Darley Souvenir Edition

DARLEY SOUVENIR EDITION

in association with The Blood-Horse

AUTHORIZED

TEOFILO

G1 two-year-old and fantastic five-length Derby winner

Undefeated European Champion at two

STREET BOSS

NEW APPROACH

Dual G1 speed star by Street Cry

Champion juvenile, Derby hero and 2000m record breaker

2 AUTHORIZED DETTORI’S DERBY DREAM COMES TRUE

CONTENTS

AUTHORIZED Group 1 winner at two, champion at three ........4 Tony Morris breeding analysis ............................5 International hero rated world-best ..................6

NEW APPROACH All hail a new sensation ......................................7 Tony Morris breeding analysis ............................8 No dispute he was the champion........................9 Glorious ‘mistake’ to Derby hero ......................10 Bombproof winner signs off..............................11 Master trainer conjures up perfect farewell ....12

‘Perfect ride in the perfect race from the perfect horse’ jjResult June 2, 2007

Vodafone Derby 1 Authorized ............5-4f 2 Eagle Mountain........6-1 3 Aqaleem ..................9-1 Owners Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam Jockey Frankie Dettori Groom Noel O’Connor

STREET BOSS Rising star paves way in Triple Bend ................13 Owning the franchise: Darley signs on ............14 Late surge by sprint sensation wins Crosby ....15 Martin Stevens breeding analysis ....................16

TEOFILO ‘Best I’ve trained and the best-looking’............17 ‘He’ll be a monster’............................................18 Has Bolger found the new Teofilo? ..................19 Tony Morris breeding analysis ..........................20

RESULTS & ANALYSIS Authorized ..........................................................21 New Approach....................................................22 Street Boss..........................................................25 Teofilo ................................................................27

A SPECIAL PROMOTION FOR DARLEY, PRODUCED

BY THE RACING POST

Breeders Marengo Investments, Knighton House & M Kinane Distances 5l, 21⁄2l

Jon Lees reports AUTHORISED by Sheikh Mohammed, authorised by destiny. Frankie Dettori jubilantly fulfilled his dream yesterday.

After 14 failures at Epsom, he got what he had always wished for, as a coveted first Derby triumph slipped into the grasp of the man formerly known as the greatest jockey never to taste victory in racing’s greatest Classic.

Successful in every other British Classic at least twice, winner of many of the world’s greatest races, and author of his own Magnificent Seven, when he rode every winner on the card at Ascot in 1996, Dettori had done virtually everything else there was to do in the sport.

This storyline had been prepared for many years, but it required a horse with the brilliance of the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Authorized to ensure that Dettori saw it through to the right conclusion.

Yes, the pressure was on, but no-one was to be let down, such was the superiority Authorized, the 5-4 favourite, held over his rivals in the Vodafone Derby as he raced to a win

Frankie Dettori acknowledges his first Derby at the 15th attempt

that inflicted what bookmakers claimed was “the heaviest defeat ever in the Derby”.

There was an extra spring in the legs of the delirious Italian as he performed his famous flying dismount from the back of Authorized into the arms of his tearful father, Gianfranco.

“This is a dream come true,” he said. “I’ve been waiting so long to do this. I haven’t slept for two weeks, but this was the first day I’ve felt all right. Now all the bullshit was out of the way, I just had to keep focused and do my job.

“It was a long two and a half minutes and they went a serious gallop. I counted the horses in front of me coming down the hill and I think there were ten, but I knew if they kept up the gallop there wouldn’t be a problem.

“At the four-and-a-half pole, I had

a peep under my arm and I could only see daylight. I got him balanced going to the two-furlong marker and he stretched away.

“When I got past the furlong marker, the world stopped, my heart stopped, I knew this was going to be my moment. Everything went so smoothly. I expected a dog fight but it was like an oil painting, beautiful and smooth.”

Authorized started slowly and was further back in the field than was ideal, but Dettori stayed out of danger and set out to track Strategic Prince down the hill to Tattenham Corner.

Once into the straight, only one result appeared likely, and when Dettori produced the colt to make his challenge, Authorized, tongue lolling out, quickly pulled well clear of the field, coming home five lengths in front of Eagle Mountain, with

Aqaleem beating Lucarno in the photo-finish for third.

“After we crossed the line, nobody could get to me,” Dettori said. “I could hear people saying well done, but they were a furlong behind. I wanted to cry, be happy. I haven’t had a chance to sit down and have a proper cry.”

Chapple-Hyam had experienced Derby success before, but memories of his triumph 15 years ago with Dr Devious were “a haze”. This was an occasion he was determined to enjoy.

“I don’t take drugs, but I smoke and drink – this is better than anything,” he said. “Authorized was probably further back than he wanted to be, but he got the perfect ride in the perfect race from the perfect horse.”

Chapple-Hyam signalled that he could run Authorized in the CoralEclipse Stakes next, for which he is 4-5 favourite with the sponsors, when again he and Kuwaiti owners Saleh Al Homeizi and Imad Al Sagar will hope Dettori is free to ride, his availability yesterday gained only after Sheikh Mohammed released him from Godolphin commitments.

Authorized is also 7-4 favourite with William Hill for the King George.

Sagar said: “When I heard Frankie was free to ride today, it was great news. I even planned to have a talk with Sheikh Mohammed, or even visit him.”

Dettori said: “I can’t state enough how great Sheikh Mohammed has been to me. I’ve worked for him for 13 years and he’s the guy who pays the bills. If it wasn’t for him, I would not have been in the position to win today, and if I win the Derby again one day, I hope it will be for him.

“One day, when I retire, I can safely say I have conquered my sport. I have achieved everything I want to achieve.

It’s nice to say I’ve done it.”

King George William Hill: 7-4 Authorized, 5 Dylan Thomas, 6 Red Rocks, 7 Notnowcato, Vengeance Of Rain, 8 Mandesha, Scorpion, Youmzain, 9 Pop Rock, 12 bar.

jjGroup 1 winner at two, champion at three Page 4

3

Frankie Dettori cannot contain his joy after partnering Authorized to a sensational five-length victory at Epsom

‘The way he stormed clear suggests he might be right up there with the best recent winners’ Graham Dench’s analysis, page 21

Derby win ‘as good as any winner in ten years’ DERBY WINNERS BY RPR Authorized tops ten-year list year

2007

winner

RPR

Authorized

130

2006

Sir Percy

120

2005

Motivator

129

2004

North Light

124

2003

Kris Kin

121

2002

High Chaparral

130

2001

Galileo

127

2000

Sinndar

127

1999

Oath

124

1998

High-Rise

123

AUTHORIZED’S Derby win earned him a Racing Post Rating of 130, a figure that has not been bettered – and equalled only once – in the past decade, writes Andrew Scutts.

Racing Post handicapper Paul Curtis said yesterday that he had been “massively impressed” by the colt’s five-length demolition of 16 rivals, which warranted a rating only 2002 winner High Chaparral has matched in recent years.

Curtis added: “He is up there with the best post-Generous

Derby winners, and this rating shouldn’t be the ceiling as he’s had only four races, and he should still be improving.

“Authorized is a winner in the Motivator mould, in that they both won the Racing Post Trophy and Dante, and then the Derby by five lengths.

“Motivator’s figures were 118, 119 and 129 for the three races.

Authorized’s are 117, 121 and 130. Of course, as the standard of competition improves, so should a horse’s rating, and it’s usual for a Derby winner’s figure

at Epsom to be bettered, even in defeat.”

Motivator dropped back, unsuccessfully, to 1m2f to take on older horses in the Coral-Eclipse after winning the 2005 Derby, but Curtis hopes Authorized is not asked to tread the same path.

“He was very impressive in the Dante and probably could do it again at the ten-furlong trip, but a mile and a half works for him, so why change?

“I’d go the two-Derby route before the King George, when

the older horses behind him in the betting – Dylan Thomas, Red Rocks and Notnowcato – are rated in the high 120s, and would offer more of a test than the three-year-olds.”

Curtis said that the placed horses in the Derby had all improved their RPRs, Eagle Mountain (runner-up) to 121, and Aqaleem (third) and Lucarno to 117.

He added that fifth-placed Soldier Of Fortune running to his Prix Noailles-winning form of 116 helped in terms of a

ratings guide, but Curtis stressed that the Derby, because several runners are unexposed at the trip and unused to racing at such a furious pace, is “not a straightforward race to assess”.

Senior British handicapper Phil Smith awarded Authorized a rating of 126, a figure that puts him on a par with 2001 and 2002 Derby winners Galileo and High Chaparral.

Smith said: “As it stands, his rating is as good as any Derby winner in the last ten years.” jjFirst published June 4, 2007

4 AUTHORIZED GROUP 1 WINNER AT TWO, CHAMPION AT THREE

‘He has been working the place down and is a serious, serious horse’ jjResult October 21, 2006

Racing Post Trophy 1 Authorized........25-1 2 Charlie Farnsbarns ............................33-1 3 Medicine Path....20-1 Jockey Frankie Dettori Distances 11⁄4l, 2l AN “UNBELIEVABLE” year for Peter Chapple-Hyam continued yesterday when a 25-1 maiden achieved what punters had thought beforehand an inconceivable victory to give his trainer realistic ambitions of winning next year’s Derby as well as the 2,000 Guineas, writes Lee Mottershead.

Already responsible for Britain’s leading Guineas hope Dutch Art, Chapple-Hyam now also houses Britain’s leading Derby hope after the immensely well-regarded Authorized laughed at 13 rivals and sailed through swamp-like conditions to claim the Racing Post Trophy at Newbury yesterday.

Having won the race used as a springboard to Classic glory in four of the last five years, Authorized trades at between 10-1 and 12-1 for the Epsom showpiece. Only Teofilo is quoted at shorter odds.

“He just improves all the time,” said Chapple-Hyam, whose winner carries the Araafa colours of Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar.

Authorized (left) belies his long odds to record an impressive victory in the Racing Post Trophy on only his second start

“We were going to run in a maiden at Leicester, but he was working so well that I thought we had to give it a go. Even so, I thought about pulling him out this morning, because he wants better ground.”

Third on his only previous run, over this course and distance, Authorized yesterday eased through the heavy Newbury ground like a top-class thoroughbred. Sent to the front

by Frankie Dettori a furlong out, the son of Montjeu showed the rare ability to quicken in deep mud.

A length and a quarter in front at the line, he led home a bookies’ bonanza, with Charlie Farnsbarns

second at 33-1, Medicine Path third at 20-1, and Ballydoyle’s hot favourite Eagle Mountain only fourth.

Chapple-Hyam, who also trains Authorized’s yearling half-brother by Fasliyev for new patron Cheveley Park Stud, added: “He has no quirks and d o e s e v e r y t h i n g p e r f e c t l y.

Hopefully, he’ll end up at Epsom, but we won’t be in too much of a rush at the start of the year.

“He’ll get stronger, and when they get stronger they get faster, so even the Guineas wouldn’t be out of the question. He has been working the place down and is a serious, serious horse.”

Just as impressed, Dettori

nevertheless revealed that after his Godolphin mount was scratched from the St Simon Stakes he attempted to take rides for his main stable at Lingfield.

“I was doing my best to switch,” he said, “but the BHB said I could only do that if Newbury was abandoned. They’ve done me a favour!

“We knew he had the ability, it was a question of his experience.

I said to Peter that running in the Racing Post could make him or break him, but he was very professional and won like a good horse.”

Charlie Farnsbarns’ trainer Brian Meehan described his colt as “a nice horse to have for next

year”. Ditto Eagle Mountain, and although seemingly beaten fair and square, Aidan O’Brien felt there might have been excuses.

“The ground rode very heavy on him,” he said. “It was a bunchy race and he couldn’t really stride out but he wasn’t stopping, although I’m not sure whether he’ll stay further next year.”

The last word, however, should go to Chapple-Hyam, who now has the chance of doing what he did in 1992, when Rodrigo De Triano and Dr Devious won him the Guineas and the Derby. He said that this has been an “unbelievable” year. Next year could be even better.

Next stop Epsom for impressive Authorized jjResult May 17, 2007

Totesport.com Dante Stakes 1 Authorized ....10-11f 2 Raincoat..............8-1 3 Al Shemali ........18-1 Jockey Frankie Dettori Distances 4l, 1l IF HE was previously at the head of the Derby betting by default, the position belonged to Authorized by right at York yesterday after he completed the most convincing Classic audition, writes Jon Lees.

After a sequence of inconclusive trials, the best was saved for last as the horse Derby-winning trainer

Peter Chapple-Hyam has hailed the best he’s trained lived up to expectations with a clear-cut win in the final recognised Derby trial.

The Totesport.com Dante Stakes has been won by two of the last three winners of the Derby and after Authorized, last year’s Racing Post Trophy winner, had trounced his rivals by four lengths, he is now hot favourite to follow up Motivator and North Light on June 2.

A top-priced 4-1 yesterday morning, the son of Montjeu was generally available at 6-4 with most firms – 7-4 only with Cashmans – after his convincing dismissal of Raincoat, Al Shemali and Adagio in the Group 2 contest.

After a slow early pace, the field quickened up the straight, where Frankie Dettori produced

Authorized to make his challenge approaching the furlong pole and stretch clear.

Chapple-Hyam, who won the 1992 Derby with Dr Devious, said: “I’ve said he could be the best horse I have ever trained and I don’t go back on that.

“He just has so much class.

Anything he does, he does so easily, and he will improve from today to Epsom – I have no worries about that. The staff have done a great job with the horse.

“He can do most things. He’s very easy to ride. He doesn’t get too stirred up, he’s just a bit fresh.

I was a bit worried I hadn’t done enough work with him, but there was no problem. I feel more relief than anything. I actually had to walk away in the final furlong. I’m really excited now. He’s a very good horse.”

All that is at issue now is whether Dettori will be free to ride him. The jockey, winning his first Dante Stakes, has still to win the Derby after 14 attempts, but maintained he would honour his commitments to Godolphin should the stable have a runner at Epsom.

“Today’s performance couldn’t have gone any easier,” said Dettori.

“The further he was going, the better he was going.

“He quickened up really well.

He confirmed what a good twoyear-old he was and he’s turned out to be a good three-year-old.

He was very weak last year and he’s put on a lot of strength. He has pulverised the field.

“It’s always a little worry that when they cruise sometimes they don’t find, but he sure found plenty. It was fabulous. He showed he has the class, the pace and

can travel. He’s a worthy favourite now.

“I’ve worked for Godolphin now for 14 years. I want to win the Derby for them and, if we have runners, I will ride for them.

Good luck to Authorized. There are two weeks to go, so anything can happen.”

A different dilemma emerged for the connections of Raincoat, who would have to be supplemented to run in the Derby.

Trainer John Gosden said: “You would have to think he’s a legitimate Derby contender. This was by far the best trial run in England.”

Adagio made the early running and trainer Sir Michael Stoute said: “He ran like a miler. He got into a nice, easy rhythm, but he didn’t pick up. It was all a bit disappointing.”

RPR top juveniles in 2006 Teofilo

124

Holy Roman Emperor

124

Dutch Art

120

Finsceal Beo

120

Authorized

117

Eagle Mountain

117

Strategic Prince

117

Sander Camillo

116

Admiralofthefleet

115

Battle Paint

115

Vital Equine

115

Chapple-Hyam colt produced one of best performances in recent Trophy history AUTHORIZED recorded one of the best efforts in recent renewals of the Racing Post Trophy when scoring his 25-1 victory in the Group 1 event at Newbury on Saturday, writes Paul Eacott.

That is the opinion of Racing Post handicapper Simon Turner, who has allotted the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained colt a mark only 1lb lower than subsequent Derby winner Motivator when he won the 1m contest two years ago, and the rating Dilshaan earned when he landed the race in 2000.

“I have Authorized on 117, the runner-up Charlie Farnsbarns on 114, and the third Medicine Path on 110, the same mark that the favourite Eagle Mountain ran to in fourth,” said Turner yesterday.

“In this season’s pecking order, that puts Authorized upsides Dewhurst third Strategic Prince, and 7lb off the top performers Te o f i l o a n d H o l y R o m a n Emperor.”

Turner added: “It was a taking performance for such a lightly raced horse and it was a good time, considering it was run in a bog.

“The best recent high is the 118 achieved by Motivator and Dilshaan, so it’s quite a decent effort and he looks an exciting horse. It’s not hard to see him progress next year.”

Authorized returned home fit and well from his Newbury heroics, with connections hoping that he can make his presence felt on an even bigger stage next season.

Tony Nerses, racing manager to owners Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar, said yesterday: “He has come out of the race brilliantly – it’s as if he hasn’t even had a race. He’s picking grass and very happy, according to Peter.”

Nerses added: “I think our route will be the Guineas – he certainly has the speed – and the main target is the Derby. There’s a long way to go but, fingers crossed, we will get to Epsom.”

Au t h o r i z e d i s 3 3 - 1 w i t h sponsors Stan James for the 2,000 Guineas, and is a general second favourite at around 12-1 for the Derby, behind Teofilo. jjFirst published October 23, 2006 jjTop of ratings after York demolition Page 6

5 BLOODSTOCK PEDIGREE ANALYSIS

TONY MORRIS

A big-race winner who has a leading chance of adding to his family’s heady triumphs next year Authorized

D

EVOTEES of jump racing would doubtless describe the state of the course at Newbury on Saturday as “good jumping ground”, and the end of the big race did bear some resemblance to that of a 3m chase, with several of the runners hopelessly detached from the principals. The conditions were far from ideal for any Group 1 Flat race, let alone the top 1m event in Britain for inexperienced juveniles.

Have no doubt that quite a few of the contenders for the 2006 Racing Post Trophy were unsuited by the going, and delivered below-par performances as a result. But that does not mean we should take anything away from the colt who sprang a 25-1 surprise; he did so with such aplomb that it would seem folly to regard him as anything other than a superior athlete.

Authorized was the least experienced runner in the field, having made his debut only a month earlier. With 12 of his rivals already winners, it was going to be a severe test, whatever the ground conditions, and his trainer was in two minds as to whether to run him, right down to declaration time. The final decision was justified by a top-quality display.

When Vaguely Noble won the same race, then known as the Observer Gold Cup, in 1967, some observers (myself included) suspected that he might have been the only one to relish the going. We were wrong, and the fact that he quickened so dramatically on the dead ground, as to put seven lengths between himself and his closest pursuer over the last furlong, signified only that he was a great horse in the making.

Authorized did not win in quite the same fashion, but he did come from further back, and the gear change he effected, enabling him to cruise past his rivals with evident ease, was scarcely less impressive.

Like Vaguely Noble, Authorized was not bred to be a two-year-old and nor is he built like a mudlark. It would be rash to predict that he may reach the same heights as Vaguely Noble, who went on to win a Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, but his sire and maternal grandsire both carried off the great Longchamp prize, so he could be said to have been bred for the job.

Montjeu, with six Group 1 scores in his record, provided several exhibitions of his outstanding ability, but it was in the 1999 Arc that he gave the display that entitled him to recognition as the best of all Sadler’s Wells’s sons, coming from an unpromising position on the turn for home and reeling in El Condor Pasa while the latter was extending his advantage over the rest of the field.

Montjeu was not invincible, and he bowed out of racing after three consecutive defeats, but at his peak he could produce a withering turn of foot rarely seen in a horse whose optimum trip is 1m4f. He retired to Coolmore in the same year as Giant’s Causeway, who was regarded by many as the likelier to succeed at stud, and the fees set for the pair indicated that their promoters were of that opinion; Montjeu was available at less than a third of the price asked for the services of his stud companion.

The fear about Montjeu was that the dam’s side of his pedigree was stamina-laden, perhaps pre-disposing him to sire plodders. Several sons of Sadler’s Wells with similar distaff backgrounds had quickly found themselves dependent on jumping

Authorized followed in the hoofprints of Motivator, sired by Montjeu, in taking the Racing Post Trophy

Past evidence bodes well for Trophy hero From every angle, the omens seem propitious SIRE MONTJEU Bred by Sir James Goldsmith in Ireland. Won 11 (8-12f) of 16 races, viz. 2 out of 2 at 2 years, 5 (Prix Greffulhe-Gr2, Prix du Jockey Club-Gr1, Irish Derby-Gr1, Prix Niel-Gr2, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-Gr1) out of 7 at 3 years, 4 (Tattersalls Gold Cup-Gr1, Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud-Gr1, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S.-Gr1, Prix Foy-Gr2) out of 7 at 4 years. Also 2nd in Prix Lupin at 3, and in Champion S. at 4. Timeform 113p at 2, 137 at 3, 137 at 4. Earned £2,263,831.

Tallish, well made, but not strikingly handsome individual. Not a good mover in his slower paces, seemed unsuited by firm ground, but acted on any other, and possessed a tremendous turn of foot. One of the best 12f horses of recent times.

Well bred. The best son of his outstanding sire. Out of a lightly raced high-class stayer (won Prix de Lutece-Gr3, 2nd in Prix Royal Oak-Gr1), who was among the best daughters of her sire, a Prix du Jockey Club winner also responsible for Darara and Princess Pati.

Granddam also bred multiple Pattern-winning stayer Dadarissime.

Family of Gr3 winner Le Mamamouchi and Dear Doctor (Arlington Million).

Stands at Coolmore Stud at a fee of €125,000. Sire of 3 northern hemisphere crops of racing age, inc. notable winners: Corre Caminos (Prix Ganay-Gr1), Hurricane Run (Irish Derby-Gr1, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe-Gr1, Tattersalls Gold Cup-Gr1, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S.-Gr1), Montare (Gr2), Motivator (Racing Post Trophy-Gr1, Derby S.-Gr1), Scorpion (Grand Prix de Paris-Gr1, St Leger S.-Gr1), Mont Etoile (Gr2), Papal Bull (Gr2), Authorized (Racing Post Trophy-Gr1).

AUTHORIZED

CONCLUSIONS Broke his maiden with a first-class performance against more experienced rivals. Certain to stay 1m4f, and appeals as a legitimate Derby contender.

Nearctic

Nearco Lady Angela

Natalma

Native Dancer Almahmoud

Bold Reason

Hail To Reason Lalun

Special

Forli Thong

High Top

Derring-Do Camenae

Sega Ville

Charlottesville La Sega

Tennyson

Val De Loir Tidra

Adele Toumignon

Zeddaan Alvorada

Blushing Groom

Red God Runaway Bride

I Will Follow

Herbager Where You Lead

Welsh Pageant

Tudor Melody Picture Light

Antigua

Hyperion Nassau

Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Goofed

Court Martial Barra

Val De Loir

Vieux Manoir Vali

Sly Pola

Spy Song Ampola

Northern Dancer

Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge

Montjeu (b 1996) Top Ville

Floripedes Toute Cy

DAM FUNSIE Bred by the Wertheimer Brothers in France. Unraced.

Well bred. By an Arc de Triomphe winner, indifferent as sire, but has improving record as broodmare sire. Half-sister to 8 winners, inc.

Brooklyn’s Dance (dam of Gr3 winner Prospect Park and Listed winners Brooklyn’s Gold and Gold Dodger) and Krissante (dam of Gr1 winner Okawango).

Dam winning sister and half-sister to 12 other winners, inc. Green Dancer (Gr1), Val Danseur (Gr2), Ercolano (Gr3), Sir Raleigh (Listed), Soviet Lad (Listed), Pink Valley (Listed), and to the dam of Alhaarth (Gr1).

An exceptional family, responsible for countless important winners over several generations.

To stud at 4 years, and dam of: Authorized (2004 c by Montjeu; Gr1 winner). She has a yearling colt by Fasliyev (sold to Peter Chapple-Hyam 110,000gns at Tattersalls October Part 1 two weeks ago), and a colt-foal by Montjeu.

b c 14-2-2004

Rainbow Quest

Saumarez Fiesta Fun

Funsie (b/br 1999) Lyphard

Vallee Dansante Green Valley

Bred by Marengo Investments and Knighton House Ltd and Michael Kinane

mares for patronage. But the exploits of his first crop soon dispelled such thoughts.

Motivator’s 2004 Racing Post Trophy victory set him on his way, and by the end of 2005 Montjeu was champion sire in France and runner-up to Danehill on the Anglo-Irish list, relegating Sadler’s Wells to third place. Motivator’s Derby, Hurricane Run’s Irish Derby and Arc, and Scorpion’s St Leger confirmed that a new star had been discovered in the stallion firmament, and for 2006, Montjeu’s fee sky-rocketed from €45,000 to €125,000.

It was always on the cards that Montjeu’s second crop would be hard pressed to emulate the deeds of the first, and, sure enough, to date none has succeeded above Group 2 level, where Mont Etoile and Papal Bull scored Royal Ascot victories, the former in the Ribblesdale Stakes and the latter in the King Edward VII Stakes.

With Motivator already at stud and Scorpion’s campaign being interrupted by injury, representation in the senior ranks has been somewhat limited this year, but Hurricane Run added two more Group 1 wins, Corre Caminos broke through at the top level in the Prix Ganay, and Montare became the fifth Group 1 winner from the crop in Sunday’s Prix Royal-Oak. The upshot being Montjeu is once more guaranteed a top ten place on the sires’ table at home and seems set for the same in France.

We know what to expect of the best Montjeus, and it is what most would have hoped for – true middle-distance performers, after the fashion of their sire. Until Saturday he had got the winner of only one juvenile Pattern race; now the score is two, and both have come in the Racing Post Trophy.

W

HAT are the chances that Authorized will emulate Motivator?

On pedigree they have to be considered good, as his distaff pedigree provides more of an assurance of stamina than Motivator’s did. His unraced dam Funsie is a daughter of Saumarez, who won the 1990 Arc, and he shares his granddam with Prospect Park (by Sadler’s Wells), who was runner-up in the Prix du Jockey Club.

While it is true that Saumarez cannot claim too much distinction as a sire, he is beginning to make a mark as a broodmare sire. Authorized is the third major winner out of one of his daughters this year, and it is significant that the others both thrived over middle distances, Gentlewave having scored in the Derby Italiano, and Maroussies Wings in the Prix Minerve-Shadwell.

As for Authorized’s female line, there are few families in the Stud Book that can claim a prouder record in recent generations. His granddam Vallee Dansante produced eight winners from ten runners, and was out of Green Valley, whose only non-winner from 14 runners turned out to be the dam of Alhaarth.

The best of Green Valley’s brood was Green Dancer, who ended his first season with victory in the Observer Gold Cup and Classic glory followed in the Poule d’Essai des Poulains.

From every pedigree angle, the omens for Authorized seem propitious.

Is he a true star in the making? His trainer has thought so for a while, which is why he laid out 110,000gns to secure his Fasliyev half-brother at Newmarket two weeks ago. jjFirst published October 24, 2006

6 AUTHORIZED YORK DEMOLITION TAKES HIM TO TOP OF THE RATINGS

INTERNATIONAL HERO SOARS TO THE SUMMIT

By Paul Eacott AUTHORIZED posted a performance on a par with the world-best effort recorded

by Manduro at Royal Ascot when he bounced back to winning ways at York on Tuesday.

The Derby hero’s performance in the Juddmonte International earned him a

new career-high Racing Post Rating of 131, the same mark that Racing Post handicapper Paul Curtis gave Manduro for the second of his three wins at the highest level this season in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes.

Authorized became the first Derby winner since 2002 hero High Chaparral to score again after Epsom, and Curtis

considers his International victory a timely tonic.

He said: “I’ve got Authorized running to 131 at York, which is a pound up from the Derby. It was a very similar performance and he’s shown the Derby form is all right.”

The Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained Authorized had Dylan Thomas a length

behind in second, and Notnowcato a further three lengths back in third, on the Knavesmire, the same positions the two filled behind Manduro in June.

Curtis continued: “It was the best three-year-old performance this year, beating his effort in the Derby. That puts him on the same mark as Manduro, which is fair enough as they’ve both

beaten Dylan Thomas and Notnowcato about the same distance.”

Chapple-Hyam said yesterday: “When Rodrigo De Triano bounced back to win the International after getting beat in the St James’s Palace it meant a lot. But maybe this means more to me, as I’ve possibly been closer to this horse.” jjFirst published August 23, 2007

jjResult August 21, 2007

Juddmonte International Stakes 1 Authorized ................6-4f 2 Dylan Thomas ............2-1 3 Notnowcato ................7-2 Jockey Frankie Dettori Distances 1l, 3l THERE is still no cure for the common cold, but Frankie Dettori could vouch for the medicinal qualities of a Juddmonte International triumph on Authorized, which gave both the virus-stricken jockey and the bruised reputation of the Derby a timely pick-me-up yesterday.

Despite recording a five-length victory in the Epsom Classic, Authorized’s subsequent defeat in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes by Notnowcato had put the Peter Chapple-Hyam-trained colt’s credibility back under the microscope.

Yet, after the rematch, in which Authorized and Notnowcato were joined by the King George winner Dylan Thomas, the evidence was much clearer.

