeny of such distinguished stallions as
Dalakhani, Montjeu, King’s Best, High Chaparral, and Hurricane Run. The winner,
Hisaabaat, was a gelded son of arguably the world’s current hottest sire,
Dubawi. Hisaabaat had cost 140,000 Euros as a yearling in Ireland. After
recording a win and two placings from six starts on the flat, trainer Dermot
Weld reverted his charge to the national hunt realms. After unseating his rider
in his first jumps try in December, Hisaabaat has hardly missed a beat,
finishing first or second in all six starts since. I guess it goes to show, as
in all forms of racing, that anything can happen.
To make a long story short, I quite enjoyed my day out at
Punchestown. It also helped that only one horse fell, and it was unscathed.
After experiencing some doubts about this sector of the sport, I was quickly converted into a fan.
A taste of Punchestown action
-- Kelsey Riley is a second year trainee on the Darley Flying Start program. She will join the TDN staff in July.
On June 18, Animal Kingdom (Leoroidesanimaux {Brz}) will write the next chapter of his illustrious career when he lines up for the G1 Queen Anne S. at Royal Ascot. The plucky chestnut has come a long way since upsetting the 2011 GI Kentucky Derby as a lightly-raced and relatively unknown colt, and his story has been one of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Forced to overcome two injuries and lengthy setbacks since wearing the roses, Animal Kingdom came full circle and rewarded the belief and patience of his connections when storming to an authoritative victory in the G1 Dubai World Cup Mar. 30.