At the end of a contest this time not determined by tactical enterprise, Authorized crossed the line a length clear of Dylan Thomas, with last year’s winner Notnowcato three lengths further back in third, to become the first Derby winner since 2002 hero High Chaparral to win a subsequent race.

Chapple-Hyam said: “I’m delighted for everyone, mainly the horse. This probably means more than the Derby because he got beat and everyone was knocking him. I have to read it every day, but luckily he can’t read. It doesn’t bother me, but I worry about the horse.

“There has been a lot of pressure to make him win. I wanted him to show he was as good a horse as I said he was, but I knew if I did everything right it would be all over.”

That was very much Dettori’s experience too, as Authorized travelled with ease until approaching the furlong pole, from where he put the race to bed when forging into a clear lead that Dylan Thomas proved unable to overcome.

“In the Eclipse, everyone went out there to try to outfox me,” said Dettori.

“I was watching George Washington and Notnowcato was the one who got away.

Today there was nowhere to hide and Authorized put the record straight. He is now up there as one of the best horses I’ve ridden. I’m delighted he’s proved to the world what we thought he was.

“I’ve been sick as a dog for the last two weeks and I refused to take antibiotics because I didn’t want to feel bad, but this is the best tonic riding him today.

“Between the three pole and the one and a half, the further he was going the harder it was to hold him. He was pulling

Frankie Dettori gives trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam a hug after Authorized’s success in the Juddmonte International Stakes at York

‘I wanted him to show he was as good a horse as I always said he was’ a cart and when I saw Dylan Thomas angling out, I got three lengths and the race was over.

“Once he’s in front, he just does what he has to do. He has tremendous cruising speed and that’s what separates him from being a normal champion. I can’t wait for the Arc.” Authorized is a top-priced 11-4 favourite (from 7-2) with Blue Square, and as low as 2-1 with Ladbrokes, William Hill and Coral for his Paris match with French

champion Manduro in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, which will be the colt’s next start.

Chapple-Hyam said: “I knew I had him better today than I did for the Eclipse. If you saw him before he was jig-jogging around, whereas at the Eclipse he walked round like an old sheep. I was more nervous then than I was today.

“It’s hard to come from a prep in the Dante to go to the Derby. No matter

how easy they win, horses are trained so hard for the Derby because you have to win it, and then it’s hard to keep the edge on them. That’s why I wanted to come here instead of the Irish Champion Stakes, because there are only three weeks then to the Arc. “Now for the Arc. Manduro is a whole new ball game – he’s a superstar in his own right. Good horses should race against each other. We will never duck.

Let’s see what happens.”

Dylan Thomas, a 7-1 chance with Ladbrokes, is also in Arc contention, with his second successive defeat in the International again blamed on the ground. Trainer Aidan O’Brien said: “Dylan Thomas has run a blinder but is really a fast- ground horse.”

Notnowcato produced “a good, honest run” according to his trainer Sir Michael Stoute. “He is consistent in every way and he never lets us down,” the trainer said.

7 NEW APPROACH TENACIOUS PERFORMANCE WORTHY OF TOP BILLING

NEW SENSATION Bolger colt crowned undisputed champion after digging deep in a classic Dewhurst WINTER FAVOURITES IN GUINEAS The last ten years Year

Horse

2006

Teofilo

2,000 Guineas

2005

George Washington

2004

Shamardal

2003

One Cool Cat

13th

2002

Hold That Tiger

17th

2001

Hawk Wing

2nd

2000

Nayef

8th

1999

Distant Music

8th

1998

Aljabr

dnr

1997

Xaar

4th

did not run WON dnr

New Approach (Kevin Manning) maintains his unbeaten record with a decisive victory in the Dewhurst Stakes, emulating stablemate Teofilo 12 months before him

TO be relaxed in the heat of competition is an unmistakable sign of class – think of icons like the laid-back Clive Lloyd, the mercurial George Best or the calm Jonny Wilkinson.

But taking it easy can be overdone on the sporting field, and it almost cost New Approach the two-year-old championship. He had to dig deep to assert his superiority in the Darley Dewhurst Stakes and make Jim Bolger the first trainer to win Europe’s most prestigious juvenile contest in successive years since Vincent O’Brien struck with Monteverdi and Storm Bird in 1979 and 1980.

However, this race had always been the plan for Teofilo 12 months ago, whereas initial thoughts this season were that his year younger stablemate had “done enough” when running away with the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh last month.

It was only in the past ten days that the decision was taken to

jjResult Oct 20, 2007

Darley Dewhurst Stakes 1 New Approach ..6-4f 2 Fast Company....14-1 3 Raven’s Pass ........3-1 Owners Jackie Bolger & Sheikh Mohammed Trainer Jim Bolger Jockey Kevin Manning Groom Gerad Flynn Breeder Lodge Park Stud Distances 1⁄2l, 21⁄2l

David Carr reports aim him at this race, after homework which had been aimed at settling the occasionally

headstrong colt rather than firing him up for a 7f championship event.

Bolger’s calming efforts worked almost too well, as after being ponied to the start and settling very well in the race itself, New Approach had to be pushed along to wake him up four furlongs out and came under pressure at the two-furlong marker.

However, he showed the mark of a champion as he responded really well to Kevin Manning’s urgings, coming through to lead inside the final furlong and holding the late challenge of Fast Company.

The dual Classic favourite is now quoted as short as 6-4 for the 2,000 Guineas and 3-1 for the Derby.

“We overdid the settling on him today and it nearly cost us the race,” Bolger admitted afterwards.

“I had Derbys in mind over the last couple of weeks training him and all his work was just lobbing and loitering.

“I thought we had better get him to settle and we hadn’t really settled on the Dewhurst until around ten days ago, and I decided not to rev him before the race and we didn’t do any fast work with him, except a half-speed the o t h e r d a y, w h i c h h e d i d scintillating.

“That was the reason for his tardy-looking display today. He was asleep for most of he way, but we will be well capable of waking him up for the Guineas.

And we know now how to settle him, so we have the complete formula for him. He shouldn’t have any difficulty staying a mile and a half.”

Manning, who was handed a five-day ban for his use of the whip on the winner, concurred.

He said: “He was a little more switched off than normal, but when I have given him a flick he has gone and done his business, and the further we went the better he is getting.”

Asked to compare the winner with Teofilo, who never ran again

after last year’s win here due to injury, Manning said: “It is very unfair to compare and I wouldn’t like to be drawn into it – they are two very, very classy horses.”

Asked the same question, Bolger said: “I didn’t hear that!”

National Stakes runner-up Rio De La Plata could finish only

fourth, and Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford said: “He has put in another really honest race.

“I am not going to make excuses. Don’t forget he has had plenty of racing. He is off to Dubai, but he’ll be back next year and we know we’ve still got a good horse.”

RACING POST RATINGS VERDICT

No weak line in form A HIGH-QUALITY renewal of the Dewhurst – the time was fantastic – and New Approach more than cemented his position as the juvenile champion. This was very solid form, writes Simon Turner.

Looking back down the field, there was no weak link to raise a suspicion over the merit of the form, and that’s quite rare. The second, Fast Company, was impressive when winning at York.

The Dewhurst time comes out

more than 20lb quicker than the Rockfel. My initial reaction is that New Approach was marginally better than in the National Stakes.

While I’ve yet to fully evaluate the race, I suspect he’ll get a rating of 124 or perhaps 125.

Teofilio was rated 124 after last year’s Dewhurst, and the best recent figure was Shamardal’s 125 in 2004. jjFirst published October 21, 2007

‘The form looks cast-iron and a time quicker than the Challenge Stakes reinforces the argument’ Graham Dench’s analysis, page 23

8 BLOODSTOCK PEDIGREE ANALYSIS

TONY MORRIS

When a trainer not renowned for hyperbole likens his colt to Secretariat, we should take note New Approach

A

T THIS time a year ago, Teofilo had won the EBF Maiden at the Curragh, the Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown and the Curragh Futurity – and Jim Bolger was telling all who would listen that he was the best horse he had ever handled.

Now the County Carlow trainer, whose pronouncements are always worth heeding, has another two-year-old colt by the same sire who has won the same three races.

And this one he likens to Secretariat.

Connections of other 2008 Classic aspirants must hope Bolger’s allusion refers only to the colt’s chestnut coat and white legs.

But chances are that there is more to the comparison than mere physical resemblances. New Approach has been impressive in all his races, never more so than on Saturday when brushing Royal Ascot winner and former ante-post Guineas favourite Henrythenavigator aside, and was never threatened by the late flourish of Curtain Call. Everything he has done suggests he is a serious racehorse, and both his physique and his pedigree allow the conviction that he will develop into a formidable three-year-old.

Whether he continues on the path trod by Teofilo last year remains to be decided. He has the option of trying to emulate his former stablemate in the Group 1 National Stakes on September 16, but as he came out of last year’s Million sale at Goffs, there is a tempting alternative two days earlier in the hugely valuable race restricted to graduates of that auction.

Bolger has been a keen supporter of Galileo from the outset of the Coolmore horse’s stud career. He was the breeder of Teofilo, plus Irish Derby hero Soldier Of Fortune and his older brother Heliostatic, and half an hour after the Futurity win by New Approach, his €430,000 purchase at Kill, he saddled 270,000gns buy Prima Luce for an authoritative victory that suggested she might well be the sire’s next Pattern scorer.

Why wouldn’t anybody have fancied Galileo to make a name for himself at stud? As a racehorse he had provided a marvellous advertisement for the oldest of all breeding formulae, putting the best to the best. As the product of the era’s dominant sire and a mare who had won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, he was entitled to prove a superior athlete, and his splendid Group 1 treble in the Derby, Irish Derby and King George emphasised that he was just that – one of the best middle-distance three-year-olds of the last decade.

Even so, when Galileo entered stud in 2002, there was still a question mark over sire-sons of Sadler’s Wells in this part of the world. Although El Prado had proved a surprising success in America, and Fort Wood was a champion in South Africa, there had been a number of high-profile disappointments in Europe, and for all their successes, neither Barathea nor In The Wings had ever quite promised to become major influences.

(Incidentally, although In The Wings has a decent sire-son in Singspiel, he had never featured as broodmare sire of a Pattern winner until Queen’s Best won the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor on Saturday.)

But 2002 was the year in which the first foals by Montjeu first saw the light of day, and as they included Hurricane Run, Motivator and Scorpion, it soon seemed that doubts

about the male line succession might have been misplaced. Galileo, with an almost equally formidable first crop featuring Classic winners in Nightime and Sixties Icon, plus Breeders’ Cup hero Red Rocks, provided further proof that sons of Sadler’s Wells could deliver at the top level.

T

New Approach: being out of an aged mare, who died last year, has proved no barrier to success

Galileo does Bolger another big turn Unbeaten colt is trainer’s latest star by Coolmore sire SIRE GALILEO Bred by David Tsui & Orpendale in Ireland. Won 6 (8-12f) of 8 races, viz. 1 (Leopardstown maiden) out of 1 at 2 years, 5 (inc. Irish Derby Trial S.-Gr3, Derby S.-Gr1, Irish Derby S.-Gr1, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S.-Gr1) out of 7 at 3 years. Also 2nd in Irish Champion S. Earned £1,621,110. Timeform 107p at 2, 134 at 3.

Extremely attractive, 16.0 hh, and a splendid mover. Top-notch performer at 10-12f. Effective on all turf surfaces, not on dirt.

Impeccably bred. By the outstanding sire of modern times, out of a winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Brother to dual Gr1 winner Black Sam Bellamy and Classic-placed Gr3 winner All Too Beautiful, half-brother to Urban Ocean (by Bering; Gr3 winner), My Typhoon (by Giant’s Causeway; Gr1 winner), and Melikah (by Lammtarra; Classic-placed Listed winner).

Stands at Coolmore Stud, Fethard, County Tipperary, at a fee of €150,000. Sire of 3 crops of racing age, inc. notable winners: Allegretto (Gr2), Galatee (Gr3), Heliostatic (Gr3), Nightime (Irish 1,000 Guineas-Gr1), Red Rocks (Breeders’ Cup Turf-Gr1), Sixties Icon (St Leger S.-Gr1), Vendangeur (Gr2), Mahler (Gr3), Soldier Of Fortune (Irish Derby-Gr1), Teofilo (National S.-Gr1, Dewhurst S.Gr1), New Approach (Gr2).

NEW APPROACH

CONCLUSIONS Has mirrored Teofilo’s career, clearly high class, and bred to excel over middle distances at three. Potentially of Classic calibre.

Nearctic

Nearco Lady Angela

Natalma

Native Dancer Almahmoud

Bold Reason

Hail To Reason Lalun

Special

Forli Thong

Mr Prospector

Raise A Native Gold Digger

Hopespringseternal

Buckpasser Rose Bower

Lombard

Agio Promised Lady

Anatevka

Espresso Almyra

Klairon

Clairon Kalmia

Phoenissa

The Phoenix Erica Fragrans

Martial

Hill Gail Discipliner

Quaker Girl

Whistler Mayflower

Tantieme

Deux Pour Cent Terka

Relance

Relic Polaire

Grey Sovereign

Nasrullah Kong

Loved One

Vigorous Sama

Northern Dancer

Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge

Galileo (b 1998) Miswaki

Urban Sea

DAM PARK EXPRESS Bred by Peter Clarke in Ireland. Ir17,000gns Tatts Ireland foal, 42,000gns Tatts October yearling. Won 5 (6f-1m4f) of 14 starts, viz.

1 out of 3 at 2 years, 4 (inc. Lancashire Oaks-Gr3, Nassau S.-Gr2, Irish Champion S.-Gr1) out of 11 at 3 years. Also placed 5 times, inc.

2nd in Yorkshire Oaks. Timeform 111 at 2, 123 at 3. Earned £346,896.

Big, well-made, attractive sort. Effective on any ground. Tough, consistent, high-class performer. Stayed 1m4f, probably better at 1m2f. Well bred. Half-sister to Listed winner Myra’s Best (dam of Australian Gr3 winner Forest Express, granddam of Italian Gr1 winner Waky Nao). Dam unplaced half-sister to 4 winners, inc.

Quick Selection (stakes winner in US, dam of Graded-placed winners, granddam of Gr2 winner Bandari). Granddam Listed winner.

To stud at 4 years and dam of: Lady Express (1990 f by Soviet Star; winner), Park Heiress (1991 f by Sadler’s Wells; unraced), Tycoon King (1992 c by Last Tycoon; Listed-placed winner), Shinko Forest (1993 c by Green Desert; Gr1 winner in Japan), Green Seraphim (1995 f by Caerleon; unraced), Dazzling Park (1996 f by Warning; Gr3 winner, Gr1-placed), Innocent Affair (1997 f by Night Shift; unplaced), Alluring Park (1999 f by Green Desert; Listedplaced winner), Dubai Sun (2000 c by Desert Prince; placed), Thunder Rock (2002 c by King’s Best; winner), Sir Arthur (2003 c

by Desert Prince; winner), New Approach (2005 c by Galileo; Gr2 winner). Had dead colt by Lomond in 1989, not covered in 1993, barren to Spectrum in 1998, to King’s Best in 2004. Died in 2006.

ch c 18-2-2005

Allegretta

Lorenzaccio

Ahonoora Helen Nichols

Park Express (br 1993) Match

Matcher Lachine

Bred by Lodge Park Stud in Ireland; €430,000 Goffs Million yearling

HE follow-up from Montjeu has been impressive, best exemplified by Authorized, although he has evidently had his problems at stud this year and may have to serve restricted books in future. With Soldier Of Fortune and Teofilo in his second crop, and New Approach in his third, Galileo seems poised to become his sire’s most important agent – something that 2006’s markets apparently anticipated, with averages of 132,297gns for his 71 sale yearlings and 107,026gns for the 28 foals traded at auction. This year’s rise in his fee to €150,000 can only have ensured that his book contained more quality than ever.

But we must not overlook the fact that just as Galileo might have owed as much of his merit to Urban Sea – notable as both racemare and broodmare – as to Sadler’s Wells, New Approach is not just the son of a top-class athlete and sire. He is the last foal of his dam Park Express, a daughter of Ahonoora who thrived famously for Bolger in the mid-1980s and who enjoyed considerable success as a broodmare for the Burns family’s Lodge Park Stud.

Park Express won only a maiden at two, but a creditable fifth in the Cheveley Park Stakes gave a hint of what was to come in her busy and highly progressive three-year-old campaign. In the second half of that season she developed into a formidable competitor, winning the Group 3 Lancashire Oaks, the (then) Group 2 Nassau Stakes and the Group 1 Phoenix Champion Stakes.

Third to Triptych in Newmarket’s Champion, on what was her 11th start of the season, she was then sent to contest the Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Santa Anita, only to be laid low by colic on the eve of the race.

As a broodmare, Park Express earned her first plaudits as the dam of Shinko Forest (by Green Desert), a sprinter of Group 1 standard in Japan and now a sire of fast horses at Rathbarry Stud; his son Electric Beat won the Group 2 Golden Peitsche at Baden-Baden on Sunday. The mare’s daughter by Warning, Dazzling Park, was a Group 3 winner in the Matron Stakes and was also placed in the Irish 1,000 Guineas and Irish Champion Stakes.

In addition, she had two products who fetched fortunes in the sales ring but did not excel on the racecourse.

Her Desert Prince colt Dubai Sun remained a maiden, having cost 2,300,000gns, and Thunder Rock, her son by King’s Best, won only once after his purchase for 775,000gns.

In the light of those costly failures, the €430,000 shelled out for New Approach might have been deemed to represent a risky venture, and no doubt many would have rejected the colt readily on the simple grounds that he was out of an aged mare.

Bolger had good reason not to share the common prejudice against old mares, and it will not concern him that the last – and only – mare to have produced a Derby winner at the age of 22 was Ferina, whose son Pretender won in 1869.

It is surely time there was another. jjFirst published August 28, 2007

9 NEW APPROACH PONY EXPRESS DELIVERS THE REAL DEAL

‘There was no dispute that he was the champion of his age group’ Richard Austen on a peerless performer on the track who will not be bullied off of it

T

HERE was something familiar about a champion two-year-old carrying the white and purple colours of Mrs Bolger, but New Approach in 2007 looked a one-off. His first campaign matched that of Teofilo all the way, but he will be remembered just as much for the differences.

The overriding difference between New Approach and 99.9 per cent of the horse population, if not his former stablemate, is, of course, in terms of racing ability. The other Irish two-year-olds could not beat him and when the best of the British joined in, they also proved unequal.

It may have seemed a close call in the end, judged on the Dewhurst result, but there was no dispute that New Approach was the champion of his age group. It was, however, an incongruous sight to have such a champion accompanied throughout the racecourse preliminaries by his pony.

Ponies are a familiar sight in US racing, but although there are provisions for them in the Irish and British rule books, if ponying horses to the start were ever common practice on a British racecourse, those days are long gone.

Before New Approach it was all but unheard of.

It could catch on.

New Approach ran in the same five races as Teofilo and

with the same result. All were under Kevin Manning over 7f, commencing with a maiden at the Curragh in mid-July for which he started co-second favourite, raced freely in the front rank and wandered when he eventually came off the bridle but was well on top.

Like all of Jim Bolger’s two-year-olds, New Approach wore a sheepskin noseband on his debut and it was absent 13 days later when he faced just three rivals in the Group 3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown.

At evens, New Approach dictated the pace and was joined by one rival early in the straight, but it was for only a few strides. All went without a hitch in the race but he had, in Bolger’s words, “got a little bit strong” on the way to post and this prompted the exhaustive measures to ensure that nothing would go wrong subsequently.

It looked extraordinary, but employing a pony is something Bolger has done “a few times” and New Approach now not only has one pony, he has a reserve as well, the original first choice having been demoted after the colt remained unruffled, but the pony did not, when both were confronted by some flags at the Curragh.

The current first choice is the strapping and good-tempered four-year-old Metamorphosis, a modest maiden himself on the track but seemingly highly proficient when redeployed as a nursemaid.

New Approach making his way into the paddock reluctantly and in reverse may have seemed an inauspicious curtain-raiser for the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at the Curragh, but Irish punters already knew better and sent him off at 8-11 – this despite the presence of the Aidan O’Brien-trained Henrythenavigator, who was disputing ante-post

favouritism for the 2,000 Guineas.

As importantly in terms of the test for New Approach, O'Brien also fielded the already disappointing but still speedy Warsaw. In a pace-setting or spoiling role, Warsaw was upsides New Approach and set alight after a couple of furlongs, the two of them then proceeding at a rate of knots but with the Bolger runner apparently easily on top.

Warsaw cracked two furlongs out. This was where Henrythenavigator was to have his go at an in-theory weakened leader – in theory, but while Henrythenavigator was within two lengths at the furlong marker, it was New Approach who drew away again.

N

OW it was New Approach rather than Henrythenavigator who vied for top spot in the Guineas betting.

Soft ground was mentioned as an excuse for the O’Brien horse, but it was beginning to look very much as if the might of Ballydoyle had nothing that could live with New Approach.

For the Group 1 National Stakes at the Curragh, O’Brien was reduced to two runners at 25-1 and two at 100-1.

Myboycharlie, the impressive Prix Morny winner, had, however, been enlisted to carry the Magnier colours and

Kevin Manning on New Approach after the Champion Stakes, the colt’s fifth Group 1 win

Godolphin had Rio De La Plata, a clear-cut winner of the Vintage Stakes.

Bounced out in front, 9-4 favourite New Approach carried his head awkwardly at one point (apparently distracted) and was put under pressure sooner and more firmly than in any race previously, but he kept on running.

Rio De La Plata emerged from towards the rear to be alongside Myboycharlie a furlong out and then went into second, but he was unable to make any significant impression on New Approach, who beat him by a length and three-quarters.

By this stage, New Approach’s reaction to racecourse crowds was threatening to become Garbo-esque and on this Curragh visit he failed to enter the parade ring at all in the official preliminaries, refusing to go under an arch.

His performance in the race, though, looked probably enough to earn recognition as champion two-year-old and connections seemed content to end his campaign there, but when a strong field began to materialise for the Dewhurst five weeks later it seemed that the title might just be under threat. New Approach was called back.

In the Dewhurst aftermath, Bolger reported: “I had Derbys in mind over the last couple of weeks training him and all his work was just lobbing and loitering. I thought we had better get him to settle – that was the reason for his tardy-looking display today. He was asleep for most of the way, but we will be well capable of waking him up for the Guineas. And we know now how to settle him, so we have

‘The overriding difference between New Approach and 99.9 per cent of the horse population is in terms of racing ability. The other Irish two-year-olds could not beat him and when the best of the British joined in, they also proved unequal’

the complete formula for him.

He shouldn’t have any difficulty staying a mile and a half.”

With certain competition for the lead in the Dewhurst, and the increased improbability of repeatedly making all over a variety of distances as a three-year-old, possessing tactical variations was highly desirable.

A slow start and immediately getting bumped prevented New Approach making the running, even if Kevin Manning had wanted him to, but he had a clear run.

He was nudged along at various stages before arriving near the front rank, along with four others, just before the two-furlong marker, from which point Manning threw everything at him (and earned a five-day ban) until the pair were safely past the post.

R

AVEN’S PASS made a promising bid for glory, but the chief threat came from well back and on the outside with Fast Company.

There was only a neck in it at one point, but New Approach seemed to be going away again close home and scored by half a length, the pair two and a half and the same clear of Raven’s Pass and a below-form Rio De La Plata.

New Approach’s Dewhurst participation was not decided by the Bolgers alone. Sheikh Mohammed had bought a half-share in the horse before the National – an old approach for the sheikh, one might say, but part of a new one too as he shopped far and wide in 2007 for top stallion prospects with whom to take on his Coolmore rivals.

Teofilo was among those already bought by Darley. The other half of New Approach followed in January, but he remains in training with Bolger. Both colts are by Galileo, a great source of success for the trainer – including as sire of the Bolger-bred Soldier Of Fortune – and part of the attraction for Sheikh Mohammed as a new means of tapping into the success of Coolmore stallions, which he has otherwise declared persona non grata.

Bolger has long placed his faith consistently in certain stallions – Mr Greeley is another currently serving him extremely well – and he trained the dams of Teofilo and New Approach.

Park Express, New Approach’s dam, was one of the luminaries in a much earlier phase of Bolger’s success, with wins in the Nassau Stakes and the Phoenix Park Champion.

That was in 1986 and New Approach is her 13th and final foal, perhaps helping to explain how he avoided the clutches of others who would normally have been raising their hands or scratching their noses for a Galileo colt when Bolger bid €430,000 at Goffs for him as a yearling.

The multi-million purchase will henceforth run in the colours of Princess Haya, Sheikh Mohammed’s wife.

Questions of development from two to three usually centre on physical issues, but there is clearly also a temperament one with New Approach. However, a study of the race videos suggest there is very little to quibble about. He has been subjected to strong pressure and has not flinched. The use of blinkers was suggested in some quarters after the Dewhurst, but they are not the No. 1 issue in Bolger’s plans – “not even No. 99”.

At home he is described by his trainer as “a fresh kind of horse, not one for an inexperienced rider”. He has been accompanied by his pony on occasions at home, but theirs is not the type of cosy domestic arrangement that, for instance, the former smart chaser Remittance Man had with Nobby the sheep.

Before New Approach, Newmarket director of racing Michael Prosser had never received a request for a runner to be ‘ponied’. He is highly likely to get another one for Guineas day, as Bolger reflected: “The chances are he’d be okay, but we don’t want to take chances.”

In 2008 the Guineas and Derby could be at stake. jjFirst published February 16, 2008

10 NEW APPROACH GLORIOUS ‘MISTAKE’ THAT PAID CLASSIC DIVIDENDS jjResult June 7, 2008

Vodafone Derby 1 New Approach ....5-1 2 Tartan Bearer......6-1 3 Casual Conquest..7-2f Owner Princess Haya of Jordan Trainer Jim Bolger Jockey Kevin Manning Groom Pat O’Donovan Breeder Lodge Park Stud Distances 1⁄2l, 41⁄2l

By Jon Lees EPSOM won a new convert yesterday as Jim Bolger completed a metamorphosis not even he entertained two weeks ago when New Approach, the focus of a controversial ‘will he or won’t he run’ saga, captured the race he was never trained for by clinching the Vodafone Derby.

His Derby destiny so clearly mapped around the Curragh and not Epsom for a crucial six weeks of the ante-post betting calendar, and only left in the race by “mistake”, New Approach justified his trainer’s surprise u-turn by threading his way up the rail to beat Tartan Bearer.

Ridden to victory by Kevin Manning, Bolger’s son-in-law, New Approach realised Sheikh Mohammed’s dream to win the Derby by triumphing in the colours of his wife Princess Haya of Jordan, for whom he had been bought as a gift.

“This is very special,” said Bolger. “I thought before the race it would be up there with the best, but I very willingly say it is the best. There is no need to emphasise the mistake. It was the biggest mistake I made in a long time, but it was fortuitous and it has worked out for the best.”

New Approach’s transfer to the start by his pony Metamorphosis was completed without causing delay to the start, but when the field was sent off, Manning had a considerable task settling the colt. He was pulling furiously for his head and bouncing between horses at the rear of the field.

In the straight he found his stride and, urged through the middle of the field as Tartan Bearer sprinted down the outside to take the lead two furlongs out, New Approach cut across to the far rail to reel in Ryan Moore’s mount and snatch control to score by half a length, with 7-2 favourite Casual Conquest four and a half lengths back in third.

Back in April, Bolger had stated that he could not fit the Derby into the race programme he had devised for New Approach, last year’s champion two-year-old, and that he was targeting the 2,000 Guineas, Irish 2,000 Guineas and Irish Derby in agreement with the sheikh.

Yet on Monday he made the announcement that he had changed his mind and would run New Approach at Epsom, a decision for which he was accused of showing contempt for punters.

Defending his conduct yesterday, Bolger said: “After the press conference for the 2,000 Guineas, when I stated that Epsom was not on his agenda, you will know what happened

New Approach (right), having raced freely under Kevin Manning in the early stages, holds Tartan Bearer and Ryan Moore to win the Derby at Epsom

IT HAD TO BE

NEW

Brilliant winner storms in as Bolger stands firm as regards his races, and I felt all along if we were to try to win two Guineas with him it wouldn’t be possible to take in the Epsom Derby.

“I didn’t want to build anyone’s hopes up at that stage, so I was happy to say we would not be coming to Epsom as I felt that, having had two Guineas runs

and only two weeks between the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Derby, that it just wouldn’t be possible.

“When the cancellations came up I had four or five horses on the

‘Only exceptional colts like Grundy and The Minstrel have won the Derby after taking both the Guineas, and there is no question New Approach is a rare talent’ Graham Dench’s analysis, page 24

list to take out, and to this day I don’t know why I didn’t take out New Approach. It was a genuine mistake and it was an embarrassment to me at the time.

I just didn’t think there was any chance he would be running here.

“He was still in the list and three days after the Irish 2,000 Guineas he hadn’t lost any weight, and he was bucking

and squealing by Wednesday.

“I thought about it for a few days, in fairness to everybody – I mean the ownership of the horse. I had to be sure of my ground before I made contact with John [Ferguson, the sheikh’s adviser] on the Sunday to see if they would be in agreement with running the horse.

“I said to [wife] Jackie after I spoke to John, ‘I don’t think this will be happening’, and I was thrilled to get the call back from John to tell me that if I was happy with the horse, the horse should run.”

Manning picked up a threeday ban for careless riding after New Approach impeded Rio De La Plata when he was switched to the inside at the end of a ride Bolger described as “the best I’ve seen at Epsom”.

Manning said: “I got caught in between a couple of horses and that just made him race keener than I wished. I had to go back further than I would have liked, but I had loads of horse under me and when the gaps opened up I took them.

“He is a very, very classy horse.

This is every jockey’s dream.”

Bolger confirmed the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby remained on the agenda for New Approach and that races like the Juddmonte International, Irish Champion Stakes, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe were possible targets, after which he could be “handed over to Godolphin”.

A stud career might also be considered by Sheikh Mohammed for New Approach, whose owner Princess Haya said of the horse: “He is aptly named because he [the sheikh] is very much a man of new approaches.”

11 NEW APPROACH CHAPTER CLOSES ON A BRILLIANT RACING CAREER jjResult October 18, 2008

Emirates Airline Champion Stakes 1 New Approach...6-5f 2 Twice Over..........8-1 3 Linngari ............12-1 Jockey Kevin Manning Distances 6l, 11⁄2l IT was billed as Champions Day, and yesterday New Approach proved that is precisely what he is, as he wrapped up his headlinegrabbing career with his fifth – and perhaps best – Group 1 victory, writes Paul Eacott.

In slamming ten rivals in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes, he chipped almost a second off a course record that had stood for 24 years.

The commanding success was his last, with trainer Jim Bolger announcing the Derby winner’s retirement before anyone had time to ponder what 2009 might hold in store for New Approach.

Even though history was not on his side, New Approach was sent off at compressed odds of 6-5 to become the first since Sir Ivor in 1968 to complete the Derby-Champion Stakes double.

He is also only the third horse ever to bring off the DewhurstDerby-Champion treble, following the unbeaten Triple Crown hero Ormonde (1885-86) and Lemberg (1909-10).

But punters who had availed themselves of that price must have thought it was a steal when the Galileo colt eased past his pacemaker Upton Grey three furlongs out to leave Twice Over, Linngari and the rest with a hopeless task.

They finished sixth lengths and more behind a horse whom Bolger subsequently labelled “the finest at anything beyond a mile” that he has trained. A prize-money haul of just under £2 million backs up those words.

Newmarket’s crowd witnessed the now-familiar scenes of New Approach heading to post in his own time, accompanied by companion Metamorphosis, but after arriving at the start in his usual pedestrian fashion, the recent script was ripped up when he turned round to embark on the 1m2f trip back up the Rowley Mile, as the hard-pulling antics that have been evident for much of his three-year-old career were banished from the memory.

“He had it worked out himself,” said the trainer after bolstering his already impressive record in Group races at Newmarket, “and he gave me two fingers on his last run”.

New Approach is in splendid isolation as he ends his racing career with a bloodless victory in the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket

Bombproof winner signs off with fifth Group 1 victory The trainer added: “It was his last run and he has done everything right. It’s all over now.”

Bolger was not slow in coming forward in throwing around the superlatives – “near to perfect”, “bombproof” and “the complete p a c k a g e ” w e re a m o n g t h e expressions he used to describe New Approach – but only the harshest critic could pick faults in those statements on the evidence of what Princess Haya’s colt showed here, as, truth be told, the others were just fighting

for second a long way from home.

Kevin Manning, who rode New Approach in all his 11 races, like his father-in-law played down his part in the success story.

“Jim does the hard work in training him, I just turn up on the day and ride him,” he said.

Manning, who had 35 minutes earlier driven the Bolger-trained Intense Focus home to win the Dewhurst, added: “The pacemaker has done a very good job. He settled very well and then he has

done everything right – I think that was the best performance of his career.”

Henry Cecil was delighted with the effort of three-year-old Twice Over, but was left wondering what might have been had the year-older Phoenix Tower not been hit by a career-ending injury in the build-up to the race.

“Twice Over ran a great race and he could have done with a bit more give in the ground,” said Cecil after saddling his fifth Group 1 runner-up of the year.

He added: “The winner was very good. I think Phoenix Tower would have given him a race, but whether he would have beaten him or not, I don’t know. Phoenix Tower was at least four or five lengths ahead of Twice Over.”

Twice Over edged right as he started to make his move two and a half furlongs out, a manoeuvre that resulted in rider Tom Queally picking up a two-day ban for careless riding.

Linngari, second in Turkey and third in Germany on his two

previous starts, could be on his travels one final time after again finishing in a podium position.

Trainer Sir Michael Stoute said of the six-year-old: “It was as good a performance as he has ever put up. He’s a model of consistency.

“Ideally he would have been suited by some give in the ground, but the winner was superb. He has an entry in Hong Kong but it’s too early to say.” jjPerfect farewell for Approach Page 12

Trainer’s delight as star colt is champion of the world

By Graham Dench and Tony O’Hehir JIM BOLGER has welcomed the news that New Approach has been rated the world champion turf horse in the 2008 World Thoroughbred Rankings, 12 months after topping the European two-year-old rankings.

Although the panel could rate the colt’s Derby-winning figure no

higher than 124, he earned a mark of 130 when a runaway six-length winner of the Champion Stakes, and that rating places him equal top with the outstanding American dirt horse Curlin.

Bolger said: “It’s very good news. But then training champions is something we’ve gotten used to here at Coolcullen. It’s a pity that New Approach and Curlin

won’t be meeting up on the track this year, but as they say in the US, they can take each other on in the breeding sheds instead.”

In the list published by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities early in November, New Approach was a pound behind Curlin on 129, but Garry O’Gorman, co-chairman of the World Thoroughbred Rankings Supervisory Committee,

denied that the change was a compromise or that there was any mystery behind it.

He said: “Although 129 was the figure published in early November after discussions just with my co-chairman Nigel Gray, domestically I had published New Approach at 130 post-Newmarket.

“The figure of 129 emerged from a very limited time frame, based on two days of exchanging

emails and rushed phone calls. It’s not quite as democratic and comprehensive a discussion as we have when we all get together in Hong Kong in December.”

Justifying the colt’s 6lb rise in the Champion Stakes, the BHA’s head of handicapping Phil Smith said: “Although Garry and I agreed to downgrade our original Derby figure from 126 to 124, we always felt he was capable of a really

good performance when circumstances were right for him, and winning the Champion Stakes by six lengths was a stunning performance.

“I’m delighted that the best three-year-old colt is once again the Derby winner, even though his best performance did not come in the Derby.” jjFirst published January 14, 2009

12 NEW APPROACH ACHIEVEMENT CAPABLE OF REACHING BACK THROUGH HISTORY

The master handler conjures up perfect farewell for Approach Alastair Down hails Jim Bolger, who landed a Group 1 Champions Day double, headed by the brilliant New Approach

J

IM BOLGER, martinet, mentor, man of God and master of making money, ruled Newmarket yesterday with a Group 1 double spearheaded by New Approach, who has much in common with his trainer in that he is brilliant and has his own way of doing things.

Adding the Champion Stakes to a Derby victory has proved beyond five Epsom winners since Sir Ivor doubled up 40 years ago, but New Approach, sucking sustenance from his pacemaker like a hummingbird hanging off a flower, powered his way home by six utterly superior lengths.

This was by no means a white-hot Champion field, with just Linngari’s Munich Group 1 the only top-level victory this season outside of the winner’s own, but they would have had to start five minutes earlier to beat him, which they might have done had New Approach’s ponied progress to the stalls not delayed the race by that length of time.

We have become used to New Approach hurling himself from the traps hell-bent on getting Kevin Manning’s arms wrenched from their sockets. But he was at his most biddable here and there was even a suggestion that Manning had to shake the reins at him after a few strides to make him go about

his work in pursuit of the trailblazing Upton Grey.

Poised in second like a huge wave on the point of breaking and submerging all, New Approach travelled super sweetly, and from the second Manning flicked him up into overdrive at the three-pole, the rest were never going to get within shouting distance.

Bolger said: “I think his run today was near to perfect. It all worked out. He is the finest horse I have trained and to win a Group 1 race and still have something in the tank is unbelievable.”

New Approach has proved himself special indeed. The manner of his Derby win after pulling seemingly to the point of destruction for the first seven furlongs marked him out as something far removed from the ordinary. To close out his career with a brace of Champion Stakes (GB and Ireland) also makes him the most tantalising prospect that Sheikh Mohammed has been able to retire to stud to date since Dubai Millennium.

By Galileo, New Approach was the final foal out of the early Bolger top-notcher in Park Express. She was blind by the time she had New Approach and he had a bell put on him to stop her standing on him, an arrangement that some believe may have contributed to the Derby winner’s quirkiness.

New Approach has his crucial Derby victory bolstered by the all-important ten-furlong Group 1 successes that satisfies the modern commercial breeders’ fixation with speed and more speed.

And with the superb

Kevin Manning is all smiles as he returns to the Newmarket winner’s enclosure on hero-of-the-hour New Approach

physical specimen of Teofilo already hard at it in the covering sheds, the sheikh has the two outstanding stallion prospects that his operation has been crying out for.

The winner is only the third horse to complete the Dewhurst, Derby, Champion treble, the first being the mighty Ormonde trained by John Porter at Kingsclere to

win the 1888 Triple Crown under Fred Archer.

Now 120 years on we have an achievement that is capable of reaching back through history and invoking one of

‘I think his run today was near to perfect. It all worked out. He is the finest horse I have trained and to win a Group 1 race and still have something in the tank is unbelievable’ Jim Bolger cannot hide his pride in New Approach

the Turf’s legends. Having acknowledged that everything went perfectly for New Approach, Bolger added: “It’s as if he waved two fingers at me on this his last run.”

His feats have been rare indeed. Let’s hope he hands on the brilliance to his descendants to write some future chapters. jjFirst published October 19, 2008

13 STREET BOSS EMERGENCE OF A NEW SPRINT SENSATION

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BLOOD-HORSE

Highly regarded Street Boss takes charge of Los Angeles jjResult May 10, 2008

Los Angeles Handicap 1 Street Boss ........7-5f 2 Sailors Sunset..144-10 3 High Standards..30-1 Owners Bluegate Corp, Headley and Naify Trainer Bruce Headley Jockey David Flores Breeder Brilliant Stables Inc Distances 1l, 11⁄2l

By Tracy Gantz FAVORED Street Boss, overcoming much trouble in his stakes debut, showed why many feel he is the best sprinter in Southern California with a resounding late charge to win the $110,500 Los Angeles Handicap (Grade 3) at Hollywood Park May 10.

The four-year-old Street Cry colt, trained by Bruce Headley, established Hollywood’s Cushion Track mark of 1min 07.55sec for the six-furlong Los Angeles while winning by a measured length over the front-running Sailors Sunset. It was the third straight win for the Kentucky-bred Street Boss, a $300,000 Keeneland September yearling sale graduate of 2005.

“This is just his first [stakes] win, but he ran pretty fast today,” Headley said. “I think he’s like Surf Cat and can sprint or route.

I want to keep focused on the sprint because that’s what I’m doing. I’m not doing anything but sprinting because of the Breeders’ Cup. They were all out there running pretty fast, so it looked like the pace set up just right.”

David Flores, replacing Alex Solis on Street Boss for Headley, was squeezed and clipped heels shortly after the start and trailed the field down the backstretch.

After making substantial progress while getting a ground-saving trip down the backstretch, Street Boss had to be steadied again rounding the turn for home. But

in the home stretch, Street Boss angled out for clearance and paddled Cushion aggressively to sweep past the pacesetters High Standards, Sailors Sunset, and Peace Chant under left-handed urging.

“The horses inside and outside shut me off,’ Flores said of the start. “I just gave him his head because sometimes when you take hold it gets worse. He was able to recover right away. It was l i ke h e g o t m a d a f t e r t h a t happened. I could feel it in the middle of the turn, I had so much horse. I was just waiting for room.

When he got clear at the top of the stretch, he just blew away from them.”

Sailors Sunset, who won the Los Angeles last year, finished

second, beaten a length and a half, under Jon Court at odds of 14-1, with High Standards, a 30-1 outsider ridden by Joe Rosario, holding on for third a length and a quarter further back.

With those battling on the front end throughout, the quarter-mile fractions were an eyecatching 21.74sec and 43.80sec.

The lightly raced Street Boss, who had not previously worked or raced at Hollywood Park, won for the fifth time in nine starts for owners Bluegate Corp., Headley and Marsha Naify. Brilliant Stable bred the chestnut, who bumped his career earnings to $221,800 w i t h t h e w i n n i n g s h a re o f $66,300.

Street Boss was heavily backed at 7-5 in the nine-horse field,

paying $4.80, $3.40, and $2.80 while topping a $2 exacta worth $64. Sailors Sunset, who has not won in five starts since last year’s race for trainer Marcelo Polanco, was a tough runner-up, returning $9.40 and $7.40. High Standards was $9.40 to show.

“It was frustrating,” Court said.

“My horse wasn’t getting tired. I was surprised to see Street Boss run me down. He just got outrun fair and square.”

The Chilean-bred El Manuel ran for fourth, followed by Bonfante, Barber, Peace Chant, Doppio and Grade 1 winner Bilo, the second choice, who weakened in the stretch after a stalking trip. jjFirst published in the Blood-Horse edition of May 17, 2008

Rising star paves way in Triple Bend for Grade 1 breakthrough jjResult July 5, 2008

Triple Bend Handicap 1 Street Boss ......7-10f 2 Elite Squadron..42-10 3 Tropic Storm ....19-5 Jockey David Flores Distances 1⁄2l, 21⁄4l

By Tracy Gantz ODDS-ON choice Street Boss continued his rapid ascent among the nation’s top sprinters when he overcame a wide trip to defeat a stubborn Elite Squadron in the $300,000 Triple Bend Handicap (Grade 1) at Hollywood Park July 5. The victory was the Bruce Headley trainee’s fourth in a row, all over synthetic surfaces.

Headley, who has compared Street Boss favorably to his champion sprinter Kona Gold at this point in their respective careers, wasn’t thrilled that the four-year-old Street Cry gelding

was unable to switch leads after rallying off the turn five paths wide in the seven-furlong event.

But despite the mistake and the extra ground he covered under jockey David Flores, Street Boss proved his gameness while holding off Elite Squadron despite drifting in late. They scored a half-length victory in a time of 1min 22.42sec.

“I was six wide but everybody was pushing just to hold on,” Flores noted. “I was in the best spot, the best position with the best horse. He wasn’t getting tired at all. He was just looking around, just galloping. He made me work because he wanted to pull up. I had to tell him it’s not over yet.”

Street Boss rallied from the back of the six-horse field as High Standards set the early pace while severely pressured by Elite Squadron, a little slow into stride for jockey Rafael Bejarano.

Fractions were 23.29sec for the opening quarter mile and 44.97sec for the half.

By that point, HIgh Standards had backed out and Street Boss, with nowhere to go, made a bold move on the extreme outside as the other runners in the race fanned out coming into the stretch.

He reached the front inside the three-sixteenth pole and appeared to have the race under control heading down the lane. But Elite Squadron wasn’t done at the rail and fought back under strong urging from Bejarano. Street Boss, under steady handling by Flores, who gave him a couple of taps with the whip, maintained the advantage through the finish line. “[Street Boss] was getting tired and my horse was trying to come back,” Bejarano said of Elite Squadron. “Three, four more jumps we might have got him.”

Elite Squadron was two and a quarter lengths clear of the show horse, Tropic Storm, ridden by Aaron Gryder. Global Hunter, Desert Code, and High Standards followed.

Headley said Street Boss would

probably return to Del Mar next for the $300,000 Bing Crosby Handicap (G1) at six furlongs on Polytrack July 27. The ultimate goal, he said, is the TVG Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). “[Street Boss] was crowded on that turn and he got a little tired so [Flores] didn’t have enough room to switch him to the right lead,” Headly explained. “He’s been winning on the left lead; if he’d have switched to the right I think he’d have won by more.”

S t re e t B o s s , a $ 3 0 0 , 0 0 0 Keeneland yearling purchase in September 2005, began his career with a maiden victory at Del Mar last September. That was his only win in four starts in 2007, but he has been nearly unbeatable this season with five wins and a second in six starts. He made his graded debut last time out with a length win in the six-furlong Los Angeles Handicap (G3).

All of his races have been over synthetic surfaces.

Owned by Bluegate Corporation,

David Flores and Street Boss after their win at Hollywood

Headley and Naify, Street Boss has a record of 6-2-0 in ten starts while banking $401,800. Bred

by Brilliant Stable Inc., the chestnut earned $180,000 for the Triple Bend victory.

He carried co-high weight of 119 pounds and paid $3.40, $2.40, and $2.10. Elite Squadron,

‘He duly continued his rapid rise, gaining a Grade 1 win at the first attempt, and now rates one of the country’s leading sprinters’ Ron Wood’s analysis, page 26

a Grade 2 winner trainer at Churchill Downs this spring trained

by James Baker, returned $3.20 and $2.20 while completing a $2 exacta worth $12.60. Tropic Storm, coming off a runner-up finish in the Ack Ack Handicap (G3) for Craig Dollase, was $2.40 to show. jjFirst published in the Blood-Horse edition of July 12, 2008

14 STREET BOSS CALIFORNIA’S TOP SPRINTER AND AN ASTUTE SUMMER SIGNING

West Coast pace ace to stand at Darley Kentucky GRADE 1 winner Street Boss, the leading West Coast sprinter of 2008, will stand at Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley near Lexington at the conclusion of his racing career. The four-yearold son of Darley stallion Street Cry is owned by trainer Bruce Headley in partnership with Marsha Naify and Simon Yu, writes David Schmitz.

“Street Boss is a multiple record-breaking, multiple Grade 1winning son of the most exciting young stallion in America,” said Charlie Boden, head of nominations at Darley. “We’re obviously partial to Street Cry, and Street Boss truly shows the diversity of his sire’s progeny. What’s more, he’s a gorgeous-looking horse. Mr Headley’s done a great job.”

Street Boss has won seven of 11 races and has earned $581,800.

He set two track records in 2008 at six furlongs, winning the Bing Crosby Handicap (Grade 1) in 1min 08.67sec at Del Mar and the Los Angeles Handicap (G3) in 1min 07.55sec at Hollywood Park. He also equaled Santa Anita’s five-and-a-half-furlong mark of 1min 01.27sec this year.

Bred in Kentucky by Brilliant Stable and a $300,000 Keeneland September yearling, Street Boss owns a pedigree free of Northern Dancer. He is a half-brother to Grace 2-placed Habiboo and is out of the stakes-placed Ogygian mare Blushing Ogygian.

Street Boss will continue to race in the colors of his owners through this year’s Breeders’ Cup. He is expected to start in the Sprint (G1). jjFirst published in the Blood-Horse edition of September 13, 2008

Owning the franchise: Darley signs on Street Boss W

HILE it is a little off-topic, I thought it worthwhile to make comment on Darley America’s recent announcement of the recruitment of Street Boss to their stallion ranks. An obscenely good-looking horse with racetrack talent to match, Street Boss follows another son of Street Cry in Street Sense – I can’t wait for the Darley advert – to retire to the Kentucky arm of the international conglomerate.

Darley has taken an active

management in Street Cry and his sons, and this move has long-term implications for ‘the franchise’. Why is this so important? Astute stallion managers recognize that controlling the destiny of the first and better sons of a stallion who they stand at stud ends up helping them in the long run with both the sire and his sons.

It is like a rising tide. Firstly, the presence of two active sons at stud at Darley immediately underpins Street Cry. The industry understandably assumes, “Well, if Darley

believes he is a prepotent sire, then he is a prepotent sire.”

Standing the best sons alongside their sire helps the stallion immediately. And when breeders are breeding to and yearling buyers are buying a Street Sense or Street Boss, they are not only buying the belief that they may get a yearling who can run as well as either of these two horses, but they are also

hoping to catch “lightning in a bottle”.

They know that either of these horses could be the next big sire – or at least as good as Street Cry – and the yearling they have will have increased commercial value by sire line association.

Equally, if Darley is able to manage these stallions well and Street Sense and Street Boss are successful at stud, the moniker

‘An obscenely good-looking horse with racetrack talent to match’

of a proven ‘sire of sires’ gets placed on Street Cry’s shoulders, underpinning his long-term value as a stallion.

Stallion managers who have a prepotent young sire but who leave the management of the first important sons of these stallions to retire to stud to others do miss out on the opportunity to contllrol the destiny of ‘the franchise’.

Darley has taken no such chances.

Byron Rogers jjFirst published in the Blood-Horse edition of September 5, 2008

Grade 1 ace’s first foal is a filly THE first reported foal by Grade 1 winner Street Boss is a filly out of the winning King Of Kings mare Top Tier.

The newborn, owned by Barry Butzer, was foaled January 26 at her owner’s S u n Va l l e y Fa r m n e a r Versailles, Kentucky. Top Tier is a half-sister to stakes winners Dootsie and Sand Ridge.

Street Boss, who won the 2008 Bing Crosby (Grade 1) and Triple Bend Invitational (G1) Handicaps, stands alongside his sire, Street Cry, at Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley near Lexington. Street Boss is out of the Ogygian mare Blushing Ogygian. His 2010 fee is $20,000. jjFirst published in the Blood-Horse edition of January 27, 2010

15 IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE BLOOD-HORSE

Late charge by sprint sensation wins Crosby Street Boss and David Flores have the Bing Crosby Handicap at Del Mar in safe-keeping as the progressive colt lands his second consecutive Grade 1

jjResult July 27, 2008

Bing Crosby Handicap 1 Street Boss ......11-5f 2 In Summation ..18-5 3 Jungle Prince..166-10 Jockey David Flores Distances 1l, 1l

By Tracy Gantz LAST at the quarter pole, favored Street Boss circled the field coming off the turn and swept past the leaders in the closing stages to win the $300,000 Bing Crosby Handicap at Del Mar July 27 for his second straight Grade 1 victory.

Ridden by David Flores from the rail, Street Boss dropped back behind a quick pace and turned in his usual strong closing kick to defeat In Summation, the defending Crosby champion, by a length. The excellent winning time of 1 min 08.67sec for the

six furlongs came on a much quicker Polytrack racing surface.

In Summation won this race over a tiring strip in 2007 in 1 min 11.06sec.

After the impressive effort by the four-year-old Street Cry colt, who has now won five races in a row, there is no doubt that trainer Bruce Headley has Southern California’s top sprinter. Headley picked up his fourth Crosby victory following wins by Son Of A Pistol (1998) and champion Kona Gold (2000-01).

Headley said afterward that he plans to give Street Boss a freshening and bring him back for the Ancient Title (G1) at Oak Tree’s Santa Anita meet on September 27, followed by the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) over the same surface on October 25.

Barbecue Eddie, as expected, took the lead shortly after the break and set a quick pace for Aaron Gryder in the Crosby (22.21sec for the opening quarter and 44.62sec for the half-mile).

But the speedy gelding could not shake loose of three challengers to his outside – Winsome Charm, Sailors Sunset and Johnny Eves.

Those four had things to themselves into the home stretch before Spot The Diplomat got the lead briefly while rallying on the outside. In Summation, who was trapped in the second flight from the top of the lane on the inside with Corey Nakatani,

was blocked until deep stretch.

Flores, meanwhile, had a firm hold on Street Boss, who trailed while saving ground comfortably into the turn. The rider said afterward that he was looking for room between horses but, seeing none, floated the chestnut

Thumbs-up from David Flores as he returns on Street Boss

to the outside circling the bend.

Street Boss was seven wide coming into the stretch, and though he drifted in through the stretch run he remained clear of traffic to gain command at the sixteenth pole. In Summation finally squeezed through along the inside at that point, but by then it was way too late to catch Street Boss. Jungle Prince, with Joel Rosario aboard, picked up the show spot from off the pace, with Sailors Sunset fourth.

“I just wanted to stay there [at the rail] until I moved out,” Flores told TVG. “I had the best horse and I just wanted to move at the right time. Then I just let him go.”

The veteran Flores said Street Boss has the best closing kick he has experienced. “If he’s not the fastest, I don’t know who is,” he said.

Street Boss came into the Crosby after winning the seven furlong Triple Bend Handicap (G1) by a half-length over Hollywood Park’s Cushion Track July 5 in another powerful finish. He won the Los Angeles Handicap (G3) at Hollywood prior to that. The Crosby triumph was his seventh in 11 starts and pushed his

earnings to $581,800 for the partnership of Headley, Marsha Naify and Simon Yu. Street Boss is two-for-two at Del Mar, breaking his maiden at the seaside track in his racing debut September 2.

Brilliant Stable bred the winner in Kentucky. He is out of the Ogygian mare Blushing Ogygian and sold for $300,000 as a yearling at Keeneland in September 2005.

Street Boss shared high weight of 121 pounds with In Summation and paid $6.40, $3.60 and $3 for the win. In Summation, an unlucky runner-up for trainer Christophe Clement, returned $4.40 and $3.80 while making his first start in three months. The $2 exacta was worth $23. The 16-1 shot Jungle Prince, trained by Victor Garcia, was $8.20 to show while finishing two lengths behind.

Sailors Sunset was followed

by Spot The Diplomat, Silver Stetson Man , Johnny Eves, Barbecue Eddy and Winsome Charm. jjFirst published in the Blood-Horse edition of August 2, 2008

16 BLOODSTOCK PEDIGREE ANALYSIS

MARTIN STEVENS

A son of Street Cry who took high rank in the sprinting division with a trademark devastating turn of foot Street Boss

W

HEN California trainer Bruce Headley buys a yearling, you can be sure it will be a flawless physical specimen. “I’m a conformation man,” he once said. “I don’t read paper, I read bodies.”

One of the chosen few who passed Headley’s rigorous inspection at the 2005 Keeneland September yearling sale was a colt from the first crop of Street Cry and the trainer went to $300,000 to secure him.

It was two years after the sale that the colt, named Street Boss, made his racecourse debut. When he did, it was clear that he had the ability to match his looks: Headley saddled him to a convincing length-and-a-half victory in a 6f maiden special weight at Del Mar. On that first outing Street Boss demonstrated a knack for overcoming adversity in a race that would become a trait of his later exploits. He had broken from the gate slowly, was bumped by his rivals and had to swing into the home straight four horses wide, but he responded willingly to his rider Alex Solis’s urgings and kept on to win well.

It wasn’t plain sailing into Grade 1 company after that impressive debut: Street Boss failed to get his head in front in three starts in California allowance company during the dying months of 2007. Perhaps his trademark turn of foot wasn’t yet fully sharpened: each time he was unable to overcome a slow start.

It was a different story in the new year, however, and his four-year-old debut in a Santa Anita allowance in January set the tone for a golden season. Under a hand ride from Solis, Street Boss stalked the leaders, eased into contention three wide turning for home and stretched clear to score by five lengths.

After a rare lapse in another Santa Anita allowance race the following month – overturned at odds-on after going for home too early – he rattled off five consecutive victories.

Next time out in another Santa Anita 61⁄2f allowance race, it took just a tap of Solis’s whip for Street Boss to dart clear of his rivals and win by two and a half lengths. That was followed by a similar display over the same course and distance: once again he stalked his rivals, made his winning bid wide turning for home and needed only nursing home to win impressively.

A step up to Pattern company beckoned and Street Boss proved equal to the task, landing the Grade 3 Los Angeles Handicap over 6f at Hollywood Park. He would have had a valid excuse for not winning as he was squeezed for room and clipped heels after the start. But his high cruising speed and killer turn of foot got him out of trouble.

The rapidly improving Street Boss was sent off odds-on favourite for his next start in the Triple Bend Handicap over 7f back at Hollywood, despite it being his first start in top-level company. The horse didn’t let his supporters down, though he may have given them a few moments of anxiety as he was last until the final two furlongs and was brought wide before that now familiar acceleration allowed him to pass the field and score comfortably from Grade 2 winner Elite Squadron.

Street Boss made it two Grade 1 victories in the Bing Crosby Handicap over 6f at Del Mar with a similar performance to the Triple Bend,

Street Boss: a devastating turn of foot was a trademark of the speedy colt’s winning style

‘He’s not a Cadillac, he’s more a Ferrari’ Jockey’s apt tribute after last-to-first Grade 1 score SIRE STREET CRY Bred by Sheikh Mohammed in Ireland. Won five (7-10f) of 12 starts viz. 1 out of 5 at 2 years, 1 (UAE 2,000 Guineas) at 3 years, 3 (Dubai World Cup-Gr1, Stephen Foster Handicap-Gr1, Al Maktoum Challenge-Gr2) at 4 years. Also 3rd in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile-Gr1 at 2 and 2nd in Whitney Handicap-Gr1 at 4. Best Racing Post Rating 116 at 2, 123 at 3, 127 at 4. Earned £3,498,441.

16.1hh, lengthy, good-bodied, somewhat plain individual.

High-class 2yo, progress halted by injury at 3 but top class at 4.

Retired through injury after most impressive win. Untried on turf.

Blinkered/visored last 2 starts at 3, sometimes tongue-tied.

Among the best sons of his sire, a high-class 2yo and miler.

Brother to stakes-placed Helsinki (dam of Shamardal).

Half-brother to Listed winner Historian, to stakes-placed Sovetsky and to dam of Magna Graecia and Graikos. Dam won Irish Oaks, from a good middle-distance family developed by Ballymacoll Stud.

Excellent, versatile sire. Stands at Darley, Lexington, Kentucky, at a 2012 fee of $150,000. Sire of 6 crops of racing age, inc. notable winners: Street Sense (Breeders’ Cup Juvenile S.-Gr1, Kentucky Derby-Gr1, Travers S.-Gr1), Zenyatta (13 Gr1s, inc.

Breeders’ Cup Classic), Majestic Roi (Sun Chariot S.-Gr1), Street Boss (Triple Bend Invitational H.-Gr1, Bing Crosby H.-Gr1), Here Comes Ben (Forego S.-Gr1), Cry And Catch Me (Oak Leaf S.-Gr1), Seventh Street (Apple Blossom H.-Gr1, Go For Wand H.-Gr1), Victor’s Cry (Shoemaker Mile S.-Gr1), Street Hero (Norfolk S.Gr1), Lyric Of Light (Fillies' Mile-Gr1). Also sire of Whobegotyou (Caulfield Guineas-Gr1) and Shocking (Melbourne Cup-Gr1, Australian Cup-Gr1) in Australia.

STREET BOSS

CONCLUSIONS A top-class sprinter over 6-7f; hold-up performer with lethal finishing kick, withstood busy campaign well.

Raise A Native

Native Dancer Raise You

Gold Digger

Nashua Sequence

Halo

Hail To Reason Cosmah

Raise The Standard

Hoist The Flag Natalma

Petingo

Petition Alcazar

La Milo

Hornbeam Pin Prick

Riverman

Never Bend River Lady

Boulevard

Pall Mall Costa Sola

Sword Dancer

Sunglow Highland Fling

Kerala

My Babu Blade Of Time

Francis S

Royal Charger Blue Eyed Momo

Grand Splendor

Correlation Cequillo

Red God

Nasrullah Spring Run

Runaway Bride

Wild Risk Aimee

Orsini

Ticino Oranien

Revada

Iron Liege Dalama

Mr Prospector

Machiavellian Coup De Folie

Street Cry (b 1998) Troy

Helen Street Waterway

DAM BLUSHING OGYGIAN Bred by Foxfield in the US. Won 2 of 12 starts, viz. 2 (6f) out of 7 at 2 years, 0 out of 5 at 3 years. Earned $48,400.

Well bred. By a top-class 7f-1m performer at 2-3 and useful sire with especially strong record as broodmare sire, other daughters have produced Gr1 winners Gygistar & Johannesburg.

Sister to Tiny Decision, won 3 races at 2-3, half-sister to dam of German Gr2 winner Fruhlingssturm. Dam useful, won over 1m at 3, granddam Gr1 Poule d’Essai des Pouliches runner-up also produced US Gr2 winner Running Stag.

Family traces back to important Marcel Boussac broodmare Pretty Lady, dam of Champion Stakes winner Dynamiter, top two-year-old Abdos and La Coupe de Maisons-Laffitte winner Dalama (Blushing Ogygian’s 4th dam).

At stud, dam of Habiboo, (2001 f by Unbridled’s Song, winner & Gr2-placed over 7f-1m), Bionic Man (2006 h by Unbridled’s Song, winner).

ch c 31-3-2004

Damascus

Ogygian Gonfalon

Blushing Ogygian (ch 1994) Blushing Groom

Fruhlingshochzeit Fruhlingstag

Bred by Brillian Stable Inc. in USA; $300,000 Keeneland September yearling

although this time he made life even harder for himself by being settled in rear before having to deliver his run seven horses wide on the turn and being driven out to win. Plus the competition was even tougher – the previous year’s winner In Summation was a length back in second.

“I’ve never ridden one that finished like that, not on the main track,” said jockey David Flores. “He’s not a Cadillac, he’s more a Ferrari.”

Street Boss signed off his career with placings in the Ancient Title Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Sprint. He lost little caste in defeat considering those autumn contests came at the end of a long season and he was facing fresher competition.

Street Boss was retired to stud at the end of 2008, as the popularity of Street Cry reached fever pitch. His peers from the sire’s first US crop also included Street Sense, who had become the first Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner to land the Kentucky Derby the year before, the outstanding racemare Zenyatta, who that season was unbeaten in seven races, four of them Grade 1s, and Majestic Roi, who won the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes in Britain.

For good measure, Street Cry’s second crop produced the Grade 1 Oak Leaf Stakes winner Cry And Catch Me and Florida Derby winner Tomcito, and the third yielded another top level-winning juvenile in Street Hero. By Street Boss’s retirement his sire’s first Australasian-bred crops had also produced the Caulfield Guineas winner Whobegotyou.

Big-race winners by Street Cry have come thick and fast since then: Shocking in the Melbourne Cup, Seventh Street in the Apple Blossom and Go For Wand Handicaps, and Lyric Of Light in the Fillies’ Mile.

Street Cry’s ability to sire superstars on any surface is reflected in his pedigree: although turf-bred – he is by the dual French juvenile Group 1 winner Machiavellian and out of Irish Oaks heroine Helen Street, a daughter of Epsom Derby winner Troy – he flourished on the dirt, winning the UAE 2,000 Guineas at three (from star miler Noverre) and the Dubai World Cup at four (with the brilliant Sakhee in third).

A

NY fears that the Dubai World Cup was a flash in the pan were allayed when Street Cry bolted up in the Stephen Foster Handicap by six and a half lengths next time out.

Street Boss’s female family also has international flavour. He is out of the US 6f Listed-placed Blushing Ogygian, whose dam Fruhlingshochzeit was Listed-placed in France.

Fruhlingshochzeit’s dam Fruhlingstag was second in the French 1,000 Guineas and produced triple Grade 2 scorer and Hong Kong Cup second Running Stag.

Breeders certainly enjoy plenty of freedom when picking mares for Street Boss: he is free of Northern Dancer blood and any inbreeding within five generations.

The stallion’s first yearlings came under the hammer this year. The most expensive made $285,000 and among the purchasers of his progeny were international agents Blandford Bloodstock, John Ferguson and Sackville Donald.

And who else helped themselves to a Street Boss yearling? Conformation connoisseur Bruce Headley. The Street Boss success story has turned full circle.

17 TEOFILO TWO-YEAR-OLD WHO CARRIED ALL BEFORE HIM

Champion juvenile Teofilo is ‘best colt I’ve trained and the best-looking’ – Bolger ‘This horse lacks for nothing’ jjResult August 26, 2006

Galileo Futurity Stakes THE best colt he has trained.

Better than St Jovite, the European champion who won the Irish Derby and King George in 1992, writes Tony O’Hehir.

Jim Bolger’s verdict spoke volumes after Teofilo had made it three wins from three starts by landing the Group 2 Futurity Stakes by a head at the Curragh yesterday from 16-1 chance Eagle Mountain.

Teofilo, named after the heavyweight boxer from Cuba, Teofilo Stevenson , who won three Olympic gold medals, was cut to 14-1 (from 20) by Coral for the 2,000 Guineas, while sponsors Stan James go 16-1(from 25).

Cashmans introduced Teofilo as 20-1 favourite for the Derby.

Teofilo, who won on his debut at the Curragh in July and followed up with the minimum of fuss in the Listed Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown two weeks later, had it served up to him here by Ballydoyle outsider Eagle Mountain, but the 6-4 favourite was always holding that rival’s threatening challenge towards the finish of the 7f event.

Bolger spoke glowingly of his and wife Jackie’s homebred son of Galileo, saying: “This horse lacks for nothing. He has the looks, the pedigree and the performances. He’s the best colt I’ve had and the best-looking one.

“It would be unfair to compare him with the good fillies I’ve had and there have been plenty of them.”

Bolger added: “Teofilo only dossed when he went to the front a furlong and a half out.

“He needs a stronger pace than he had today. The question now is whether we will run him again over seven furlongs in the National Stakes, or step him up to a mile.

“He’s a Guineas horse and I also see him as a middle-distance horse for next year.”

Winning jockey Kevin Manning said: “He’s a very good horse.

We’ve thought that all season and he was doing nothing after he went to the front.”

jjResult Sept 17, 2006

Laing O’Rourke National Stakes 1 Teofilo ................2-1 2 Holy Roman Emperor ............................4-9f 3 Eyshal................25-1 Owner Jackie Bolger Trainer Jim Bolger Jockey Kevin Manning Groom Mark Callaghan Breeder Jim Bolger Distances 11⁄4l, 41⁄2l

Tony O’Hehir reports TEOFILO, lavishly praised by Jim Bolger following his win in the Futurity Stakes last month, fully lived up to his trainer’s sky-high opinion of him by turning over Holy Roman Emperor in yesterday’s Group 1 National S t a ke s a n d re p l a c i n g t h e Ballydoyle colt as favourite for the 2,000 Guineas.

The Newmarket Classic was described as “the priority” by Bolger after Teofilo, under Kevin Manning, had powered his way to a length-and-a-quarter win over the 4-9 favourite in the Laing O’Rourke-sponsored event.

The son of Galileo is now 13-2 favourite (from 14) with Guineas sponsors Stan James, 6-1 favourite (from 14) with Ladbrokes, and 5-1 with VCbet and Totesport. William Hill went 7-1 (from 14) immediately after the race but then cut him to 6-1, while Irish firms Paddy Power and Cashmans go 8-1 and 10-1.

Quotes for the Vodafone Derby were also flying after the race, with Ladbrokes and William Hill making the Bolger homebred, now unbeaten in four starts, 10-1 favourite (from 25 and 20).

Bolger appears to have no fears about Teofilo’s prospects of getting the Derby trip. He said: “Judging by the way his sire got the first three in the St Leger last week, I don’t think stamina will be a problem.”

Then, in a nod to history that will delight traditionalists who savour the feats of Nijinsky in 1970, Bolger added: “If he wants to be the next Triple Crown horse, then I’m not going to stand in his way!”

Bolger described the winner

he wants to be the next Triple Crown SUCCESSOR ‘Ifhorse then I’m not going to stand in his TO NIJINSKY? way!’ – Bolger

BETTER THAN THIS? as the best he has trained, which is some compliment set against the achievements of the trainer’s outstanding European champion

St Jovite routed the opposition, including Saddlers’ Hall and Opera House, in the 1992 King George St Jovite, 12-length winner of the Irish Derby and six-length winner of the King George in 1992.

Both Teofilo and the runner-up are likely to be in action again this season, with either the Dewhurst or the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere the

options for the winner, and the Dewhurst a kpossibility for Holy Roman Emperor.

Bolger said: “Teofilo hasn’t been too stressed so far and there’s every chance he will run again before the end of the season.

“Having Slaney Time as a pacemaker today meant we didn’t have to bustle Teofilo along. When he won here last time, it was an unsatisfactory race for him in terms of his learning programme.”

Asked about ground requirements for his first National Stakes winner, Bolger said: “I’m not going to get hung up talking about the ground for him. Let’s just say that he wouldn’t want it heavy.”

Summing up his star colt and what yesterday’s win meant to him, Bolger said: “This colt majors in temperament. He sleeps all day, and is a great grubber and a very sound horse. At home he’s done things that I’ve not seen done before.

“I’ve had many good days in racing but today is right up there with the best of them.”

Manning, who sent Teofilo past his pacemaker almost two furlongs from the finish, said: “We went a good, even gallop and everything went to plan. Teofilo is a serious horse and a pure professional.

He’s learning all the time and was always on top of things today.”

Coolmore boss John Magnier and O’Brien were among the first to congratulate Bolger. Afterwards, O’Brien said: “The winner is a special horse, trained by a special man.

“Our fellow has plenty of pace and would have no problem dropping back in distance.

He needs a really strongly run race.

“He’s a hard horse to keep weight off and that type of animal can usually take plenty of racing.

There should be more to come from him and we’ll find other races for him before the end of the year. He’s in the Dewhurst and that’s one possibility.”

Holy Roman Emperor tracked Teofilo but from over a furlong out he was finding it difficult to make much impression, and while he stuck to his task, 2-1 shot Teofilo never looked in serious danger from the 4-9 favourite.

Kieren Fallon, who rode the runner-up, said: “We were beaten fair and square today, but we should get another crack at the winner before the end of the year.” jjAhead of the game at Newmarket Page 18

18 TEOFILO AHEAD OF THE GAME AT NEWMARKET jjResult October 14, 2006

Darley Dewhurst Stakes 1 Teofilo..............11-8f 2 Holy Roman Emperor ..............................3-1 3 Strategic Prince ..9-1 Jockey Kevin Manning Distances hd, 21⁄2l IT WAS supposed to settle things once and for all, but it ended up leaving more questions than answers – not that many were complaining after one of the most exciting finishes to Europe’s most prestigious two-year-old race, writes David Carr.

Teofilo had got the better of Holy Roman Emperor by an impressive length and a quarter in the National Stakes at the Curragh last month, but the runner-up had not had a straightforward build-up to that contest and, in some eyes, went to the top of the juvenile pecking order by lifting the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp on Arc day.

So the Dewhurst was the playoff that was supposed to decide the championship – but it looks merely to have taken the battle into extra time, with the decision as to which of the two Irishtrained colts is really the best put off until the 2,000 Guineas back at Newmarket next May. Teofilo, hailed by Jim Bolger as the best horse he had ever trained after his Curragh triumph, certainly did nothing wrong as he confirmed those placings, always travelling well, leading well over a furlong out, and rallying splendidly when headed 50 yards out to lead again close home.

But 12 months on from illfated stablemate Horatio Nelson’s unlucky Dewhurst defeat by Sir Percy, Holy Roman Emperor had anything but a clear run under Mick Kinane, making ground from the rear when short of room over a furlong out, and having to be switched right, yet still coming through to lead. Getting a slight bump from the winner, he was headed close home and beaten only a head.

TEOFILO – HE’LL BE A

MONSTER

By Howard Wright and Tony O’Hehir

Teofilo (right) again puts Holy Roman Emperor in his place, this time at Newmarket

Bolger had been more “concerned” than “worried” in the closing stages, putting his level of anxiety at “two and a half ” on a scale of nought to ten.

“I could see he wasn’t that happy on the going, but once he got back on the rising ground he quickened nicely,” he said.

“I was hoping that as they neared the line stamina would come into play – I thought it would come into play sooner, but maybe they didn’t go that fast early on. The runner-up ran a terrific race, and isn’t racing

all about that kind of competition?”

Teofilo is now 5-2 favourite for the 2,000 Guineas with sponsors Stan James, and 4-1 market leader with the same firm for the Derby. Bolger believes the unbeaten colt is up to the challenges that lie ahead, having mentioned the Triple Crown as a possible objective in 2007.

“He’s four really – that’s the sort of mentality he has. He’s been strutting around like that since he was a foal,” Bolger added. “He doesn’t know he’s only two.

“He must get stronger as a three-year-old. He’s improving all the time. He’s so good mentally that there wouldn’t appear to be any down side to him. He ticks all the boxes.”

O’Brien did not play on Holy Roman Emperor’s ill-fortune, but said: “We were very borderline whether to run, as this horse loves fast ground. He ran really well, it was a great race.”

Strategic Prince did best of the British runners in third. Trainer Paul Cole said: “We were beaten by two very good horses but I don’t think that was his ground.”

TEOFILO will be a “monster” this year, Ireland’s senior handicapper predicted yesterday at the unveiling of the World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings of 2006.

Garry O’Gorman said the 2,000 Guineas and Derby favourite, who was rated last season’s top two-year-old, would never be beaten by Holy Roman Emperor, already twice his victim.

However, despite O’Gorman’s enthusiasm, Teofilo’s rating of 123 means that only once since 1994 has the top juvenile been rated lower.

The classifications were a triumph for Jim Bolger, who trains not only Teofilo but also the top two-year-old filly, Finsceal Beo – both of whom could have their Guineas preps at Leopardstown on April 7, the trainer revealed yesterday.

O’Gorman not only glowed with pride yesterday, when nine of the two-year-olds in his ratings book were revealed in the top 20 European-trained juveniles of 2006, but he also forecast there could be even better things to come.

The rankings feature a record number of Irish-trained youngsters with marks of 115 or more, coming, as O’Gorman pointed out, from a greater pool of trainers than in recent years.

Top-rated two-year-old for regular chart-topper Aidan O’Brien was Holy Roman Emperor – second to Teofilo in the National Stakes and the Dewhurst – on 122, just ahead of the best of

Britain, Dutch Art (121), while Kevin Prendergast and David Wachman also have representatives in the top 20.

O’Gorman said: “Jim Bolger never had a two-year-old champion in his life; now he’s got two in one season, just like Aidan O’Brien did the year before. And there’s strength in depth in the top Irish yards, which means the outlook has to be good for this year.

“The Classic generation will be very strong, headed by Teofilo, who will be a monster. I thought Holy Roman Emperor was out of the top drawer in Ballydoyle terms, but after the Dewhurst Stakes I don’t think he’ll ever beat Teofilo again.

“Teofilo has more scope, and his running style is remarkable. On three occasions he was a sitting duck at the distance marker, ready for the sucker punch, but he fought back every time and suggested he still had something in the tank.”

Bolger welcomed the handicapper’s verdict yesterday and reported that all was going well with his Classic hopefuls.

He said: “Everyone saw what Teofilo and Finsceal Beo achieved last year, but it is nice to have confirmation from the ‘experts’ that they were the best two-yearold and the best two-year-old filly.

“Winter is a very important time for two-year-olds turning three, as horses’ attitudes, especially a colt’s, can change, but I’m pleased to say that all is going nicely with both of them.” jjFirst published January 17, 2007

‘Taking time to engage his raking stride, he was headed before lengthening again. This marks him down as special’ Bruce Jackson’s analysis, page 27

Ferguson ‘excited’ as champion juvenile becomes latest star to join sheikh’s Darley stud squad

By Rachel Pagones and Brian Fleming SHEIKH MOHAMMED has added another jewel to his extraordinary summer transfer spree with the revelation that the unbeaten but injury-stricken superstar Teofilo will join his stallion team in 2008.

There was some surprise at the outcome of a wait to learn where last season’s champion juvenile colt would start his new career, with Coolmore Stud and others thought to be in the running.

However, trainer Jim Bolger has opted to stand Teofilo at Sheikh Mohammed’s Kildangan Stud in County Kildare.

Bolger and his wife Jackie will retain immediate ownership, while the sheikh will gain unfettered access to a son of

one of Coolmore’s – and Europe’s – finest stallions in Galileo, himself a son of Sadler’s Wells.

Despite a self-imposed boycott of Coolmore Stud stallions, the sheikh this summer has attained a number of top-class horses by Coolmore sires, most notably Derby winner Authorized, a son of Montjeu.

However, not since Reference Point, who entered stud in 1988 under the ownership of the Freedman family and a syndicate in which Sheikh Mohammed owned a share, has Darley retired to stud a horse for an owner other than the Maktoum family.

John Ferguson, the sheikh’s bloodstock adviser, said yesterday: “Sheikh Mohammed admired him as a two-yearold, and we made it clear to Jim Bolger

after the Dewhurst we’d be interested in standing the horse.”

Unofficial valuations of Teofilo of as much as €40 million have been reported, but the absence of an outright sale raised suggestions that some bidders had been priced out of the market.

Ferguson, who was speaking from Saratoga racecourse, declined to say whether Sheikh Mohammed had made an offer to buy Teofilo, who capped an unbeaten, five-race juvenile campaign with his second Group 1 victory in the Dewhurst, following his win in the National Stakes.

He was winter favourite for the 2,000 Guineas and Derby, and was tipped by some pundits to be the first Triple Crown winner since Nijinsky in 1970, but a recurring knee injury kept him off the

racecourse this year and Bolger announced his retirement last Friday.

“We were lucky to ever have him and he was a true champion two-year-old,” said Bolger yesterday. “It was unfortunate we didn’t get a chance to see if he could have continued that as a three-year-old.

“His time for the middle five furlongs in the Dewhurst was phenomenal, faster than the sprinters that day.”

Bolger added: “He hasn’t left us yet as he is still getting accustomed to being out of training, and that will take a little more time.”

Teofilo is the fourth high-profile three-year-old Darley has added to next year’s stallion roster, including Kentucky Derby one-two Street Sense and Hard Spun, and Derby hero Authorized. He also bought Airmail Special, a son of

Coolmore sire Peintre Celebre, only for the horse to run disappointingly in the Grand Prix de Paris last month.

Authorized is by Montjeu, while Teofilo is a son of Galileo. The sires, both by Sadler’s Wells, are Coolmore’s leading young stallions. However, Darley owns few of their progeny, as they have not purchased any yearlings or foals by Coolmore sires over the past two seasons.

The addition of Authorized and Teofilo to the roster means they will now have access to these emerging sire lines.

Asked about the colts’ pedigrees, Ferguson said: “We’re excited at having the champion two-year-old of last year retiring to stud and this year’s exceptional Derby winner as well.” jjFirst published August 7, 2007

19

Triple Crown dream is reduced to fleeting fantasy

Top prices for pair by first-crop sire A QUICKFIRE double of Teofilo foals shot to the top of trading on day two at Tattersalls December foal sale, writes George Kimberley.

The first of the two was the filly out of French Listed winner Anbella.

The mare has produced two foals of racing age and they have both won, and she is also a half-sister to the Group 1 winners Satwa Queen and Spadoun. The foal was consigned by Stowell Hill Stud on behalf of Simon Tindall, and was bought by Shadwell Estate Company for 150,000gns.

From Trickledown Stud came a Teofilo colt out of Hector Protector mare Triton Dance, whose only foal to race is Count John, who was third in the Group 3 Tetrarch Stakes. Triton Dance is a half-sister to Cherry Hinton Stakes winner Jewel In The Sand and to a Listed winner in Germany. Blandford Bloodstock came out on top in the bidding for this lot when the hammer fell at 165,000gns. jjFirst published November 26, 2009

James Willoughby on the low blow as long-time Guineas favourite suffers 11th-hour setback

E

VERY tick of the clock had seemed to bring Teofilo closer to his destiny, but yesterday the clock stopped. Anticipation gave way to shock, then shock became bitter disappointment.

There will be no 2,000 Guineas for Teofilo and, therefore, no Triple Crown either. Shortly after 10am, trainer Jim Bolger conceded defeat in racing’s own version of the Battle of Wounded Knee.

A recurrence of the problem the champion two-year-old suffered last week has dealt punters a proper knee in the groin. It is reckoned that more than £2 million has been lost, but the sport has suffered a more sensitive blow still.

Ever since Teofilo’s thrilling Dewhurst win, the Guineas has been billed as his race to lose. In his absence, it has readily found a new favourite in Adagio, but can it discover a new identity?

The expectation that was due to greet Teofilo’s arrival on the Rowley Mile cannot be replaced. It was bad enough when his old rival Holy Roman Emperor was retired, but now the danger of anticlimax has been multiplied many times over.

A Classic will always be a Classic, and there is still an exciting race in prospect.

However, only a mighty performance will remove the thought that there might have been a different result.

If Strategic Prince, Haatef or Vital Equine goes close, the experts are bound to point out that Teofilo beat them further last autumn. Even a victory for the Dewhurst seventh Adagio could be taken the same way, for all that he has patently improved markedly since.

But this is about more than ante-post wagers, hyperbole or collateral form implications. It is a loss not only to the 2,000 Guineas, but also to the season, even potentially to the sport.

Ta ke n a t h i s w o rd , B o l g e r h a d committed Teofilo to a bid for the historic Triple Crown, last achieved by Nijinsky in 1970. Had the colt won tomorrow, the bandwagon would have started to roll.

This could have boosted the momentum recently reclaimed by the Derby, and breathed life into the dying corpse of the St Leger. The words ‘Triple Crown’ have real meaning across the sporting world; they resonate with importance capable of overcoming the growing apathy of the public towards the sport.

Secretariat’s Triple Crown in 1973, the first for 25 years, revived interest in the sport in the US to an extent almost unimaginable. The effect has worn off since, mainly because it has been 29 years since Affirmed achieved the same feat, but a comparable renaissance is still possible.

Although the Triple Crown is a lot less likely in Britain, many believed Teofilo had the class and stamina. It also seemed as though he would be given the chance, unlike the Guineas and Derby winner Nashwan in 1989.

Sadly, that will now not be the case. jjFirst published May 4, 2007

Teofilo (Adrian Taylor) shows himself in rude health on Jim Bolger’s gallops earlier this season before injury robbed him of his Classic year

Has Bolger found the new Teofilo?

TALE OF THE TAPE

How do two Bolger stars measure up?

Teofilo

Foaled Sire Dam

Teofilo

New Approach

February 9, 2004

February 18, 2005

Galileo

Galileo

Speirbhean

Park Express

Owner

Jackie Bolger

Jackie Bolger

Breeder

Jim Bolger

Lodge Park Stud

Kevin Manning

Kevin Manning

Jockey Debut

Won EBF Curragh maiden Jul 16, 2006 Won EBF Curragh maiden Jul 15, 2007

2nd race

Won Tyros Stakes

Won Tyros Stakes

3rd race

Won Futurity Stakes

Contesting Futurity Stakes

Future Trainer quote

Stallion at Kildangan Stud

Classic winner?

“He’s a proper horse” (Jul 15, 2006)

“He’s a proper horse” (Jul 28, 2007)

MUHAMMAD ALI’S temporary retirement in 1979 left his legendary trainer Angelo Dundee bereft of the greatest champion he would ever handle. It looked as if Dundee would fade from the gaze of the American public, but the rapid emergence of a certain Sugar Ray Leonard soon put paid to that.

So often in sporting history, the careers of two champions coached by the same man happen to overlap. This may be coincidence, but it is more likely a result of the influence that an outstanding trainer or manager brings to the career of his charges.

In racing, it is clear that there is a synergy between great trainers and the great horses that come their way.

Just as a teenage Ali had been rounded into a champion with Dundee in his corner, so too was the hulking Galileo colt Teofilo the beneficiary of Jim Bolger’s savvy direction.

Unless he follows the unfortunate precedent of George Washington, Teofilo’s retirement is likely to be more permanent than one or two of Ali’s. But has Bolger already found a Leonard to replace him?

Step forward New Approach, the latest Bolger star who gets his first crack at the big time in today’s Group 2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes at the Curragh. Already backed for stardom, he has won the first two skirmishes of his career by total KO. Comparisons between New Approach and Teofilo are as inevitable as those drawn between Ali and Leonard nearly 30 years ago.

Apart from having Bolger in their corner, the two colts are by the same sire and both won the Group 3 Tyros Stakes at Leopardstown as their warm-

up contest for today’s race, having landed the same Curragh maiden on their debuts.

In the Tyros, New Approach set a comfortable pace until Kevin Prendergast’s Brazilian Star took a swing at him two furlongs out. For a stride or two, the Bolger runner played rope-a-dope with the upstart, but soon delivered a roundhouse turn of foot that floored his rival for pace. He won by only two lengths but hardly broke sweat.

So far, so good. Sooner or later, however, every contender encounters his first big showdown.

For Leonard, it was Roberto Duran at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal, in June 1980; for New Approach, it is Henrythenavigator on the historic tract between Newbridge and Kildare at 4pm today.

Unlike Duran and his famous crying call of “no mas”, after Leonard had zapped his opponent’s strength to gain revenge in their rematch at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans five months after their first clash, Henrythenavigator is likely to have no quit in him.

A bitter disappointment when going down to the Bolger-trained filly Saoirse Abu in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes last time, he was thought to be unsuited by heavy ground. Similar ground conditions are forecast, so it is hoped Henrythenavigator is allowed to take his chance.

Otherwise, this race could be nothing more than a glorified sparring session for New Approach, as Warsaw, Pretty Ballerina and Curtain Call are probably not in his class.

James Willoughby jjFirst published August 25, 2007

20 BLOODSTOCK PEDIGREE ANALYSIS

TONY MORRIS

A colt who has every chance of landing what was once the Holy Grail of racing Teofilo

P

UNTERS were given the opportunity to give bookmakers plenty of grief last Sunday, but there is not too much evidence to show that they did.

Jim Bolger, who has never been one to talk up his horses, had spent weeks broadcasting his view that Teofilo was the best horse he had ever trained; Aidan O’Brien, who routinely lauds his horses to the skies, had made no such claim about Holy Roman Emperor. And when did O’Brien train a better horse than Bolger’s superstar of 1992, St Jovite?

The outcome of the National Stakes was just what we all should have expected, with Teofilo preserving his unbeaten record in emphatic style, while his only credible rival, illogically at long odds-on, struggled vainly to match the pace of the season’s juvenile champion-designate.

It seems that we may get one further chance to assess Teofilo in 2005, in either the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (October 1) or the Dewhurst Stakes (October 14).

Whichever target is chosen, he is unlikely to start as second favourite, and it will come as a major surprise if he does not go into winter quarters undefeated – and at shorter odds for the 2,000 Guineas and Derby than he is now.

How refreshing it was to hear the proud breeder-trainer talking in terms of a bid for the Triple Crown, which I – and perhaps he – grew up believing represented the pinnacle of achievement for any thoroughbred colt, but which has lately been widely ridiculed as a dead concept.

Since Nijinsky completed his treble in 1970, proving, after 35 years, that the feat was still possible, few colts have aspired to take the GuineasDerby-St Leger route, though Giacometti did manage a place in all three in 1974. No doubt Reference Point would have tried if he had been fit at Guineas time in 1987, and his subsequent triumphs at Epsom and Doncaster made his absence from Newmarket all the more regrettable.

Nashwan’s owner contented himself with the first two jewels two years later. But the last time – until the weekend – that we heard any suggestion of an attempt at what was once the Holy Grail of racing was in 1995, before Celtic Swing’s narrow defeat in the Guineas resulted in changes to his schedule.

Teofilo’s career as a racehorse has lasted barely more than two months, and all four of his races have been at 7f. He began in mid-July at the Curragh with a narrow maiden victory over a Ballydoyle hotpot in Red Rock Canyon, became a Listed winner less than a fortnight later with a comfortable victory in a well-contested Leopardstown event, then returned to the Curragh at the end of August, showing an impressive turn of foot in the Group 2 Futurity.

He idled close home on that occasion, flattering Eagle Mountain, who was beaten a head.

The bare form up to that point could not make Teofilo a superstar, but he revealed rather more about himself on Sunday, scooting away from a previous Group 1 winner without being unduly pressed. Do not doubt that there is better to come.

The most telling of Bolger’s paeans of praise about this exciting colt was his avowal that “at home he’s done things that I haven’t seen done before”.

It is interesting to note that, like Teofilo, Nijinsky made his debut at the

Curragh in mid-July and by the end of September was unbeaten in four races. It will be a tall order for the Galileo colt to extend the parallel for 12 more months, by which time Nijinsky had completed his Triple Crown and was undefeated after ten, but there is nothing in his pedigree that precludes him from expressing his talents over the required range of distances.

Bolger described the 2,000 Guineas as “the priority”, and in theory that Classic could prove the trickiest of the three for Teofilo, not because it is likely to be the best contested, but because he is likely to encounter several worthy rivals suited by the distance. Just as Nijinsky had to overcome a 129-rated miler in Yellow God, Teofilo, not bred for speed, may need to impose his class to prevail.

G

Teofilo: Sunday’s impressive National Stakes win was another feather in the cap of his sire Galileo

Shades of Nijinsky in star colt’s record Bolger ace could find Guineas his toughest Classic test SIRE GALILEO Bred by David Tsui & Orpendale in Ireland. Won 6 (8-12f) of 8 races, viz. 1 (Leopardstown maiden) out of 1 at 2 years, 5 (inc. Irish Derby Trial S.-Gr3, Derby S.-Gr1, Irish Derby S.-Gr1, King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S.-Gr1) out of 7 at 3 years. Also 2nd in Irish Champion S. Earned £1,621,110. Timeform 107p at 2, 134 at 3.

Extremely attractive, 16.0 hh, and a splendid mover. Top-notch performer at 10-12f. Effective on all turf surfaces, not on dirt.

Impeccably bred. By the outstanding sire of modern times out of a winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Brother to dual Gr1 winner Black Sam Bellamy and Classic-placed Gr3 winner All Too Beautiful, half-brother to Urban Ocean (by Bering; Gr3 winner), My Typhoon (by Giant’s Causeway; Gr2 winner), and Melikah (by Lammtarra; Classic-placed Listed winner).

A family replete with top-class runners, inc. King’s Best (2,000 Guineas) and Anabaa Blue (Prix du Jockey Club).

Stands at Coolmore Stud, Fethard, County Tipperary, at a fee of €37,500. Sire of 2 crops of racing age, inc. notable winners: Allegretto (Gr2), Galatee (Gr3), Heliostatic (Gr3), Nightime (Irish 1,000 Guineas-Gr1), Sixties Icon (St Leger S.-Gr1), Teofilo (National S.-Gr1).

DAM SPEIRBHEAN Bred by Jim Bolger in Ireland. Won 1 (8f) of 4 starts, viz. 0 out of 1 at 2 years, 1 (Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial-Listed) out of 3 at 3 years. Turform P at 2, 108 at 3. Earned £28,296.

Big, rangy, strong sort. Looked a high-class performer in the making until suffering career-ending injury in Irish 1,000 Guineas. Dull effort on only soft-ground outing. Promised to stay 1m2f.

Very well bred. By a high-class sprinter-miler and highly successful sire. Half-sister to several other winners, inc. smart handicapper Graduated (by Royal Academy) and useful Citizen Edward (by Grand Lodge). Dam won 3 races up to 1m3f in Ireland, sister to US Gr1 winner War, half-sister to triple US Gr1 winner Judge Angelucci (by Honest Pleasure), and to US Gr1 winner on turf Peace (by Naskra).

Granddam champion older filly in Canada at 4 years, twice Gr2-placed in US, out of unraced half-sister to dual US Gr2 winner Victorian Prince. Next dam stakes-placed winner and half-sister to 2 stakes winners.

From a family that formerly delivered Classic winners in England for 5th Earl of Rosebery and 2nd Viscount Astor.

To stud at 4 years and dam of: Senora Galilei (2003 f by Galileo; winner), Teofilo (2004 c by Galileo; Gr1 winner). She has a Galileo yearling filly and a filly-foal by Lil’s Boy.

CONCLUSIONS A tip-top prospect who should be effective over a range of distances as a three-year-old.

TEOFILO

b c 9-2-2004 Nearctic

Nearco Lady Angela

Natalma

Native Dancer Almahmoud

Bold Reason

Hail To Reason Lalun

Special

Forli Thong

Mr Prospector

Raise A Native Gold Digger

Hopespringseternal

Buckpasser Rose Bower

Lombard

Agio Promised Lady

Anatevka

Espresso Almyra

Northern Dancer

Nearctic Natalma

Pas De Nom

Admiral’s Voyage Petitioner

His Majesty

Ribot Flower Bowl

Spring Adieu

Buckpasser Natalma

Majestic Prince

Raise A Native Gay Hostess

Irradiate

Ribot High Voltage

Victoria Park

Chop Chop Victoriana

Willowfield

Stratus Willow Lake

Northern Dancer

Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge

Galileo b 1998 Miswaki

Urban Sea Allegretta

Danzig

Danehill Razyana

Speirbhean b 1998 Majestic Light

Saviour Victorian Queen

Bred by Jim Bolger in Ireland

ALILEO was himself a winner over 1m, but that was on his racecourse debut at two in the Leopardstown mud, and his 14-length victory there served only to indicate that he was a true son of his parents who would require middle distances at three. In his second season he did all his racing from 1m2f to 1m4f, and in doing so established himself as the second-best son of Sadler’s Wells, inferior only to Montjeu.

It was reasonable to suppose that Galileo would also be an influence for stamina at stud, and that is proving to be the case, best exemplified by his recent 1-2-3 in the St Leger with Sixties Icon, The Last Drop and Red Rocks. But we must not forget that his first hit as a Classic sire came with Nightime in this year’s Irish 1,000 Guineas.

Teofilo’s dam, Speirbhean, is a daughter of Danehill, who is still – unsurprisingly – not well established as a broodmare sire in this part of the world. He features in that position in the pedigrees of only two other European Pattern winners – Nannina and Saiore – and they are both milers.

But neither of those facts should be taken to mean that Danehill will prove to be a stamina-inhibiting influence on Teofilo. He waited a long time to receive classy mares, and mares from a staying background, and we are still waiting for the products of those mares to make an impression; be in no doubt that they will.

Speirbhean herself won her only race at a mile, but she certainly had class, because that race was the Listed Leopardstown 1,000 Guineas Trial, and her manner of racing suggested that she would have stayed at least 1m2f. Unfortunately, an injury incurred in the Irish 1,000, for which she was quietly fancied at 12-1, stopping her in her tracks, and she was unable to race again.

Speirbhean’s dam, Saviour, won three races up to 1m3f in Ireland, which was quite in keeping with her pedigree. Her sire Majestic Light, who dealt Exceller a crushing defeat in the 1977 Man o’ War Stakes (1m4f), also got Saviour’s brother War, winner of the Blue Grass Stakes, and Saviour’s half-brothers Judge Angelucci and Peace were both high-class performers who needed distance to express their merits.

Teofilo’s family flourished for some generations in the stud of Eddie Taylor, who bred his third dam Victorian Queen, Canada’s champion older filly in 1975. Does anyone need reminding that he was also the breeder of Nijinsky? jjFirst published September 21, 2006

21 RESULTS & ANALYSIS

AUTHORIZED Newbury 15 Sep 2006

4.20 [OFF 4.21]

Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes (Colts & Geldings) Class 2 1m Str

For: 2-y-o 1st £11,217.60 2nd £3,358.80 3rd £1,679.40 4th £840.60 5th £419.40 6th £210.60

1

TESLIN (IRE) (4) 2 8-12 ................................ Kevin Darley

b g by In The Wings–Yukon Hope (USA) (Forty Niner (USA)) (Mark Johnston) tracked leaders, took keen hold, went 2nd 2f out, led over 1f out, pushed out [op 9/1 tchd 10/1] 15/2 2 11/4 AQALEEM (6) 2 8-12...................................... Martin Dwyer b h by Sinndar (IRE)–Dalayil (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) (Marcus Tregoning) held up in rear, pushed along and headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, edged left under pressure inside final furlong, took 2nd last stride, no chance with winner [tchd 10/3 and 4/1 in a place] 7/2 3 hd AUTHORIZED (IRE) (5) 2 8-12...............(128) Eddie Ahern [11/2] b h by Montjeu (IRE)–Funsie (FR) (Saumarez) (Peter Chapple-Hyam) slowly into stride, soon recovered to chase leaders, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace, lost 2nd last stride [op 7/2] 9/2 1 4 2 /2 CRY PRESTO (USA) (1) 2 8-12 .........(43) Richard Hughes [4] (Richard Hannon) in touch, driven along from over 3f out, kept on final furlong but never in contention [op 33/1] 25/1 5 11/4 DIYSEM (USA) (2) 2 9-2 .......................(78) Frankie Dettori [51/4] (Brian Meehan) held up in rear, shaken up 2f out, kept on final furlong but never going pace to be competitive [op 7/2] 5/2F 6 21/2 TASTAHIL (IRE) (3) 2 9-2 .....................(111) Richard Hills [73/4] (B W Hills) led, ridden 3f out, headed over 2f out, soon beaten [op 9/2] 4/1 7 31/2 PALAMOUN (7) 2 8-12 .............................(82) Michael Hills [11] (B W Hills) slowly into stride, soon chasing leaders, weakened from 2f out [tchd 13/2] 7/1 7 ran TIME 1m 40.44s (slow by 4.84s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 117 1st OWNER: Joy And Valentine Feerick BRED: Saud Bin Saad TRAINER: Mark Johnston at Middleham Moor, N Yorks 2nd OWNER: Hamdan Al Maktoum 3rd OWNER: Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar TOTE WIN £10.10; PL £3.30, £2.20; EX £40.30; CSF £35.08 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

It’s many years now since this race was producing a steady stream of top-class winners, but Nayef made a winning debut here as recently as 2000, and it still usually attracts a select field of at least potential middle-distance stars from some of the better stables. Last year’s winner, Winged Cupid, went on to be second in the Racing Post Trophy, but he hasn’t been seen since his transfer to Godolphin.

Winged Cupid’s stablemate, TESLIN, could take the same route, but he will need to improve considerably. Beaten at Chepstow on his latest start, he didn’t look an obvious candidate for an event with as strong a tradition as this, even though connections felt he was the moral winner there, and Cry Presto’s fourth place holds the form down.

Nayef’s trainer, Marcus Tregoning, was seeking a fourth win in the race with Aqaleem, but the colt carried the owner’s second colours despite a pleasing debut here last month and he got up for second right on the line after showing his inexperience by edging left. He should do better next year.

Authorized cost 400,000 gns when resold as a yearling, and his entries suggested he is well regarded. The pace wasn’t that strong, so he was soon able to recover from a slow start, and he went to the front with 2f or so to go.

He is bred to make a better three-year-old and looks sure to improve and win races.

Cry Presto, who had a hard race in fourth, had already been soundly beaten three times and appeared to have his limitations, but he still beat previous winners Diysem, who kept on from the back of the field, and Tastahil, who weakened quickly after leading, neither of them seemingly showing their form.

Palamoun was a market springer in the morning and is presumably thought capable of a good bit better.

ANALYSIS

Newbury 21 Oct 2006

3.15 [OFF 3.19]

Racing Post Trophy (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) Class 1 1m Str

For: 2-y-o 1st £93,687 2nd £35,508 3rd £17,770.50 4th £8,860.50 5th £4,438.50 6th £2,227.50

1

AUTHORIZED (IRE) (8) 2 9-0 .........(128) Frankie Dettori b h by Montjeu (IRE)–Funsie (FR) (Saumarez) (Peter Chapple-Hyam) travelled well, held up towards rear, smooth headway from over 2f out, quickened to lead 1f out, ran on well, readily 25/1 1 2 1 /4 CHARLIE FARNSBARNS (IRE) (7) 2 9-0 ...................... ..................................................................(110) Ryan Moore b g by Cape Cross (IRE)–Lafleur (IRE) (Grand Lodge (USA)) (Brian Meehan) tracked leaders, led 2f out, soon ridden, edged right and headed 1f out, kept on but not pace of winner [op 50/1] 33/1 3 2 MEDICINE PATH (11) 2 9-0 ............(110) Richard Mullen 1/4] [3 b h by Danehill Dancer (IRE)–Indian Mystery (IRE) (Indian Ridge) (E J O’Neill) mid-division, driven along from over 2f out, no impression until stayed on from over 1f out, went 3rd final furlong 20/1 4 nk EAGLE MOUNTAIN (9) 2 9-0 ...........................M J Kinane [31/2] (A P O’Brien) mid-division, lost place 5f out, headway and not clear run over 1f out, switched right, stayed on inside final furlong [op 4/5 tchd 5/6 and 4/6 in places] 8/11F 5 13/4 THOUSAND WORDS (14) 2 9-0 ...............Richard Hughes [51/4] (B W Hills) held up towards rear, steady progress from 2f out, ridden to chase leaders over 1f out, kept on [op 8/1] 7/1 6 5 SUNSHINE KID (USA) (10) 2 9-0 .....(107) Jimmy Fortune [101/2] (John Gosden) chased leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace [op 10/1 tchd 12/1] 11/1 7 13/4 REGIME (IRE) (5) 2 9-0 .....................(112) Jamie Spencer [12] (Michael Bell) mid-division, tracked leaders 2f out, soon ridden, one pace final furlong [tchd 7/1] 15/2 8 hd RED ROCK CANYON (IRE) (4) 2 9-0 ...Seamie Heffernan 1/2] [12 (A P O’Brien) held up behind, headway 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong [op 33/1] 25/1

9

hd TESLIN (IRE) (2) 2 9-0 ....................................Kevin Darley [121/2] (Mark Johnston) tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong

40/1 10 nk PETARA BAY (IRE) (6) 2 9-0 ................(108) Dane O’Neill [13] (T G Mills) prominent, led briefly over 2f out, soon ridden, 16/1 weakened 1f out 11 17 DRUMFIRE (IRE) (3) 2 9-0 ....................(104) Joe Fanning [30] (Mark Johnston) prominent, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened [op 33/1] 25/1 12 2 GREAT SPHINX (USA) (1) 2 9-0 ........(66) David McCabe [32] (A P O’Brien) veered left start, tracked leaders, hung left virtually throughout, weakened 2f out [op 150/1] 100/1 13 13 MALACARA (12) 2 9-0 .................................C O’Donoghue [45] (A P O’Brien) prominent, ridden 3f out, soon beaten [op 150/1] 100/1 14 3 PRINCE GOLAN (IRE) (13) 2 9-0 ..............(51) Neil Callan [48] (Kevin Ryan) led until over 2f out, soon weakened 100/1 14 ran TIME 1m 43.74s (slow by 8.14s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 120 1st OWNER: Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar BRED: Marengo Investments And Knighton House Ltd And M TRAINER: Peter Chapple-Hyam at Newmarket, Suffolk 2nd OWNER: The English Girls 3rd OWNER: J C Fretwell TOTE WIN £24.40; PL £5.20, £5.30, £4.40; EX £472.10; CSF £637.50 TRIFECTA £1538.70 Part won. Pool: £2,167.26 - 0.10 winning units.

VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

ground and a temporary new venue proved ANALYSIS Heavy no deterrent, for this was the biggest Racing Post Trophy field in many years. It looked well up to scratch in terms of quality too, and that’s saying something when one considers that four of the last five winners have gone on to Classic success, among them the Derby winners High Chaparral and Motivator. Conditions were far from ideal for a race of this calibre, but it had been heavy at Doncaster three times in the last 10 years, including when High Chaparral won, and while outsiders filled the first three places it would be foolish to dismiss AUTHORIZED’s win as any sort of a fluke, for it wasn’t a matter of him staying on best at the end of a slog - he travelled best and quickened.

It’s rare indeed for a maiden to win a race of this nature - although the subsequent Dante winner and Derby seventh Dilshaan did it in the 2000 Racing Post Trophy - but Authorized has always been held in high regard in a stable that houses dual Group 1 winner Dutch Art, plus Hamoody, Striving Storm and others, and he was third favourite for the Derby in some lists even before the race, despite having been only third to Teslin here on his only previous start.

He was ridden with plenty of confidence here, and it was not misplaced, for he responded as soon as he was asked and quickened to the front on the nearside of the pack at the furlong pole. He had Charlie Farnsbarns’ measure throughout the final furlong and won readily. A really likeable type, one of the nicest in the field, he is said to be even better on better ground and might run in the 2,000 Guineas, though he is by Montjeu and one would anticipate him proving more of a Derby type. The 16-1 with William Hill for Epsom was soon gone, and he is as short as 10-1 with Coral.

Charlie Farnsbarns had hung right when winning the Ascot conditions race won by 1994 Racing Post Trophy winner Celtic Swing, but that was a useful effort and showed he was going the right way after a disappointing run at the Curragh. In finishing a clear second best - galloping in a straight line this time - he was stepping up again, and he has the makings of a decent three-year-old. Brian Meehan was talking afterwards of reintroducing him in something like the Craven Stakes or the Feilden.

Medicine Path’s rider was hard at work from three out, but the colt stayed on well to just hold hot favourite Eagle Mountain. Second in the Royal Lodge the time before and clearly among the season’s better staying juveniles, his third place helps give the form a solid look.

Eagle Mountain was arguably the least impressive of the O’Brien quartet on looks but stood out on form, having appeared to relish broadly similar conditions when a runaway winner of the Beresford Stakes. Having been held up he rather laboured this time, and though he had to be switched for his effort, having momentarily found his path blocked, he was in no sense unlucky. Aidan O’Brien said afterwards that the ground here was deeper than at the Curragh, and that he had never really been able to use his stride in a bunched field. He is better than this, but exactly where he fits in among the Ballydoyle juveniles - and indeed how far he will stay next year - is hard to say.

Thousand Words looked as if he was just starting to go in his coat and raced a bit keen early on when held up at the back of the field. He was still virtually last two out and then followed Authorized through up the nearside, but though he kept on he was outpaced by the principals.

The first five were clear of the rest, all of whom were weakening.

Sunshine Kid, who had his chance two out and was not knocked about inside the last furlong when his chance had gone. He is a nice type who should do better next year.

Regime, a long way ahead of Charlie Farnsbarns when second at the Curragh, was rather geed up in the parade ring and ran below form, weakening in the final furlong after a short-lived effort on the far side of the pack.

Red Rock Canyon, a close relative of Horatio Nelson, had been beaten three times at odds on in maidens and so had a lot on his plate.

Teslin, who had beaten the winner here last month, might not have handled the very different ground, for he didn’t get home after having his chance two out. (GD)

York 17 May 2007

2.45 [OFF 2.45]

totesport.com Dante Stakes (Group 2) Class 1 (1m2f88y) 1m21/2f

For: 3-y-o 1st £85,170 2nd £32,280 3rd £16,155 4th £8,055 5th £4,035 6th £2,025

1

2

3

AUTHORIZED (IRE) (3) 3 9-0 .........(128) Frankie Dettori b h by Montjeu (IRE)–Funsie (FR) (Saumarez) (Peter Chapple-Hyam) tracked leaders, headway on bit and close up 2f out, led over 1f out and soon quickened clear, impressive [op Evens tchd 11/10 in places] 10/11F 4 RAINCOAT (1) 3 9-0 ..........................(87) Richard Hughes b g by Barathea (IRE)–Love The Rain (Rainbow Quest (USA)) (John Gosden) held up in touch, headway over 3f out and soon pushed along, switched right and ridden over 1f out, stayed on to chase winner inside final furlong 8/1 1 AL SHEMALI (2) 3 9-0 .............................(102) M J Kinane [5] ch h by Medicean–Bathilde (IRE) (Generous (IRE)) (Sir Michael Stoute) tracked leading pair, headway 3f out, close up 2f out, soon ridden and kept on same pace under pressure approaching final furlong [op 20/1 tchd 16/1] 18/1

4 21/2 ADAGIO (4) 3 9-0 ..........................................Kerrin McEvoy

14 21/2 LEANDER (3) 3 9-0 ...............................(78) Mark Gallagher

[71/2] (Sir Michael Stoute) led, quickened over 3f out, ridden over 2f out,

[33] (Brett Johnson) dwelt, always in rear, last and tailing off straight,

headed over 1f out and soon weakened [op 3/1 tchd 7/2, 4/1 in a place] 5/2 5 16 PROPONENT (IRE) (6) 3 9-0 ............(103) Jimmy Fortune [24] (Roger Charlton) chased leader, ridden along 3f out, driven 2f out and soon outpaced [op 9/2] 7/1 6 20 PRINCE GOLAN (IRE) (5) 3 9-0 ................(51) Neil Callan [44] (Kevin Ryan) always in rear, outpaced and behind final 3f 100/1 6 ran TIME 2m 11.54s (slow by 4.24s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 111 1st OWNER: Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar BRED: Marengo Investments And Knighton House Ltd And M TRAINER: Peter Chapple-Hyam at Newmarket, Suffolk 2nd OWNER: K Abdulla 3rd OWNER: Saeed Suhail TOTE WIN £1.80; PL £1.30, £2.30; EX £8.00; CSF £8.97 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

The Dante has long been established as the most significant British trial for the Derby, and on eight occasions since its inception in 1958 the winner has gone on to triumph at Epsom. Following a faultless return to action, the Racing Post Trophy winner AUTHORIZED looks poised to follow in the footsteps of St Paddy, Shirley Heights, Shahrastani, Reference Point, Erhaab, Benny The Dip, North Light and Motivator and make it nine.

Although it featured just the one Group 1 winner, this was a strong trial by far the strongest we have had in Britain so far - for it featured two unbeaten runners in Proponent and Raincoat, plus Adagio, whose Craven win was impressive enough to see him start favourite for the 2000 Guineas. Yet Authorized looked different class to them.

Settled near the back as Adagio took them along at a steady enough pace until they turned for home, he travelled easily throughout, and when the leader wound it up as they straightened for home he took the injection of pace easily in his stride. He moved up to Adagio on the bridle and then quickened to the front when shaken up over a furlong out, coming clear really impressively under little more than hands-and-heels riding, just shown the whip briefly.

The Derby field was crying out for a star, none of the trial winners has shown anything like the class usually required to win at Epsom, and in Authorized it has found one. He travels well - he had also done so on bottomless ground in the Racing Post Trophy too - and so he ought to have no trouble holding his place at Epsom, and the longer trip is not going to be a problem either. He also clearly has finishing speed.

What’s more, his trainer, who won the 1992 Derby with Dr Devious after a far less conventional preparation, reckons he will improve for the run. It’s true he is quite a heavy-topped type and he has yet to race on fast ground, but they do such a good job with the going at Epsom these days that such a scenario is highly unlikely. He looks head and shoulders above the rest.

Raincoat already has Epsom experience, having impressed in a weakish Blue Riband Trial, but unfortunately he is not yet entered for the Derby. He stayed on well for second when his rider got stuck into him, having got a bit outpaced and been switched to the right for his effort. He had no chance with the winner, but there is so little strength in depth in the likely Derby line-up that he would surely have good place prospects if he was supplemented, for he is going to be very well suited by the extra 2f. With the French Derby nowadays over only 1m2f, it’s a fair bet that he will be.

Al Shemali has nothing like the profile of his stablemate Adagio, but he was only a place behind him when they both finished in mid-field in the Guineas, and he reversed the form here, aided no doubt by both the longer distance and on the easier ground, which had suited him when he won as a juvenile.[GD]

ANALYSIS

Epsom 2 Jun 2007

4.20 [OFF 4.21]

Vodafone Derby Stakes (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) Class 1 (1m4f10y) 1m4f

For: 3-y-o 1st £709,750 2nd £269,000 3rd £134,625 4th £67,125 5th £33,625 6th £16,875

1

AUTHORIZED (IRE) (14) 3 9-0 .......(128) Frankie Dettori b h by Montjeu (IRE)–Funsie (FR) (Saumarez) (Peter Chapple-Hyam) dwelt, reached midfield after 5f, 9th straight, steady progress on outer from 3f out, led over 1f out, shaken up and stormed clear impressively [op 11/10 tchd 11/8 in places and 6/4 in a place] 5/4F 2 5 EAGLE MOUNTAIN (8) 3 9-0 ........................... J Murtagh b h by Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE)–Masskana (IRE) (Darshaan) (A P O’Brien) well in rear, 15th straight, ridden and progress on outer from 3f out, stayed on well to take 2nd inside final furlong, no chance with winner [op 9/1] 6/1 1 3 2 /2 AQALEEM (2) 3 9-0 ........................................ Richard Hills 1 [7 /2] b h by Sinndar (IRE)–Dalayil (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) (Marcus Tregoning) well placed, 6th straight, effort 3f out, ridden to dispute close 2nd 2f out, outpaced over 1f out [op 11/1] 9/1 4 hd LUCARNO (USA) (17) 3 9-0 ...............(115) Steve Drowne [73/4] (John Gosden) well placed, 4th straight, chased leader over 3f out to 2f out, one pace after [tchd 20/1 in a place] 16/1 5 1/2 SOLDIER OF FORTUNE (IRE) (9) 3 9-0 (124) W M Lordan [81/4] (A P O’Brien) prominent, 5th straight, effort to dispute 2nd 2f out, one pace after [op 16/1 tchd 20/1] 14/1 6 3/4 HELENE MASCOT (IRE) (11) 3 9-0 ................Ted Durcan [9] (David Elsworth) well in rear, 14th straight, progress over 2f out, kept on final furlong, no danger 20/1 7 13/4 VIVA HONG KONG (USA) (19) 3 9-0 ...(108) Joe Fanning 1 [10 /2] (T G Mills) led at strong pace, kicked 3 lengths clear 3f out, headed and weakened over 1f out [op 66/1 tchd 80/1] 50/1 8 nk YELLOWSTONE (IRE) (16) 3 9-0 ........(87) C O’Donoghue [11] (A P O’Brien) well in rear, 13th straight, kept on under pressure from over 2f out, no chance [op 33/1 tchd 40/1] 28/1 9 31/2 ACAPULCO (IRE) (5) 3 9-0 .......................(110) F M Berry [141/2] (A P O’Brien) pushed up to go prominent, 3rd and driven straight, weakened from over 2f out 66/1 10 shd ADMIRALOFTHEFLEET (USA) (15) 3 9-0 Seamie Heffernan [141/2] (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders, 7th straight, soon ridden, weakened well over 2f out [op 16/1] 14/1 11 6 MAHLER (6) 3 9-0 ...................................(113) P J Smullen [21] (A P O’Brien) never better than midfield, 10th and ridden straight, no progress [tchd 25/1 in a place] 20/1 12 2 ANTON CHEKHOV (4) 3 9-0 ......................D P McDonogh [23] (A P O’Brien) chased leader to over 3f out, soon weakened 50/1 13 8 REGIME (IRE) (7) 3 9-0 ........................(112) Martin Dwyer [31] (Michael Bell) well in rear, 12th and brief effort straight, soon no progress and beaten [op 25/1] 20/1

passed 3 toiling rivals final furlong

15

100/1

1 PETARA BAY (IRE) (12) 3 9-0 ..............(108) Dane O’Neill [34] (T G Mills) never going well in midfield, 11th and under pressure straight, soon weakened

[op 66/1] 100/1

16 13 STRATEGIC PRINCE (18) 3 9-0 ............(109) Eddie Ahern [47] (Paul Cole) chased leaders, 8th straight, soon weakened, tailed off [tchd 25/1] 20/1

17

4 ARCHIPENKO (USA) (10) 3 9-0 ......................M J Kinane [51] (A P O’Brien) always well in rear, 16th and struggling straight, no

progress, tailed off [op 8/1] 13/2 TIME 2m 34.77s (fast by 0.53s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 130 NON RUNNERS: Arabian Gulf(vet’s certificate), Eastern Anthem(IRE)(unsuitable ground) 1st OWNER: Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar BRED: Marengo Investments And Knighton House Ltd And M TRAINER: Peter Chapple-Hyam at Newmarket, Suffolk 2nd OWNER: D Smith, Mrs J Magnier, M Tabor 3rd OWNER: Hamdan Al Maktoum TOTE WIN £2.30; PL £1.10, £2.70, £2.60; EX £13.60; CSF £8.08; TRICAST £56.92 TRIFECTA £120.00 Pool: £37,212.72 - 220.16 winning units.

VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com 17 ran

Seldom since Entrepreneur went off at 4-6 in 1997 has the Derby build-up been dominated to such an extent by one horse, or perhaps more pertinently one rider. However, while Authorized had looked different class when following up last year’s Racing Post Trophy win so impressively in the Dante, and offered Frankie Dettori his best opportunity yet, this Derby looked no less intriguing an affair than any before it, with an eight-strong battalion from Ballydoyle potentially adding a massive additional tactical dimension to a race in which there were all the usual stamina, temperament and going questions to be answered.

Teofilo’s continued absence robbed the race of last year’s outstanding juvenile, and Classic form was thin on the ground, with only three unplaced runners from the 2,000 Guineas to represent it, but it featured the winners of all of the main trials, plus unexposed runners with the scope still to improve significantly over the longer distance.

The drying ground meant that the going would not be much of an excuse for any beaten runners, and a race run at a strong pace throughout passed with remarkably little incident and no hint of team tactics.

As at York, AUTHORIZED was simply different class, and the manner in which he stormed clear inside the final two furlongs to win by a margin that has not been bettered since Slip Anchor won in 1985, suggests he must be right up there with the best recent winners of the race.

A little warm behind the saddle initially but otherwise in tremendous shape again, he soon settled down and, by the time they arrived at the start, there were many others who looked much hotter.

One of the slowest away, he was much further back through the first furlong then one would have wanted him to be, but Dettori did not rush him into contention and instead rode him with no end of confidence. Still only ninth approaching the straight, but with all those behind him in trouble and the leaders in his sights, he cruised up on the outside to join issue around two furlongs out and then quickened right away when asked to go and win his race. He was given a couple of smacks to make sure, but it really wasn’t necessary for he strode away imperiously to win with overwhelming authority. He equalled the winning margin of such outstanding colts as Nashwan, Generous and Motivator in a time that could not have been even contemplated when soft ground was on the cards earlier in the week, for it was quicker than the 2005 and 2006 time and more than a second under the Racing Post’s standard.

He looks far and away the best middle-distance three-year-old around and will be very hard to beat. A drop back in trip for the Coral-Eclipse will not trouble him, and one could see him going through the season unbeaten.

The 2,000 Guineas fifth Eagle Mountain beat the rest by a clear margin and did remarkably well to finish where he did, having had only a couple behind him into the straight, connections reporting he had been interfered with a little earlier on. He made up a deal of ground in the straight, following a similar path to Authorized, but the winner had long gone. He will now be aimed at the Irish Derby, and if Authorized is absent he will take plenty of beating.

Aqaleem didn’t have anything like the form claims of the stable’s 2006 winner Sir Percy, for the Lingfield trial did not take a lot of winning, but he had been impressive there and carried a fair measure of stable optimism. He got warm in the parade ring, but proceeded to run a blinder in third, soon in a good position from what connections saw as a tricky draw and sticking on gamely. He looks obvious St Leger material.

Lucarno made his racecourse debut less than two months ago, but he was tremendously impressive in a small field at Newmarket last week and justified the bold decision to run him again so quickly with a cracking effort in fourth. Another who was in the leading group throughout, he went into second behind Kid Mambo just before Authorized arrived on the scene and missed third by only a head. He has had four quick races now, but connections are thinking about races like the King Edward VII or the Grand Prix de Paris, and he surely has a major race in him at some stage.

Soldier Of Fortune looked a stayer in the Chester Vase, and although he ran really well here, he just lacked a bit of pace. He could be a St Leger type too, but would be worth his chance in the Irish Derby first.

Salford Mill’s trainer had misgivings about the ground, but it dried out so much that it cannot have inconvenienced him too much. He didn’t go well through the first half of the race and was still among the backmarkers straightening for home, but he picked up well approaching the two-furlong marker and kept on to the line. He looks a likely type for the King Edward VII. Kid Mambo, placed behind the Oaks winner Light Shift at Newbury and behind Aqaleem at Lingfield, had a lot more use made of him here and set a really good pace. It was only inside the last two furlongs that he was eventually headed, and connections concluded that he did not stay. He will drop back to around 1m2f now.

The Derrinstown second Yellowstone ran much better than his stablemate Archipenko, who beat him there, but once again he looked a stayer.

There were stamina doubts about Archipenko, but he was beaten long before that became an issue and Michael Kinane reported he had lost his action coming down the hill.

The inexperienced Acapulco, another from the O’Brien camp, was driven into third as they straightened up, and although he couldn’t hold his position, he was far from disgraced. He was clear of a much shorter-priced stablemate, the Royal Lodge and Dee Stakes winner Admiralofthefleet, who probably didn’t stay. (GD)

ANALYSIS

jjContinues next page

22 RESULTS & ANALYSIS

AUTHORIZED Sandown 7 Jul 2007

3.15 [OFF 3.20]

Coral-Eclipse Stakes (Group 1) Class 1 (1m2f7y) 1m2f

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £259,314.26 2nd £98,281.84 3rd £49,186.59 4th £24,524.79 5th £12,285.23 6th £6,165.45

1

NOTNOWCATO (8) 5 9-7 .....................(123) Ryan Moore ch h by Inchinor–Rambling Rose (Cadeaux Genereux) (Sir Michael Stoute) held up, tracked leader halfway, came alone to near side in straight, definite advantage from at least over 1f out, driven out [tchd 8/1 in places] 7/1 2 11/2 AUTHORIZED (IRE) (3) 3 8-10 .........(128) Frankie Dettori b h by Montjeu (IRE)–Funsie (FR) (Saumarez) (Peter Chapple-Hyam) held up in last pair, progress on outer 2f out, soon driven, led main group entering final furlong, just held on but not on terms with winner [op 8/13, tchd 4/6 in places] 4/7F 3 hd GEORGE WASHINGTON (IRE) (1) 4 9-7 .......................

3/4] [1 ..........................................................(120) Seamie Heffernan b h by Danehill (USA)–Bordighera (USA) (Alysheba (USA)) (A P O’Brien) fractious to post, held up in last pair, progress 2f out, hanging right over 1f out, ridden to challenge main group leader last 100yds, just held [tchd 9/2 in places] 4/1 4 11/4 YELLOWSTONE (IRE) (5) 3 8-10 ................(87) F M Berry [3] (A P O’Brien) rousted to chase leader for 2f then restrained, close up 4f out, led main group 3f out until entering final furlong, held when not much room near finish [op 66/1] 50/1 5 4 ADMIRALOFTHEFLEET (USA) (7) 3 8-10 ......M J Kinane [7] (A P O’Brien) held up off the pace, effort over 3f out, driven to chase leaders well over 1f out, weakened final furlong 12/1 6 11/4 KANDIDATE (2) 5 9-7 t .............................(94) Eddie Ahern [81/4] (Clive Brittain) held up off the pace, closed halfway, ridden to challenge 2f out, weakened just over 1f out [op 66/1] 50/1 7 5 ARCHIPENKO (USA) (6) 3 8-10 ..................C O’Donoghue [13] (A P O’Brien) rousted to chase leader for 2f then restrained, hard ridden 3f out, soon beaten [op 20/1] 16/1 8 shd CHAMPERY (USA) (4) 3 8-10................(109) Joe Fanning [131/2] (Mark Johnston) led, left clear after 2f, headed 3f out, weakened 2f out [tchd 100/1] 150/1 8 ran TIME 2m 5.85s (fast by 1.15s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 114 1st OWNER: Anthony & David de Rothschild BRED: Southcourt Stud TRAINER: Sir Michael Stoute at Newmarket, Suffolk 2nd OWNER: Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar 3rd OWNER: Mrs John Magnier, M Tabor & D Smith TOTE WIN £7.70; PL £2.10, £1.02, £1.80; EX £14.60; CSF £11.46 TRIFECTA £53.00 Pool £25,709.79. - 344.05 winning units.

After a stewards’ inquiry, the placings remained unaltered.

VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com Coral-Eclipse is invariably billed as a ANALYSIS The mouth-watering first clash between the generations over this sort of distance, and so it was once again. But this latest renewal offered far, far more, with tactics playing a huge part in a thoroughly enthralling affair.

It started in the very early stages, where two of the Ballydoyle three-year-olds were rushed up to press Authorized’s pacemaker Champery before being reined back to slow things down at the head of the main group and leave Champery stranded. Then in the home straight there was a further unexpected twist, which contributed to a climax that was as thrilling as any in the race’s modern history, with the two market leaders involved in a terrific duel on the the far side of the track, while NOTNOWCATO ploughed a winning route alone up the nearside, though he was so far apart from the others that it was only near the finish that it became clear he was in front overall.

Nobody can say for sure how much advantage Notnowcato enjoyed in coming up the stands’ side on ground that was drying out fast, but it was a tactic that had been used all afternoon the previous day, and experienced course walkers - including Ryan Moore, who had a long look at the track with John Francome - were adamant that it was still quicker there. To his immense credit, Moore was determined to ride his own race on Notnowcato, whom he moved up into second on the outside starting the home turn, and then brought across to race next to the stands’ side hedge, making his move with subtlety to begin with, so as not to bring the rest of the field with him.

While most eyes were glued to the battle on the far side, Notnowcato made the best of his way home and scored decisively in the end, having been in front probably for more than a furlong.

Notnowcato had already won two Group 1 races at this trip since his second to David Junior here a year ago, but he scored only narrowly both times and there had been a suggestion at the Curragh that he might have beaten an unfit Dylan Thomas, so he didn’t receive full credit there. That’s the danger once again, but only a top-class horse wins three Group 1 races in under a year, especially at this competitive distance. The Juddmonte, in which he just touched off Maraahel last year, is probably his next target, and provided the ground isn’t as quick as it was at Royal Ascot last time he will be the one to beat.

Authorized was bidding to become the first Epsom winner since Nashwan 18 years previously to complete the Derby/Eclipse double, Erhaab, Benny The Dip and Motivator all having failed in the meantime. He was also bidding to become the first Derby winner since High Chaparral in 2002 to win again afterwards. He failed in both tasks task, but he ’won’ his race up the far side and his defeat by Notnowcato can arguably be attributed to the tactical nature of the race, which conspired against him in more ways than one, and he should have more opportunities to restore the tarnished recent record of Derby winners, for he could well be back on course again as soon as the King George, for which he remains a short-priced favourite in most books, and he also still has the Arc among his long-term options.

The way the race was run conspired against him, for once Yellowstone and Archipenko came back to the pack and left his pacemaker in a long lead he no longer had any meaningful assistance. Still at the back of the field, along with George Washington, into the straight, he made his move towards the outside of the pack. However, at this shorter trip he was always making much heavier weather of it than at Epsom, and when Frankie Dettori went for his whip approaching the furlong marker he had a real battle on his hands, for George Washington was on his heels and Yellowstone was not stopping.

To his credit, Authorized got to the front of the pack inside the final furlong and then held on gamely from George Washington, despite edging right and interfering with Yellowstone in the run to the line. However, it was hardly the authoritative performance that had been so widely expected, and one would be wary of taking short odds about him if he runs at Ascot. That said, Peter Chapple-Hyam regularly confounds conventional thinking, and there remains every chance that he will bounce back, either at Ascot or elsewhere, and confirm himself the outstanding 1m4f horse he looked at Epsom.

NEW APPROACH

George Washington was generally well behaved in the preliminaries, but playing up is never far from his mind and as soon as he was released from the parade he gave Seamie Heffernan, who is his regular partner at home, a torrid half minute or so before relaxing again as they approached the stalls.

Held up at the back with Authorized, he was going well into the straight and when he covered Authorized’s move he was going every bit as well. He looked inclined to hang right approaching the furlong marker, but ran on to press Authorized all the way to the line without ever quite getting to him.

Although a champion two-year-old in 2005 and champion miler last year, George Washington remains as enigmatic as ever, but what one can say now is that he gets 1m2f, and that will widen his options.

On paper, there wasn’t a lot between the three Aidan O’Brien three-year-olds, who had all finished well down the field at Epsom, but Admiralofthefleet and Archipenko looked the pick, as they had both won trials at around this trip and had excuses in the Derby, Admiralofthefleet shaping like a non-stayer and Archipenko, who started third favourite, appearing to hate the track.

But it was King Edward VII third Yellowstone, who had done best of the trio in the Derby, who emerged on top once again, arguably by virtue of his superior stamina. He ran a blinder, but his proximity does not advertise the strength of the form overall, for he has regularly been found wanting in Group races since his maiden win at Cork and he was beaten no further at Ascot than he was here. [GD]

15 Jul 2007

5.35

For: 2-y-o 1st €13,020 2nd €3,820 3rd €1,820 4th €620

1

[OFF 3.10]

ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) always prominent, disputed lead from halfway, led 2f out, ridden and joined briefly 1f out, soon regained lead and stayed on well close home [op 4/1] 7/2

3 11/2 ALHABEEB (3) 2 9-0 ...........................(88) D P McDonogh [31/2] b g by Alhaarth (IRE)–Elfaslah (IRE) (Green Desert (USA)) (Kevin Prendergast) always prominent, ridden in 3rd 2 1/2f out, no extra from 1 1/2f out [op 5/1] 4/1

4

9 TELLHIMNOW (13) 2 9-0 ............................(55) J Murtagh [121/2] (J G Coogan) mid-division, some progress from 2 1/2f out, went

5

3 KARGAN (10) 2 9-0 ....................................(68) M J Kinane [151/2] (John M Oxx) held up, ridden and some progress halfway, no extra

6

hd JACULLAH (4) 2 9-0 ...................................(51) C D Hayes [151/2] (J G Coogan) towards rear, progress into mid-division 3f out, kept

7

/ MOSMAN PARK (FR) (2) 2 9-0 ...............(56) W J Supple [16] (Charles O’Brien) mid-division, ridden and no impression from 2f

moderate 4th inside final furlong

Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) Class 1 (1m2f88y) 1m21/2f AUTHORIZED (IRE) (1) 3 8-11........(128) Frankie Dettori b h by Montjeu (IRE)–Funsie (FR) (Saumarez) (Peter Chapple-Hyam) held up towards rear, good headway 3f out, close up 2f out quickened to lead over 1f out, ridden inside final furlong and stayed on well [op 15/8, tchd 2/1] 6/4F

2

3

3 NOTNOWCATO (4) 5 9-5 .......................(123) Ryan Moore [4] ch h by Inchinor–Rambling Rose (Cadeaux Genereux) (Sir Michael Stoute) tracked leader, headway to lead well over 2f out, ridden well over 1f out, headed approaching final furlong and kept on same pace [op 11/4] 7/2

5

3 ASIATIC BOY (ARG) (6) 4 9-4 ...................Jamie Spencer [71/4] (M F de Kock) tracked leaders, effort over 2f out, soon ridden and kept on same pace from over 1f out

[tchd 14/1] 12/1

6 1 / HATTAN (IRE) (5) 5 9-5 ..................................Seb Sanders 12

[8 / ] (Clive Brittain) held up in rear, headway 3f out, ridden to chase 34

leaders 2f out, soon driven and beaten

100/1

7 13/4 SONG OF HIAWATHA (3) 3 8-11 ..(100) Seamie Heffernan [10 / ] (A P O’Brien) led, ridden along 4f out, headed well over 2f out and 12

gradually weakened [op 150/1] 200/1 TIME 2m 11.82s (slow by 4.52s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 112 1st OWNER: Saleh Al Homaizi & Imad Al Sagar BRED: Marengo Investments And Knighton House Ltd And M TRAINER: Peter Chapple-Hyam at Newmarket, Suffolk 2nd OWNER: Mrs John Magnier & M Tabor 3rd OWNER: Anthony & David de Rothschild TOTE WIN £2.50; PL £1.60, £1.60; EX £6.10; CSF £4.56 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com 7 ran

A clash of the generations, with winners of the Derby, Eclipse and King George meeting in a fascinating showdown. It was the three-year-old, AUTHORIZED who prevailed, beating his elders with a workmanlike display, which helped to restore his reputation, following his controversial defeat in the Eclipse.

Having moved well to the start, the clear-cut Derby winner raced keenly under restraint towards the back of the field in a race which was hardly run at a searching gallop, despite the presence of Song Of Hiawatha, who attempted to tow the field along at a decent pace.

Authorized, who was not dropped out quite as much as he was in the Eclipse, moved closer to the leaders inside the final half-mile and had the advantage of racing away from the fence, with his two main rivals on his inside. Frankie Dettori was always oozing confidence on the colt, who carried him smoothly through the race. In what turned out be a tactical affair, Dettori was in a position to keep the door closed on Dylan Thomas, on his inside, before unleashing his mount approaching the final furlong. Authorized picked-up willingly and then, under pressure, stayed on to keep Dylan Thomas at bay.

It was a rock-solid performance. Quite how much bearing tactics had on the outcome, however, is open to opinion. There will be some, no doubt, who felt that had Dylan Thomas not been trapped on the stands’ rail from the three-furlong pole, and, more pertinently, not held-in (within the rules) by Dettori on Authorized until approaching the final furlong - with the result that the finish developed into a dash - then the result might have been different.

A big, long-striding horse, Dylan Thomas may have preferred a slightly stronger gallop from the outset (but then so too might Authorized). Almost certainly, he would have benefited from the tempo being raised from the three-furlong marker. As it was, it was only when Dettori went for home over a furlong out that he left the door open for Dylan Thomas to switch out and give chase. It was a gallant effort from the runner-up, who certainly lost no caste in defeat, coming out a clear second-best, sticking on all the way to the line, on ground slightly slower than ideal.

The Arc is now on the agenda for the admirable Authorized, who has been promoted to favouritism ahead of the mighty Manduro. As for Dylan Thomas, he will doubtless go wherever the ground is least testing. Another clash with Authorized, should it ever happen, and particularly over 1m4f, would be something to savour.

Notnowcato, winner of this race last year, and controversial conqueror of Authorized in the Eclipse, forced the pace, struck the front in the straight, but was never able to pull out enough to match the front two when the chips were down. (TO’R)

ANALYSIS

[op 4/1] 7/2

on same pace under pressure

[op 25/1] 33/1

12

out

[op 16/1] 20/1

8 31/2 LOVE BOAT CAPTAIN (GB) (12) 2 9-0 ...........................

[191/2] ............................................................(42) Francisco Da Silva (John A Quinn) chased leaders early, soon rear of mid-division, no impression from 3f out 50/1

9 21/2 BOX HILL (USA) (1) 2 9-0 .......................(72) W M Lordan [22] (David Wachman) prominent, disputed lead from halfway, ridden and weakened from 2f out

10

[op 7/4 tchd 6/4] 13/8 last and no extra final furlong TIME 1m 30.60s (slow by 5.30s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 109 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: Lodge Park Stud TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Lady O’Reilly 3rd OWNER: A Gannon TOTE WIN €1.60; ; EX €4.20; CSF €7.16 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

14/1

3 TRADITIO (7) 2 8-4 ................................(58) B A Curtis(10) [25] (John Joseph Murphy) chased leaders, weakened from 2 1/2f out

Just four runners went to post for this newly upgraded Group 3, which was won last year by Teofilo. This year’s contestants were headed by New Approach who looked a fine prospect when making a winning debut at the Curragh two weeks ago.

Meanwhile the form of the unbeaten Bruges was put to the test by Norman Invader and Minneapolis, who finished just over two lengths behind him in the Golden Fleece Stakes over this course and distance earlier in the month.

NEW APPROACH confirmed the promise of his debut with a very likeable display that puts him on course for the Futurity Stakes at the Curragh next month. In winning his first two races he has now emulated Teofilo and he received a 16-1 quote from Ladbrokes for the 2000 Guineas. Cashmans make him their 20-1 Derby favourite.

After setting a steady pace, New Approach was strongly pressed by Brazilian Star from 2f out. Just as he did on his debut at the Curragh, he found an extra gear when challenged and soon drew away. His jockey never had to get too serious with him to assert and he was in full command over the final furlong. This was a very likeable effort from the winner and he certainly sets the standard for the Futurity. In the long term he also looks a live contender for the National Stakes and can be rated one of the best juveniles around.

Brazilian Star was stepping up significantly from his Tipperary maiden win the previous Sunday. However, he did run out an easy winner of that race and seems well suited by an ease in the ground. He put it up to the winner from 2f out but just could not match him when he started to assert.

This represented a good effort on his part and he can continue to hold his own in decent company.

Norman Invader had filled the runner-up spot on his first two starts, chasing home the useful juveniles Saoirse Abu and Bruges. He was unable to mount a telling challenge but stuck to his task to take third. He won’t have any trouble making his mark in a maiden and would probably appreciate better ground.

Minneapolis didn’t run at all badly in the Golden Fleece Stakes last time but he was disappointing here and was struggling from early in the straight.

He will have to do better if he is to make an impression at this level of competition.[RME]

ANALYSIS

Curragh

66/1

11 11/4 SINE DIE (9) 2 9-0 .........................................(76) F M Berry

25 Aug 2007

[26] (John M Oxx) held up, some progress halfway, ridden and

nk DUKE OF MARMALADE (IRE) (2) 3 8-11(127) M J Kinane [41/4] (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders, headway over 3f out and soon close up, ridden, not much room and outpaced 2f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong [tchd 14/1] 12/1

16/1

from 2f out

1 DYLAN THOMAS (IRE) (7) 4 9-5 ..........(128) J Murtagh b h by Danehill (USA)–Lagrion (USA) (Diesis) (A P O’Brien) held up in rear, headway 3f out, not clear run well over 1f out, switched left and ridden to chase winner inside final furlong, soon driven and not quicken [tchd 15/8 and 9/4] 2/1

4

2 LUCIFER SAM (USA) (14) 2 9-0 ..(99) Seamie Heffernan b h by Storm Cat (USA)–Rafina (USA) (Mr Prospector (USA)) (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders, progress into 2nd 1 1/2f out, disputed lead briefly 1f out, soon headed, no impression on winner [op 2/1 tchd 3/1] 11/4F

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £298,095 2nd £112,980 3rd £56,542.50 4th £28,192.50 5th £14,122.50 6th £7,087.50

1

NEW APPROACH (15) 2 9-0 ..............(124) K J Manning

2

3 MINNEAPOLIS (GB) (3) 2 9-1 ...............(88) Kieren Fallon [61/2] (A P O’Brien) settled 3rd, ridden and no impression early straight,

4 ran

Jebel Ali Stables & Racecourse European Breeders Fund C & G Maiden 7f

[OFF 5.35]

York 21 Aug 2007

3.10

4

Curragh

weakened from 2f out

12

16/1

9 TWEEDYS CHOICE (5) 2 9-0 ..........................M C Hussey [35] (John A Quinn) towards rear and took keen hold, weakened from

halfway 50/1 TIME 1m 33.00s (slow by 9.50s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 122 NON RUNNERS: New Zealand, Natural High, Ucantoo 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: Lodge Park Stud TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Mrs John Magnier 3rd OWNER: Hamdan Al Maktoum TOTE WIN €3.00; PL €1.50, €1.60, €1.70; EX €9.90; CSF €13.54 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com 12 ran

A maiden that usually produces a decent winner Teofilo took it last year - and NEW APPROACH produced a pleasing performance to make a winning debut for Jim Bolger. A son of Galileo and the top-class Park Express, the strapping colt raced in the front rank from the outset. He looked to be in trouble as Lucifer Sam improved to challenge for the lead heading towards the final furlong but battled back in the closing stages and was going away at the finish. Bolger said the winner will "more or less" follow the same path as Teofilo, which means New Approach heads next for the Tyros Stakes. The National Stakes is firmly on his agenda and he looks a good colt.

Lucifer Sam ran respectably on his debut when fifth to Lisvale over course and distance and seemed to improve on that effort. He will have little difficulty making his mark in a maiden and should also appreciate better ground.

Alhabeeb, who chased home Strait Of Mewsina in a Limerick maiden last month, also held a good position from the outset and stuck to his task once coming under pressure. He will stay further and is another who will have little trouble winning a maiden.

There was a good gap back to Tellhimnow, who was making his debut and wasn’t disgraced. The Monashee Mountain colt will improve for the outing.

Kargan, another newcomer, was keeping on over the final two furlongs without being able to land a telling blow. He, too, can do better next time.

Jacullah probably ran better than when finishing fourth to Rivoletto in an ordinary Sligo maiden nearly two months ago. [RM]

ANALYSIS

Leopardstown 28 Jul 2007

6.20

Tyros Stakes (Group 3)

7f

[OFF 6.23] For: 2-y-o 1st €45,570 2nd €13,370 3rd €6,370 4th €2,170

1

NEW APPROACH (1) 2 9-1 ................(124) K J Manning ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) made all, strongly pressed early straight, ridden and stayed on well from under 2f out, easily [op 5/4] EvensF

2

2 BRAZILIAN STAR (4) 2 9-1 ...............................C D Hayes b g by Galileo (IRE)–Braziliz (USA) (Kingmambo (USA)) (Kevin Prendergast) soon 2nd, ridden to challenge and virtually on terms 2f out, kept on under pressure without troubling winner inside final furlong [op 9/2] 6/1

3 11/2 NORMAN INVADER (USA) (2) 2 9-1 .......D P McDonogh [31/2] b h by War Chant (USA)–Enthused (USA) (Seeking The Gold (USA)) (K J Condon) held up in rear, ridden early straight, 3rd and no impression final furlong 14/1

4.00 [OFF 4.00]

Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes (Group 2) 7f

For: 2-y-o 1st €77,500 2nd €23,750 3rd €11,250 4th €3,750 5th €2,500

1

2

3

NEW APPROACH (3) 2 9-1 ................(124) K J Manning ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) made virtually all, ridden and edged clear 2f out, kept on well final furlong 8/11F 3 CURTAIN CALL (FR) (1) 2 9-1 ...............(115) F M Berry b h by Sadler’s Wells (USA)–Apsara (FR) (Darshaan) (Mrs John Harrington) moderate 4th, ridden over 2f out, 3rd 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd near finish [op 25/1] 40/1 nk HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (USA) (2) 2 9-4 (125) Kieren Fallon [31/4] br h by Kingmambo (USA)–Sequoyah (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA))

(A P O’Brien) chased leaders, moderate 3rd and driven along halfway, took closer order over 2f out, 2nd over 1f out, no impression, no extra close home [op 5/4] 11/10 4 11 WARSAW (4) 2 9-1 ..................................Seamie Heffernan [141/2] (A P O’Brien) close 2nd to over 2f out, soon no extra and weakened 25/1 5 30 PRETTY BALLERINA (USA) (5) 2 8-12.....(61) J Murtagh [44] (John Joseph Murphy) always behind, trailing throughout, eased final furlong 66/1 5 ran TIME 1m 29.00s (slow by 5.50s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 113 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: Lodge Park Stud TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Mrs P K Cooper 3rd OWNER: Mrs John Magnier TOTE WIN €1.60; PL €1.10, €12.70; EX €18.00; CSF €25.68 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

A race that has been won by some top-class horses in recent years, most recently last season’s outstanding juvenile Teofilo, and it served up an enthralling clash between the Coventry Stakes winner Henrythenavigator and the unbeaten Tyros Stakes winner NEW APPROACH, who emerged victorious with an authoritative display.

Winning trainer Jim Bolger has made no secret of the regard in which he holds the Galileo colt and it was perhaps quite significant that his path to this race was identical to the one followed by Teofilo.

This promised to be the winner’s toughest assignment to date and he passed the examination with flying colours. He and Warsaw helped to set a searching early pace that carried them some way clear of Henrythenavigator.

Warsaw gave best with two furlongs to run, and it was at this point that Henrythenavigator threatened to get involved. However, hard as he tried, he could never bridge the gap to New Approach, who kept on strongly in the closing stages to cement his position as one of the most exciting juveniles around.

Bolger now has the option of sending his charge for either the Parknasilla Hotel Goffs Million or the Irish National Stakes. New Approach looks ready to make a successful transition to the highest level and will take some beating, wherever he goes for the remainder of this season.

In the longer term he has firmly established himself as one of the forerunners for next year’s Classics.

The twice-raced Curtain Call came through to take second late on. He was struggling to go the early pace but, to his credit, stuck to his task under pressure and came home quite well. He should be well suited by stepping up to 1m, and a maiden victory looks a mere formality on this effort.

Henrythenavigator was returning to action 13 days after losing his unbeaten record in the Phoenix Stakes. He steadily closed down the front pair after halfway, having found himself some way back in third early on.

However, he could never get on terms with New Approach and had no more to give inside the final furlong, eventually losing second close home.

ANALYSIS

23 RESULTS & ANALYSIS

NEW APPROACH Having raced in the first three or four from the start, travelling well, he looked the best horse in the race as he went to the front approaching the two-furlong marker. However, that may have been plenty soon enough on this ground, and when New Approach got to him, he was always going to come off second best in that fight. If it was fast ground here in May it could be a very different story, and Cashmans were again well out of line in easing him right out to 14-1 from 6-1, when others merely lengthened him a point or two.

Rio De La Plata was arguably a bit better than the bare form when second to New Approach at the Curragh, and he coped with easy ground when an impressive winner of a sub-standard renewal of the Jean Luc Lagardere, but connections had reservations about running him on this ground and he was below his best. Held up, tracking New Approach, he was switched to the rail for his effort when momentarily a bit short of room, but he was in trouble with a furlong to run. He had had a busier campaign than most, and wisely he was not punished unduly in pursuit of a lost cause, but on balance his record is not that of a Guineas or Derby winner, and it would not be a huge surprise if he was campaigned in the first half of next year like 2004 winner Shamardal in France, where the pickings at the highest level tend to be a little easier.

Luck Money’s connections had a massive payday when the colt won in Ireland, but that form left him with plenty to find, and he was predictably found wanting.

Hatta Fort, fourth behind Rio De La Plata at Longchamp, was a bit keen and might prefer faster ground, but he, too, appears to have his limitations.

One would have expected the Champagne Stakes winner McCartney to have been finishing, but he never quite got competitive and was weakening in the final furlong. He had been among the eyecatchers in the preliminaries, and this just wasn’t his running. Again, his best form is on faster ground.

The Ballydoyle representative Greatwallofchina was a 100-1 chance and ran like one, while Dark Angel has been expertly placed to win more than £340,000, but the form of his Middle Park win did not look much stronger than that of the Mill Reef success, and he had his stamina to prove over an extra furlong on softer ground. He looks a sprinter. (GD)

Newmarket 3 May 2008

New Approach showed admirable battling qualities to land the Darley Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket on his final juvenile start The Kingmambo colt looked a top-drawer juvenile when winning the Coventry, but he has twice met with defeat on soft ground since then. He has questions to answer now, but it would be unfair to draw any firm conclusions about him until he gets back on his favoured good ground.

Warsaw has been unable to build on his early season promise, while Pretty Ballerina was in trouble a long way from home. (RM)

Curragh 16 Sep 2007

3.10

Bank Of Scotland (Ireland) National Stakes (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) 7f

[OFF 3.11]

For: 2-y-o 1st €171,400 2nd €57,400 3rd €27,400 4th €9,400 5th €6,400 6th €3,400 7th €400 8th €400 9th €400 10th €400

1

NEW APPROACH (3) 2 9-1 ................(124) K J Manning ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) made all, ridden and edged clear from over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, comfortably [op 2/1] 9/4F

2 13/4 RIO DE LA PLATA (USA) (5) 2 9-1 (120) Frankie Dettori ch h by Rahy (USA)–Express Way (ARG) (Ahmad (ARG)) (Saeed Bin Suroor) held up, 7th and headway 2f out, improved into moderate 2nd under 1f out, ridden and kept on well without threatening winner, eased near finish [op 2/1] 5/2

3 13/4 MYBOYCHARLIE (2) 2 9-1 .................(113) Kieren Fallon [31/2] b h by Danetime (IRE)–Dulceata (IRE) (Rousillon (USA)) (T Stack) held up in 6th, headway into 4th 2f out, soon ridden, 3rd and kept on final furlong [op 9/4] 5/2

With Kevin Manning judging the pace of the race perfectly, the winner possibly benefited to some degree from getting first run, Manning taking him a few lengths clear at a stage when his principal rivals had yet to be asked to lift the tempo. However, the way in which he raised his game through the final furlong left absolutely no room for excuses for the beaten horses.

The Galielo colt has bundles of pace, is now proven on a range of surfaces and will surely be suited by middle distances next season. In many respects he is quite unlike Teofilo, but comparisons are bound to be made, and one could certainly argue that New Approach has attained with this triumph a higher level of performance than last year’s champion.

Rio De La Plata came here as a worthy standard-bearer for top-level British form by virtue of his Goodwood win. His running relative to the fourth horse indicates that he produced a similar display. Held up in the early stages, he started to pick up really well on the outside from around two furlongs out and gave a strong visual impression of accleration. The fact that this could be the case and that he was unable to get to grips with the front-runner, only serves to emphasise the quality of the New Approach’s performance. It goes without saying that the Godolphin colt is amongst the very best of his age-group, and remains a serious Classic contender.

Myboycharlie lost his unbeaten record, but he gave a fine account of himself on ground that contrasted sharply with anything that he had dealt with before. The Prix Morny winner was held up to get the trip and travelled well to improve into fourth two furlongs out. Thereafter he could not manage to match Rio De La Plata, and it will be no surprise if he finds his forte as a sprinter next season. He has enjoyed an excellent campaign and is a colt of genuine Group 1 standard.

Lizard Island was a comfortable winner of the Ballydoyle battle, drawing a few lengths clear of smart maiden Great Barrier Reef. There are good races to be won with the pair, while the stable’s other runners Minneapolis and Magna Cum Laude are of much more modest ability. (AS)

4 11/2 LIZARD ISLAND (USA) (1) 2 9-1 ...(95) Seamie Heffernan [5] (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden 2 1/2f out, 2nd under

Newmarket

2f out, no impression, 4th and no extra final furlong [op 16/1] 25/1

5

3 GREAT BARRIER REEF (USA) (7) 2 9-1 (79) C O’Donoghue [8] (A P O’Brien) close 2nd, ridden over 2f out, soon outpaced, 5th

6

2 FAMOUS NAME (GB) (9) 2 9-1 ............(117) P J Smullen [10] (D K Weld) tracked leaders in 5th, ridden over 2f out, no

and no extra from over 1f out

impression, one pace

[op 20/1] 25/1

8/1

7 13/4 MINNEAPOLIS (GB) (8) 2 9-1 ............(88) D P McDonogh [12] (A P O’Brien) chased leaders in 7th, no impression from over 2f out

100/1

8

5 MAGNA CUM LAUDE (6) 2 9-1 ..................(91) F M Berry 100/1 [17] (A P O’Brien) in rear, trailing from halfway 9 shd VIA GALILEI (4) 2 9-1 ..................................(91) D J Moran [17] (J S Bolger) chased leaders in 4th, ridden halfway, weakened from 9 ran

2 1/2f out 33/1 TIME 1m 23.50s (equals standard time SP TOTAL PERCENT

111 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: Lodge Park Stud TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Godolphin 3rd OWNER: Mrs John Magnier TOTE WIN €2.90; PL €1.30, €1.50, €1.50; EX €9.10; CSF €7.50 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

A performance of exceptional merit by NEW APPROACH, who put a high-class field to the sword in the manner of a juvenile champion elect. Controlling the race from the start, he looked a class apart when sent about his business in the final furlong, and everything about him suggests that he is going to be a three-year-old of the very highest calibre.

The lessons of what happened with Teofilo, whose career-path has been followed to the letter by New Approach, is a harsh reminder of what can go wrong with any horse, but this majestic victory sets a current standard that will be hard to match. While some of the pre-race signs might seem to indicate a temperamental quirk of some description, it may be that this was principally a case of taking all possible precautions with a horse of rare potential, and it is very hard to find fault with anything that he has done so far in his races.

ANALYSIS

20 Oct 2007

2.40 [OFF 2.41]

Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) (Colts & Fillies) Class 1 7f Row

For: 2-y-o 1st £149,558.52 2nd £56,683.68 3rd £28,368.18 4th £14,144.58 5th £7,085.46 6th £3,555.90

1

NEW APPROACH (IRE) (7) 2 9-1 .....(124) K J Manning

ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) awkward leaving stalls, soon chasing leaders, shaken up 4f out, ridden from over 2f out, led inside final furlong, ran on under pressure [op 13/8 tchd 7/4 in places] 6/4F 2 1/2 FAST COMPANY (IRE) (9) 2 9-1 .........(120) Ted Durcan b h by Danehill Dancer (IRE)–Sheezalady (Zafonic (USA)) (Brian Meehan) soon pushed along in rear, headway over 1f out, ran on [op 12/1] 14/1 3 21/2 RAVEN’S PASS (USA) (8) 2 9-1 ....(127) Jimmy Fortune [3] ch h by Elusive Quality (USA)–Ascutney (USA) (Lord At War (ARG)) (John Gosden) tracked leaders, raced keenly, led over 2f out, ridden and edged right over 1f out, headed and no extra inside final furlong [op 5/2 tchd 10/3 in places] 3/1 4 21/2 RIO DE LA PLATA (USA) (3) 2 9-1 ..(120) Frankie Dettori [51/2] (Saeed Bin Suroor) held up, headway 2f out, not clear run and switched left over 1f out, weakened inside final furlong [tchd 4/1 and 5/1] 9/2 5 13/4 LUCK MONEY (IRE) (6) 2 9-1 ...............................T Quinn [71/4] (Paul Cole) with leader, ridden and every chance over 2f out, weakened over 1f out [op 20/1] 14/1 6 hd HATTA FORT (11) 2 9-1 .....................(108) Darryll Holland [71/2] (Mick Channon) tracked leaders, pulled hard, weakened over 1f out 50/1 7 nk MCCARTNEY (GER) (4) 2 9-1 .......................Ryan Moore [73/4] (Mark Johnston) mid-division, headway over 2f out, soon ridden, weakened final furlong [op 9/1 tchd 10/1 in a place] 15/2 8 21/2 GREATWALLOFCHINA (USA) (2) 2 9-1 ..(89) J Murtagh [101/2] (A P O’Brien) dwelt, soon pushed along in rear, ridden halfway, never dangerous 100/1

9

/ DARK ANGEL (IRE) (5) 2 9-1 ..............(114) Michael Hills [11] (B W Hills) led over 4f, weakening when not much room over 1f 12

out

[OFF 3.31]

25/1

10 17 DUBAI MEYDAN (IRE) (10) 2 9-1 .........(83) Jimmy Quinn [28] (Gay Kelleway) held up, weakened over 2f out [op 150/1] 100/1 TIME 1m 25.29s (slow by 2.29s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 116

10 ran

NON RUNNER: Moynahan(USA)(vet’s certificate) 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: Lodge Park Stud TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum 3rd OWNER: Stonerside Stable Llc TOTE WIN £2.50; PL £1.10, £3.80, £1.50; EX £27.40; CSF £25.17 TRIFECTA £133.60 Pool £1,844.60 - 9.80 winning units.

VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

Another strong renewal of a race that regularly proves the definitive two-year-old contest of the season and the form looks cast-iron, for the first three places went to the three colts who were previously unbeaten, and a solid Group 1 winner was defeated more than five lengths into fourth. A winning time marginally quicker than recorded by older horses in the Challenge Stakes reinforces that argument.

The 2,000 Guineas favourite NEW APPROACH, who was not going to come here initially, had much more to lose than to gain in putting his unbeaten record on the line here, yet he still managed to enhance his reputation. For whereas he had made all of the running for his four previous wins - the same four races as Jim Bolger’s 2006 Dewhurst winner Teofilo had won, three of them at Group level and all four of them over this trip - he broke awkwardly this time and looked an unlikely winner for much of the journey.

People often talk about making the running as doing it the hard way’, but this surely was much harder for the winner than any of his previous wins, for he had to battle his way to the front from an unpromising position. What’s more, despite having a very hard race indeed, he never flinched from the whip.

In a race in which the Goffs Million winner Luck Money and the Middle Park victor Dark Angel forced the pace, racing apart from one another, New Approach took an unaccustomed position in behind the leaders and was being pushed along before halfway. He looked in real trouble when Raven’s Pass went to the front, but when he came under the whip with more than two furlongs to go he showed real guts, forcing his way to the front and then pulling out yet more when Fast Company came at him late on his outside.

Bolger said afterwards that they had overdone the settling, suggesting it was never the intention to make the running, but he added that they knew how to sort that out.

New Approach remains very much the one to beat in the 2,000 Guineas, for which he is now generally around 2-1 with the big firms but 100-30 with sponsors Stan James. He is clearly quirky - he had a companion while being saddled and led around the pre-parade ring, and he was then ponied to the start well ahead of the others - but his temperament once he is racing cannot be faulted.

Improvement is on the cards when he steps up to 1m, but it remains to be seen if he has the stamina for the 1m4f of the Derby, for while his sire Galileo is a strong influence, the dam’s side offers less encouragement. Let’s just hope he avoids the sort of problems Teofilo had and gets the opportunity to fulfil his potential.

The revelation of the race was Fast Company, for whom this was a big step up in class. His Acomb win, since when he had changed hands, had not really been working out and for much of this race he looked as if he would finish out with the washing, for he was towards the rear of the field and really not going at all well. However, approaching the furlong marker, the picture began to change, and having made up three or four lengths, he gave the winner a real fight up the hill, looking briefly as if he might prevail. He was one of the least experienced in the race, and it showed, so with another winter behind him he could be a massive threat to New Approach again in the Guineas. He is a standout 10-1 with Cashmans and 9-1 with Stan James, but much shorter elsewhere.

Raven’s Pass had been very impressive indeed for his last two wins, and his Solario success had been recorded in a very fast time. While that form was denigrated by some at the time, it was franked at Ascot when the seven-length second City Leader went on to win the Royal Lodge, but here he had to prove himself on very different ground, and his trainer had been at pains to point out before the race that his pedigree is very much that of a fast-ground horse.

ANALYSIS

3.25

stanjamesuk.com 2000 Guineas Stakes (The 200th Running) (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) Class 1 1m Row

For: 3-y-o 1st £212,887.50 2nd £80,700 3rd £40,387.50 4th £20,137.50 5th £10,087.50 6th £5,062.50

1

HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (USA) (6) 3 9-0 (125) J Murtagh br h by Kingmambo (USA)–Sequoyah (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA))

(A P O’Brien) held up, switched right over 3f out, headway over 2f out, chased leader over 1f out, ridden to lead well inside final furlong, ran on [tchd 12/1] 11/1 2 nse NEW APPROACH (IRE) (14) 3 9-0 ....(124) K J Manning ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) led, ridden over 1f out, headed well inside final furlong, ran on [op 7/4 tchd 5/4 in a place] 11/8F 3 4 STUBBS ART (IRE) (9) 3 9-0 ....................... Seb Sanders [4] ch g by Hawk Wing (USA)–Rich Dancer (Halling (USA)) (David Elsworth) held up, headway halfway, switched right over 2f out, ridden and edged left over 1f out, no extra final furlong 100/1 1 4 /2 RAVEN’S PASS (USA) (3) 3 9-0 ......(127) Jimmy Fortune 1 [4 /2] (John Gosden) held up, switched right over 2f out, headway over 1f out, soon ridden, edged left final furlong, stayed on same pace [op 9/2] 4/1 5 hd DREAM EATER (IRE) (13) 3 9-0 t ......(108) Martin Dwyer [43/4] (Andrew Balding) prominent, raced keenly, ridden to chase leader 2f out, soon edged left, no extra final furlong 50/1 6 31/2 MOYNAHAN (USA) (5) 3 9-0 .........................(80) T Quinn [81/4] (Paul Cole) held up, ridden over 2f out, some headway over 1f out, edged left and no impression final furlong 40/1 7 1/2 STIMULATION (IRE) (4) 3 9-0 ...........(115) Steve Drowne [83/4] (Hughie Morrison) held up, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened final furlong [tchd 18/1 in a place] 16/1 8 11/4 PLAN (USA) (15) 3 9-0 .....................................M J Kinane [10] (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out 33/1 9 23/4 STRIKE THE DEAL (USA) (2) 3 9-0 .....(112) Eddie Ahern [13] (Jeremy Noseda) held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous 33/1 10 21/2 IBN KHALDUN (USA) (7) 3 9-0 .........(109) Frankie Dettori [151/2] (Saeed Bin Suroor) prominent, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out [op 4/1] 7/2 11 21/4 SCINTILLO (1) 3 9-0 ...................................Richard Hughes [171/2] (Richard Hannon) held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous 100/1 12 13/4 PERFECT STRIDE (11) 3 9-0 ................(112) Ryan Moore [191/2] (Sir Michael Stoute) tracked leaders, raced keenly, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 2f out [op 14/1] 16/1 13 13/4 ALFATHAA (12) 3 9-0 ..............................(98) Richard Hills [21] (William Haggas) chased leader until ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out [op 50/1] 40/1 14 33/4 BAHAMIAN KID (8) 3 9-0 .........................(45) Ted Durcan [25] (Reg Hollinshead) held up, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened [op 300/1] 250/1 15 9 FIRESIDE (10) 3 9-0 ...........................................Alan Munro [34] (Peter Chapple-Hyam) prominent, ridden over 3f out, weakened 2f out [op 25/1 tchd 16/1] 20/1 15 ran TIME 1m 39.14s (slow by 3.64s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 124 1st OWNER: Mrs John Magnier BRED: Westrn Bloodstock TRAINER: A P O’Brien at Ballydoyle, Co Tipperary 2nd OWNER: H R H Princess Haya Of Jordan 3rd OWNER: Matthew Green TOTE WIN £11.90; PL £3.20, £1.10, £15.60; EX £39.80; CSF £25.91 TRIFECTA £3880.00 Pool: £13,498.25 - 2.47 winning tickets.

VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

The 200th running of the 2,000 Guineas, and a finish worthy of the occasion, with two tip-top Irish-trained colts pulling clear of the pack in a thrilling head to head battle through the final furlong. Although the stalls were in the centre of the track the entire field was soon making its way towards the stands’ rail, headed by New Approach, who was drawn 2.

ANALYSIS

jjContinues next page

24 RESULTS & ANALYSIS

NEW APPROACH New Approach led the field virtually throughout and was a good two lengths clear going into the final 2f, looking much the likeliest winner.

However, the patiently ridden HENRYTHENAVIGATOR, was making strong and highly significant headway from off the pace which took him upsides the favourite going into the final furlong. There was never more than a head or so in it, and the final margin could not have been narrower, but from the moment he arrived on the scene Henrythenavigator always looked the likelier winner.

Henrythenavigator looked a really good prospect on fast ground in the Coventry, and the going had turned against him when he was beaten in two Group 1s afterwards, including when beaten over three lengths by New Approach at the Curragh. The drying ground was a massive plus for him again here, as he would have made little appeal under the conditions that prevailed early in the week, and he also benefited from a brilliant waiting ride here, for he has no pretensions to staying much further than this and in another few strides New Approach might well have got his nose in front again. Although he was initially given Derby quotes, the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James’s Palace Stakes are the obvious races for him. If the ground is on top again he will be the one to beat.

The previously unbeaten New Approach remains quirky and was ponied down to the start last of all, but he stood out on his Dewhurst form and had reportedly enjoyed a trouble-free preparation. His bid to emulate El Gran Senor, Zafonic and George Washington, who are surprisingly the only champion two-year-olds to win the Guineas in the last 30 years, was thwarted, but if Henrythenavigator had missed the race for any reason he would have won by a very wide margin. Allowed to bowl along against the stands’ rail, in contrast to the Dewhurst, which came as an afterthought and in which he had a really hard race after being taught to switch off, he dominated from the word go and looked the winner at the 2f marker, but was just run out of it. One of only a handful in the race likely to appreciate middle distances in due course, he will first renew rivalry with Henrythenavigator in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, and if conditions placed more emphasis on stamina he might well reverse placings. All being well, the Irish Derby would be next on the agenda.

Third place went to a real surprise package in Stubbs Art, who had been beaten off 87 in a Sandown handicap eight days previously but has always been highly regarded. Third to Twice Over here over 1m2f last autumn, he gave himself no chance at Sandown because he pulled way too hard, but off this stronger pace he settled well in mid-field, racing on the stands’ rail until switched right for his effort over 2f out. This was a cracking effort, and connections had no hesitation in nominating the St James’s Palace as his next target.

Raven’s Pass had the drying ground connections had been praying for, but he still had his stamina to prove after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in both the Dewhurst and the Craven. Jimmy Fortune clearly had that in mind, but one has to think the waiting tactics might have cost him a place here, even though he was no longer gaining at the finish, for he was dropped out in last from stall 13 and remained there until approaching 2f out, where he was switched to come right around the outside of the field. The Jersey Stakes and the July Cup are on the agenda now, and the faster the ground the better.

The Jersey is also on the agenda for Dream Eater, who excelled himself at long odds in fifth. Keen to get on with things as usual, Dream Eater soon pulled himself into a handy position and looked a strong candidate for a place 2f out. He had no more to give though in the final furlong, and dropping to 7f in the Jersey should be perfect for him too. He has clearly trained on well.

There was a gap to Moynahan, but he had not enjoyed a smooth preparation and was a bit excitable in the preliminaries, so connections were delighted with him. He is by Johannesburg, but the Dante is on the cards for him now.

The Free Handicap winner Stimulation was just about the pick in the paddock and looked set to appreciate the extra furlong, but the step up in class proved too much for him at this stage and he never really got into it from his wide draw. He can do better.

The winner’s twice-raced stablemate Plan took the eye beforehand and raced handily on the rail for a long way. He will do better too. Strike The Deal was held up to get the trip but looked a non-stayer and is heading for the Jersey.

Disappointment of the race was Racing Post Trophy winner Ibn Khaldun, Godolphin’s first European runner of the year. He had reportedly wintered really well, but he ran very flat and was in trouble before 2f out. Connections were mystified but pointed out that he did not even travel well, which he usually does.

Scintillo showed up on the wide outside but on this year’s evidence he is going to struggle. Unfortunately his Group 1 penalty will make it hard for him to drop in class.

The occasion was all too much for Perfect Stride, whose trainer Sir Michael Stoute took hold of one side of him in the parade ring. Excitable beforehand, he was in trouble at halfway, having pulled hard through the first couple of furlongs. A handicap mark of 89 might be hard to resist now before he has another crack at a Group race.

Alfathaa, by Nayef and so one of the likelier middle-distance types, chased the favourite for a long way but weakened over a furlong out. He was evidently rusty here for his reappearance and should do better next time. A step up in trip is planned. (GD)

Curragh 24 May 2008

3.45 [OFF 3.49]

Boylesports Irish 2,000 Guineas (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) 1m

For: 3-y-o 1st €248,500 2nd €76,500 3rd €36,500 4th €12,500 5th €8,500

1

HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (USA) (2) 3 9-0 (125) J Murtagh br h by Kingmambo (USA)–Sequoyah (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders in 3rd, close up travelling well 2f out, ridden over 1f out, quickened well inside final furlong to lead last 100yds, comfortably [op 5/4 tchd 11/10] 5/4

2 13/4 NEW APPROACH (5) 3 9-0 .................(124) K J Manning ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) soon led, ridden over 2f out, kept on under pressure, headed last 100yds and no extra [op 5/4 tchd 11/8] 11/10F

3 31/2 STUBBS ART (1) 3 9-0 ...................................Seb Sanders [51/4] ch g by Hawk Wing (USA)–Rich Dancer (Halling (USA)) (David Elsworth) prominent early, soon chased leader, ridden in close 2nd 2f out, no extra final furlong [op 16/1] 20/1

4 41/2 JUPITER PLUVIUS (USA) (4) 3 9-0 (103) Seamie Heffernan [93/4] (A P O’Brien) held up, mainly 5th, 4th under 3f out, ridden 1 1/2f out, no extra, kept on same pace

12

9 KING OF ROME (IRE) (11) 3 9-0 .......................J Murtagh [21] (A P O’Brien) slowly into stride, behind, headway 6f out, 9th

[op 7/1 tchd 6/1] 7/1

straight, soon ridden, weakened 2f out [tchd 14/1 in places] 16/1

5 51/2 NOWNOWNOW (USA) (8) 3 9-0 t ................Olivier Peslier

13 41/2 ALAN DEVONSHIRE (12) 3 9-0 .................Paul Mulrennan

[151/2] (David Wachman) held up, mainly 4th, ridden in 5th under 3f out,

[25] (Mark H Tompkins) pulled hard, chased leaders, 6th and ridden

no impression from over 2f out [op 20/1] 25/1 5 ran TIME 1m 39.63s (slow by 3.63s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 113 NON RUNNERS: Sammy The Snake, Windsor Palace, Famous Name(GB) 1st OWNER: Mrs John Magnier BRED: Westrn Bloodstock TRAINER: A P O’Brien at Ballydoyle, Co Tipperary 2nd OWNER: H R H Princess Haya Of Jordan 3rd OWNER: Matthew Green & D R C Elsworth TOTE WIN €3.10; PL €1.90, €1.10; EX €3.70; CSF €3.08 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

Opinions were always going to be divided about how this race would turn out compared to the Newmarket equivalent three weeks ago, but few could have seen HENRYTHENAVIGATOR winning in the style which he did. On the plus side, he’s obviously an exceptional miler that could be capable of winning over shorter, whatever his prospects of winning over further. He travels and quickens like a top class horse and there is the prospect of some further improvement.

If Aidan O’Brien and Johnny Murtagh had wanted to script how they would have liked the race to be run, they couldn’t have done any better, for they went no pace and set up the race for a speed horse, a scenario Henrythenavigator took full advantage of. The Epsom Derby is described as perfectly possible’ by Aidan O’Brien, but it’s hard to see on present evidence what grounds there are for thinking he could stay a mile and a half. We shall see.

New Approach didn’t run his race. Quite clearly, he didn’t go hard enough in front, but Kevin Manning reported after the race that he knew he was in trouble after a furlong as the horse just wouldn’t let himself stride out on the very quick ground. The first sign of real trouble was when he came off the bridle when joined by the eventual third, and while he was able to see him off, the winner just quickened past him. The result would have been interesting had he been able to go a proper gallop, and it’s far too early to write him off.

The decision to supplement Stubbs Art proved justified and he ran pretty much up to his Newmarket form. They possibly didn’t go quick enough for him, as he didn’t settle particularly well, but he still looked a live danger when ranging upsides the leader under two furlongs out before running out of steam up the hill. At least he showed that his run three weeks ago wasn’t a fluke.

Jupiter Pluvius ran a somewhat disappointing race on paper but it may have been asking too much to expect him to be capable of winning this on his seasonal bow, indeed he gave the impression that the run would bring him on a good deal. He travelled well behind the leaders and wasn’t without a chance on the inner over two furlongs out, but he could really make no impression inside the final furlong. Experience of Ballydoyle horses over the seasons suggests he should improve hugely.

Breeders’ Cup winner Nownownow ran no race whatsoever and was the first horse beaten over two furlongs out. [JOH]

ANALYSIS

Epsom 7 Jun 2008

4.00 [OFF 4.08]

Vodafone Derby (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) Class 1 (1m4f10y) 1m4f

For: 3-y-o 1st £802,443.95 2nd £304,185.20 3rd £152,233.95 4th £75,904.95 5th £38,023.15 6th £19,082.25

1

NEW APPROACH (IRE) (3) 3 9-0 .....(124) K J Manning

ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) pulled hard, held up towards rear, 13th straight, headway well over 2f out, not clear run and switched left 2f out, ridden and quickened to lead just over 1f out, wandered but always holding runner up after [op 13/2 tchd 9/2] 5/1 1 2 /2 TARTAN BEARER (IRE) (14) 3 9-0 ....(122) Ryan Moore ch h by Spectrum (IRE)–Highland Gift (IRE) (Generous (IRE)) (Sir Michael Stoute) slowly into stride and bustled along early, behind, 14th straight, good headway on outer 3f out, ridden to lead 2f out, headed just over 1f out, ran on well but always held by winner [op 9/2 tchd 7/1 in a place] 6/1 1 3 4 /2 CASUAL CONQUEST (IRE) (10) 3 9-0 (116) P J Smullen [5] b g by Hernando (FR)–Lady Luck (IRE) (Kris) (D K Weld) held up in midfield, headway 6f out, 4th straight, chased leader over 1f out until 1f out, not pace of leading pair final furlong [op 9/2 tchd 5/1 in places] 7/2F 4 11/2 DOCTOR FREMANTLE (13) 3 9-0 ..............Kerrin McEvoy [61/2] (Sir Michael Stoute) took keen hold, held up in midfield, headway to chase leaders 6f out, chased leader 4f out, led well over 2f, headed and ridden 2f out, weakened entering final furlong [op 8/1] 11/2 5 3/4 WASHINGTON IRVING (IRE) (16) 3 9-0 .........................

[71/4] ................................................................(110) C O’Donoghue (A P O’Brien) chased leaders on inner, 3rd straight, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out 33/1 6 shd ALESSANDRO VOLTA (1) 3 9-0 ..(115) Seamie Heffernan [71/4] (A P O’Brien) slowly into stride, behind, some headway and 12th straight, stayed on past beaten horses from over 1f out, never near leaders 33/1 7 1 RIO DE LA PLATA (USA) (17) 3 9-0 (120) Frankie Dettori [81/4] (Saeed Bin Suroor) took keen hold, held up in midfield, 8th straight, effort 3f out, keeping on same pace when carried left and hampered 2f out, no chance after 20/1 1 8 /2 TAJAAWEED (USA) (5) 3 9-0 ........................Richard Hills [9] (Sir Michael Stoute) held up towards rear, headway 6f out, 7th straight, effort to chase leaders and ridden over 2f out, weakened well over 1f out [tchd 11/1, 12/1 in places] 10/1 1 9 /2 BOUGUEREAU (2) 3 9-0 .........................(100) Alan Munro [91/4] (Peter Chapple-Hyam) held up in midfield, 10th straight, effort on inner 3f out, never pace to trouble leaders 100/1 10 11/4 CURTAIN CALL (FR) (6) 3 9-0 .........(115) Jamie Spencer 1 [10 /2] (Luca Cumani) held up in midfield, 11th straight, effort and hanging left well over 2f out, eased when well beaten final furlong [op 6/1] 7/1 1 11 1 /4 FROZEN FIRE (GER) (15) 3 9-0 .......................M J Kinane [12] (A P O’Brien) held up in rear, 15th straight, some late headway, never on terms 16/1

straight, weakened 3f out

Dante runner-up Frozen Fire evidently failed to handle the hill, so this can probably be forgotten, although he did not look straightforward at York. (GD)

Newmarket (July)

100/1

23 Aug 2008

14 14 KANDAHAR RUN (8) 3 9-0 ....................(114) Ted Durcan [39] (Sir Henry Cecil) took keen hold, chased leaders, went 2nd 6f out, led 4f out, ridden and headed well over 2f out, soon beaten and eased [op 14/1 tchd 16/1 in places] 11/1 15 11 BASHKIROV (9) 3 9-0 ...........................(61) David McCabe [50] (A P O’Brien) soon ridden to chase leader, led 7f out, reminders over 5f out, headed 4f out, 5th and weakening quickly straight, tailed off and eased final furlong [op 200/1 tchd 100/1] 125/1 16 39 MAIDSTONE MIXTURE (FR) (7) 3 9-0 Michael O’Connell [89] (Paul Murphy) led until 7f out, soon dropped out, tailed off last straight 250/1 16 ran TIME 2m 36.50s (slow by 1.20s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 123 NON RUNNER: River Proud(USA)(self certificate) 1st OWNER: H R H Princess Haya Of Jordan BRED: Lodge Park Stud TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Ballymacoll Stud 3rd OWNER: Moyglare Stud Farm TOTE WIN £5.80; PL £2.30, £3.20, £1.50; EX £42.80; CSF £34.67 TRIFECTA £167.10 Pool: £25007.15 - 106.20 winning units VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

2007 Derby was all about one horse, both ANALYSIS The pre-race and post-race, but this year’s was a far more open affair, bookmakers betting 9-2 the field in the morning and having no fewer than six runners trading at singe figure odds. What had threatened to be a relatively run-of-the-mill renewal had been given a huge shot in the arm by the surprise acceptance at Monday’s five-day stage of New Approach, and the addition at the supplementary stage of both Casual Conquest and Doctor Fremantle.

With the exception of the dual 2,000 Guineas winner Henrythenavigator, who would have had acceptable ground after all, but would have been a very doubtful stayer, it would be hard to nominate a major contender who had not made it to the line-up, for besides last year’s champion two-year-old, subsequently a dual 2,000 Guineas second, and last year’s Jean Luc Lagadere winner, who had been second in the French Guineas, we had the first two in the Dante, the Derrinstown and the Lingfield Derby trial, plus the winners of the Chester Vase, the Dee Stakes and the Newmarket Stakes. At the other end of the spectrum the usual handful of no-hopers bizarrely enough included the recent winner of a Strasbourg hurdle race, who predictably finished tailed off in last.

Many believed that NEW APPROACH’S best days might already be behind him when he finished a much more laboured second to Henrythenavigator on firm ground at the Curragh than he had at Newmarket. There were also worries about his temperament for this biggest of occasions, and also his stamina for the 1m4f, even though he is by Derby winner Galileo. However, all of those concerns proved completely unfounded as the colt staged a superb run from the back of the field under totally unexpected hold-up tactics.

New Approach had stayed pretty relaxed by his standards through the preliminaries, and though he set off for the start in last place and was ponied all the way down he got there on the heels of the last of the stragglers only a few minutes late. He looked to be pulling much too hard through the first two or three furlongs, and though he then consented to settle better he was not well placed, with only three behind him, as they straightened up. He had a wall of horses in front of him, but he picked his way through the field without much trouble until hampering Rio De La Plata in a switch to the inside rail that was reminiscent of Sir Percy’s. He was in front approaching the furlong pole, and when his stamina was entitled to be ebbing away he just had too much speed for Tartan Bearer, with whom he pulled away impressively, always comfortably holding the upper hand.

Only exceptional colts like Grundy and The Minstrel have won the Derby after taking in both Guineas, and there is no question New Approach is a rare talent. He is also exceptionally tough, and William Hill’s 4-1 from 10-1 for the King George may prove generous, even though he will go for the Irish Derby first if all is well.

Tartan Bearer was slow into his stride and had to be chased along briefly before settling well at the back of the field. Turning for home he had only the flagging pace-setters Bashkirov and Maidstone Mixture behind, but he picked up really well on the wide outside to take it up from Doctor Fremantle two out and then stay on strongly when joined by the winner. He would have been an impressive winner here if New Approach had not run, and while his brother Golan, who was also second in the Derby, waited more than a year for his Group 1 win in the King George at four, his own could come much sooner. The Irish Derby is next for him.

Casual Conquest had been impressive in the Derrinstown, but it was debatable if he beat much and his lack of experience was a worry. He was perfectly placed into the straight and had every chance, but he could not go with the first two through the final furlong. While he did not see the trip out as well as the first two this time, connections expect him to get better and better and he undoubtedly remains a horse for the future.

Doctor Fremantle was handy from the start, but a little bit freer than ideal.

He was a close second behind Kandahar Run into the straight and soon took over, but perhaps his early exertions had taken a bit out of him. This was a cracking effort nevertheless from another colt whose best is probably still ahead of him.

The Derrinstown second Washington Irving, still a maiden, did best of Aidan O’Brien’s quintet without ever quite looking like landing a serious blow.

He could well be a St Leger horse.

Stablemate Alessandro Volta confirmed his Lingfield superiority over stablemate King Of Rome, but the latter had lost his chance at the start, although he did improve into mid-division.

The French Guineas second Rio De La Plata looked an unlikely stayer, but he did not do too badly, especially as he had been a bit keen and was then hampered when the winner was switched to the rail. He will be dropped back now to 1m2f or 1m.

The Dee Stakes winner Tajaaweed was another suspect stayer on breeding, and after he failed to get home connections confirmed he would drop back in trip. He’d had a slight setback in the build up and remains a colt with untapped potential.

Bouguereau was a bit outclassed and never got out of mid-division, but he was not disgraced.

More mystifying was the effort of the strongly fancied Curtain Call, who came here with ticks on pretty much all the right boxes even though he had missed Lingfield owing to fast ground. He never got out of mid-division, where he raced towards the outer, and Jamie Spencer did not look happy on him through the last furlong or so, where he seemed to have accepted things.

3.35 [OFF 3.43]

Juddmonte International Stakes (Group 1) Class 1 1m2f July

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £141,925 2nd £53,800 3rd £26,925 4th £13,425 5th £6,725 6th £3,375

1

DUKE OF MARMALADE (IRE) (8) 4 9-5 (127) J Murtagh b h by Danehill (USA)–Love Me True (USA) (Kingmambo (USA)) (A P O’Brien) chased leaders, led 3f out, edged left inside final furlong, driven out [op 8/11 tchd 4/5 in places] 4/6F

2

3

/4 PHOENIX TOWER (USA) (3) 4 9-5 .....(123) Ted Durcan b h by Chester House (USA)–Bionic (Zafonic (USA)) (Sir Henry Cecil) tracked leaders, not clear run 2f out, switched left over 1f out, ridden to chase winner final furlong, stayed on 12/1

3 21/2 NEW APPROACH (IRE) (2) 3 8-11 .....(124) K J Manning [31/4] ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) steadied start, held up, pulled hard, headway over 2f out, ridden and hung right over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong [op 9/4] 2/1

4 11/4 PIPEDREAMER (1) 4 9-5 ......................(116) Seb Sanders [41/2] (John Gosden) held up, headway 3f out, ridden over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong

5

14/1

4 HALICARNASSUS (IRE) (9) 4 9-5 .....(105) Tony Culhane [81/2] (Mick Channon) slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous

[op 66/1 tchd 100/1] 80/1

6 13/4 CHAMPIONSHIP POINT (IRE) (5) 5 9-5 .........................

[101/2] ..............................................................(105) Eddie Creighton (Mick Channon) held up, ridden over 2f out, never dangerous [tchd 100/1] 66/1

7

8 RED ROCK CANYON (IRE) (4) 4 9-5 ........C O’Donoghue [181/2] (A P O’Brien) led, ridden and edged left 4f out, headed 3f out,

8

10 ROB ROY (USA) (6) 6 9-5 .....................(113) Ryan Moore [28] (Sir Michael Stoute) held up in touch, ridden over 2f out,

9

26 CAT JUNIOR (USA) (11) 3 8-11t ......................Neil Callan [54] (Brian Meehan) chased leader until ridden over 3f out, weakened

hampered and weakened over 1f out

weakened over 1f out

66/1

[op 28/1] 25/1

over 1f out 33/1 TIME 2m 1.53s (fast by 0.37s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 118 NON RUNNERS: Multidimensional(IRE)(unsuitable ground), Stubbs Art(IRE)(self certificate) 1st OWNER: Mrs John Magnier & M Tabor BRED: Southern Bloodstock TRAINER: A P O’Brien at Ballydoyle, Co Tipperary 2nd OWNER: K Abdulla 3rd OWNER: H R H Princess Haya Of Jordan TOTE WIN £1.60; PL £1.02, £2.20, £1.40; EX £7.50; CSF £11.03 toteswinger: 1&2 £3.30, 1&3 £1.50, 2&3 £2.80.

TRIFECTA £31.40 Pool: £29,124.93, 684.77 winning units.

VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com 9 ran

Following a rollercoaster week of will they or won’t they, the hugely anticipated clash between the leaders of their respective generations DUKE OF MARMALADE and New Approach finally took place, albeit several days later than anticipated and under vastly different conditions than would have been experienced on a swamp-like Knavesmire. There can be no doubting the ground here was more in favour of Duke Of Marmalade than his younger rival, but whereas he had made the trip over on Tuesday before the abandonment, spending a total of ten hours on the plane, New Approach had stayed at home.

Fatigue never came into it, though, and the big dual between the pair never really developed, with New Approach taking a fierce hold early and having to be restrained well in rear, failing to get within striking distance of the winner.

Officially the highest-rated turf performer in the world, Duke Of Marmalade has not looked back this year, going from strength to strength and looking much happier than last season. Following a career-best rout of his rivals in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes, he saw out the 1m4f trip of the King George in gritty fashion, making it four wins from four at the top level in 2008. As has been the case nearly all season, Johnny Murtagh was in pole position throughout, on the rail in behind pacemaker Red Rock Canyon, and he was keen to stay tight against the fence once the latter’s duties had been fulfilled.

In front travelling strongly three out, it was always going to take an enormous effort to deny Duke Of Marmalade and he was not for passing, staying on strongly as they climbed for the line, despite edging away from the rail.

Speed, stamina, a determined attitude, he has it all, and also seems to act on any ground, leaving connections with any number of options. There was talk after the race of dropping him back to 1m, as it would look good to have a Group 1 win at the distance on his cv when he switches to stallion duties, but there is no doubting trips from 1m2f-1m4f are where he excels and the Irish Champion Stakes, for which New Approach also seems bound, looks the obvious target. It is hard to see Duke Of Marmalade meeting with defeat there, and perhaps a bigger test will come if he is asked to compete in races such as the Arc and at the Breeders’ Cup, whether it be the Turf or Classic.

Whatever happens, though, this remarkable racehorse has had an unforgettable season and fully deserves to be spoken of in the same terms as top recent winners of this race, such as Giant’s Causeway, Sakhee and Falbrav.

Phoenix Tower ran an absolute blinder in second. He has never run a bad race, winning his first four starts and finishing runner-up in a trio of top Group 1 contests (Lockinge, Prince of Wales’s and Eclipse). He got closer to the winner than he had done at Ascot, but unfortunately for him, it was again not quite good enough. He had to force his way out past Red Rock Canyon to get a run and delivered a strong challenge, but was always just coming off worse. This effort confirmed him to be one of the best around and his best chance of Group 1 success this season is likely to come in the Champion Stakes.

The fact that the only three-year-olds who have managed to win this race in recent times are Giant’s Causeway and Authorized underlines the quality needed to get the better of the older horses, and Derby hero New Approach, whose Epsom win had not really worked out, was unable to step up to the mark. Not expected to have any problems with the drop in trip, having been a dual Guineas runner-up behind Henrythenavigator, he came into the race fresh, having missed the Irish Derby with muscle soreness, and had the advantage of not having travelled over to York earlier in the week.

ANALYSIS

25 RESULTS & ANALYSIS

NEW APPROACH However, whereas his stablemate Lush Lashes had shown her versatility by winning the rescheduled Yorkshire Oaks on Friday, things did not go to plan for him, as he refused to settle. Under pressure from three out, he had to challenge in the centre of the track away from where the main action was taking place and could only stay on in rather laboured fashion to claim Pipedreamer for third. As had been the case earlier in the season, the faster ground did not look to suit and connections will be hoping conditions are more in his favour for round two with the winner in the Irish Champion Stakes, in which his trainer is predicting we will see a different horse.

Pipedreamer looked a Group horse in the making when romping away with last season’s Cambridgeshire, and following a couple of slightly disappointing efforts in steadily run contests at Newmarket and in the Brigadier Gerard, took his form to another level by finishing third to Duke Of Marmalade at Royal Ascot and again filling that position in the Eclipse, finishing behind Phoenix Tower for the third time this season. Slightly more positive tactics got him off the mark for the season in a Group 2 at York last time and the change of venue was a plus for him, with the ground more in his favour than it would have been at York. He came to have every chance and again ran very well, but could not reverse form with either of his old rivals and was run out of third late on. He is to be given a break before returning to the Rowley course for the Champion Stakes.

Halicarnassus was ridden with an eye to nicking a place if they fell apart up front, but that never happened and he did as well as could have been expected in fifth. Stablemate Championship Point ran a similar race, keeping on without any hope of challenging, while the largely frustrating Rob Roy continues to fall short in top company.

Cat Junior, not beaten far behind Tamayuz in a French Group 1 last month, dropped right out and clearly failed to run his race.

Red Rock Canyon again performed his duties to satisfaction. [MB]

Leopardstown 7 Sep 2008

3.50 [OFF 3.52]

Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes (Group 1) 1m2f

For: 3-y-o and up 1st €579,000 2nd €189,000 3rd €89,000 4th €29,000 5th €19,000 6th €9,000

1

NEW APPROACH (5) 3 9-0 ................(124) K J Manning ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) raced keenly early, settled 2nd, ridden to lead entering straight, kept on well under pressure final furlong [op 8/13 tchd 4/6] 8/13F

2

/ TRAFFIC GUARD (USA) (1) 4 9-7 ........(110) John Egan

12

b h by More Than Ready (USA)–Street Scene (IRE) (Zafonic (USA)) (Jane Chapple-Hyam) tracked leaders, 5th 3f out, ridden straight, 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on well close home [op 66/1] 50/1

3 11/4 MORES WELLS (GB) (7) 4 9-7 t ............. D P McDonogh [13/4] b h by Sadler’s Wells (USA)–Endorsement (Warning) (Kevin Prendergast) tracked leaders, 3rd 4f out, ridden straight, 2nd 1 1/2f out, kept on final furlong 8/1

4 shd MULTIDIMENSIONAL (3) 5 9-7 .............(118) Ted Durcan [2] (Sir Henry Cecil) tracked leaders in 4th, ridden 3f out, 3rd over 1f out, kept on under pressure

[op 11/2] 6/1

5

3 LORD ADMIRAL (USA) (2) 7 9-7 b .......(108) M J Kinane [5] (Charles O’Brien) held up towards rear, kept on without

6

1 RED ROCK CANYON (4) 4 9-7 ...................C O’Donoghue [6] (A P O’Brien) led, ridden and headed entering straight, no extra

threatening straight

from over 1f out

33/1

[op 33/1] 25/1

7 13/4 SHE’S OUR MARK (GB) (9) 4 9-4 .......(107) P J Smullen [71/2] (Patrick J Flynn) held up towards rear, no impression straight 50/1 8 21/2 KING OF ROME (6) 3 9-0 ........................Seamie Heffernan [10] (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders in 5th, 6th and ridden under 3f out, no extra early straight [op 11/2 tchd 5/1] 11/2 TIME 2m 7.57s (slow by 4.57s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 113 NON RUNNER: Duke Of Marmalade 1st OWNER: H R H Princess Haya Of Jordan BRED: Lodge Park Stud TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Mrs Fitri Hay 3rd OWNER: Iona Equine Syndicate TOTE WIN €1.50; PL €1.10, €7.70, €1.90; EX €60.20; CSF €51.79 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com 8 ran

Once the ground deteriorated on Friday, it was always on the cards that the much-anticipated showdown would fail to materialise here. With Duke Of Marmalade out of the way, Derby winner NEW APPROACH did not have to be at his best to get back in the winning groove following his defeat in the Juddmonte. Jim Bolger was on record as saying that a lot of work had been done in trying to get New Approach to settle in the run-up to this. However, the difficulty in perfecting the racing technique of this richly talented colt was still in evidence as he raced keenly in the early part of the race. Having settled adequately in second, he travelled strongly to take the lead but failed to produce any real fireworks in the straight, merely carving out a workmanlike win. It is not hard to pick holes in the form of the race as a genuine Group 1 test.

Traffic Guard, nibbled at in the market at big prices, had run well against Phoenix Tower in the Earl Of Sefton, but there was precious little in his form to suggest that he could be a serious player at this level. And yet, he gave supporters of the odds-on favourite a moment or two of anxiety in staying on to good effect through the final furlong. Considering that his best form has been evident on quickish ground, it was a revelatory display by the very experienced four-year-old, and it will be fascinating to see whether he can repeat it.

Not so surprising was the manner in which Mores Wells rose to the occasion. A four-time winner at the track and effective on soft, he really needs 1m4f to show his best form, but the ground and a pace that was reasonable in view of the ground brought his stamina into play, helping him to achieve an honourable third.

Multidimensional, another for whom the ground held no fears, can be rated a genuine Group 2-standard performer on his Hardwicke second. From that perspective, his fourth placing represents one of the more reassuring angles to the form, though his degree of impact was not particularly emphatic.

Lord Admiral, best on quick ground, ran an honest race in staying on for fifth ahead of the maiden Red Rock Canyon who made the running but failed to sustain his effort well enough to match last year’s surprise third in the event. [AS]

ANALYSIS

STREET BOSS Del Mar

Newmarket

Santa Anita

2 Sep 2007

13 Feb 2008

18 Oct 2008

3.10 [OFF 3.16]

Emirates Airline Champion Stakes (Group 1) Class 1 1m2f Row

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £242,691.75 2nd £91,998 3rd £46,041.75 4th £22,956.75 5th £11,499.75 6th £5,771.25

1

NEW APPROACH (IRE) (2) 3 8-12 ....(124) K J Manning

ch h by Galileo (IRE)–Park Express (Ahonoora) (J S Bolger) always prominent, chased leader over 8f out, led 3f out, clear over 1f out, ran on well [op 5/4 tchd 11/10, 6/4 in places and 11/8 in places] 6/5F 2 6 TWICE OVER (9) 3 8-12........................(125) Tom Queally b/br h by Observatory (USA)–Double Crossed (Caerleon (USA)) (Sir Henry Cecil) tracked leaders, not clear run and switched right over 2f out, ridden to chase winner over 1f out, no impression [op 7/1] 8/1 3 11/2 LINNGARI (IRE) (11) 6 9-3 ..................(119) Ryan Moore [71/2] ch h by Indian Ridge–Lidakiya (IRE) (Kahyasi) (Sir Michael Stoute) held up, ridden halfway, switched right and headway over 1f out, soon ridden and no impression [op 10/1 tchd 14/1] 12/1 4 11/4 RUSSIAN CROSS (IRE) (3) 3 8-12...............Olivier Peslier [83/4] (A Fabre) held up, headway and hampered over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, stayed on same pace [op 9/2 tchd 6/1] 5/1 5 41/2 TRAFFIC GUARD (USA) (6) 4 9-3 ..........(110) John Egan [131/2] (Jane Chapple-Hyam) held up, headway 6f out, ridden over 2f out, hung left and weakened over 1f out [op 12/1] 16/1 6 nk FULL OF GOLD (FR) (5) 3 8-12p ............Dominique Boeuf [131/2] (Mme C Head-Maarek) chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out 40/1 7 8 PIPEDREAMER (4) 4 9-3 ....................(116) Frankie Dettori [22] (John Gosden) held up, headway over 3f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out [op 7/1] 5/1 8 1/2 UPTON GREY (IRE) (1) 3 8-12......................Robert Havlin [22] (John Gosden) soon pushed along to lead, headed 3f out, weakening when not much room over 1f out 200/1 9 1/2 HEBRIDEAN (IRE) (8) 3 8-12 ......................(97) J Murtagh [23] (A P O’Brien) held up, not clear run over 2f out, switched right, ridden and edged left over 1f out, never dangerous [tchd 33/1 in a place] 25/1 10 5 CITY LEADER (IRE) (10) 3 8-12 ........(110) Jamie Spencer [28] (Brian Meehan) slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out [tchd 33/1 in places] 25/1 11 22 STAYING ON (IRE) (7) 3 8-12 ..........................Adam Kirby [50] (Walter Swinburn) tracked leaders, raced keenly, lost place over 4f out, weakened and eased over 2f out [op 100/1] 66/1 11 ran TIME 2m 0.13s (fast by 0.87s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 115 1st OWNER: H R H Princess Haya Of Jordan BRED: Lodge Park Stud TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: K Abdulla 3rd OWNER: R Plersch & P Walichnowski TOTE WIN £2.20; PL £1.10, £2.50, £3.70; EX £11.90; CSF £10.82 toteswinger: 1&2 £2.80, 1&3 £5.60, 2&3 £12.40.

TRIFECTA £70.80 Pool £11,200.20 - 117.05 winning units.

Course record time.

VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

This did not look by any means a strong Champion Stakes, but it was redeemed in full by a stunning performance from NEW APPROACH, who won with overwhelming authority and became the first Derby winner to succeed here since Sir Ivor in 1968.

His time, wind assisted admittedly, took nearly a second off a course record that Palace Music set in 1984.

New Approach stood out on form and was entitled to win well, but the drying ground was a negative and few can have expected a six-length demolition job like this after his relatively workmanlike win in the Irish Champion Stakes on his previous start. With the same owner’s Upton Grey in the field to make the pace for him, New Approach raced handily and was more settled than usual. Having taken it up three furlongs out, Kevin Manning made full use of New Approach’s stamina and his mount was soon in an unassailable lead. While a couple of his rivals did not enjoy the best of luck in running, it made no difference. He was in a different class, and it was a fitting end to a superb career in which he won eight of his 11 starts, five of them at Group 1 level. He has been retired to Dalham Hall Stud.

Twice Over, unbeaten in three races at Newmarket, was a decisive enough winner’ of the separate race for second, picking up pretty well when switched to the outer but never having the slightest chance of troubling the winner. It was a good effort from the Maisons-Laffitte Group 2 winner, and Henry Cecil, who had started the week with a stronger candidate in Phoenix Tower, who had to be scratched following an injury, was pleased with him.

He felt the colt would have done better with more give underfoot, but so would the winner.

Linngari, the only Group 1 winner in the field apart from New Approach, was having only his second run in Britain in three years. He ran an honest race in third and Sir Michael Stoute, who felt easier ground would have helped him, has him entered in Hong Kong, although he will be in no hurry to commit him.

French challengers have a terrific record in this race and Russian Cross, though unproven at this level, had been progressing nicely, following a similar route to last year’s winner Literato. Although he would have been closer except for being slightly hampered when Twice Over was switched, he failed to make the impression many had expected.

Traffic Guard had excelled himself when beaten only half a length by New Approach in the Irish Champion, but the winner was clearly below his best that day. This time Traffic Guard was a bit below his best, but it’s worth remembering that while he has had many chances in Group races, he has not yet won one.

Full Of Gold looked much the weaker of the two French challengers, and he was racing on the fastest ground he has encountered. The cheekpieces he had benefited from last time did not seem to do much for him here and he dropped right away.

Pipedreamer, just behind New Approach when the pair were beaten in the Juddmonte, ran a rare moderate race and never looked like getting involved.

Upton Grey did his pacemaking job well and beat three horses with much better credentials, although Hebridean would have been closer with better luck in running. *John Egan reported that Traffic Guard lost his action. [GD]

ANALYSIS

12.40

Maiden Special Weight (Polytrack)

[OFF 12.40]

6f

12.50

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £16,224.49 2nd £5,408.16 3rd £3,244.90 4th £1,622.45 5th £540.82 6th £204.08 7th £204.08 8th £204.08 9th £204.08 10th £204.08

[OFF 12.50]

1

1

STREET BOSS (6) 3 8-8 ........................................ A Solis

ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) 11/5F 2 11/2 ORIENTATE SLEW (8) 3 8-8 ......................... J Valdivia Jr b/br h by Orientate–Slewveau (Slew O’Gold) (Rafael Becerra) 32/5 1 3 3 /2 CAVALRY CHARGE (7) 5 8-11............................... T Baze [5] b g by Honour And Glory–Regal State (Affirmed) (Richard E Mandella) 17/1 4 nse OH SHINE (11) 3 8-8 b ..........................................C L Potts [5] (Paula Capestro) 37/1 5 nk CALL OR RAISE (1) 4 8-11b .............................C Nakatani [51/4] (Mike Mitchell) 41/10 6 1/2 WILD DIPLOMAT (4) 4 8-11 ................................M C Baze [6] (Doug O’Neill) 23/10 7 31/2 FIERY TRIPPI (9) 3 8-8 b ....................................M Pedroza [91/4] (Bruce Headley) 11/5F 8 31/2 NATIVE SUCCESS (2) 3 8-8 ..............................R Migliore [13] (Patrick Gallagher) 28/1 9 1/2 CHEROKEE TEAR (3) 3 8-8 b ...............................D Flores [131/2] (Bob Baffert) 166/10 10 3/4 TIZSONG (10) 3 8-8 .............................................M E Smith [14] (Richard E Mandella) 181/10 11 8 A TRIPLE A (5) 3 8-8 ............................................J Talamo [22] (Dale Romans) 42/1 11 ran TIME 1m 12.68s 1st OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify BRED: Brilliant Stables Inc TRAINER: Bruce Headley in USA 2nd OWNER: Stan E Fulton 3rd OWNER: Clovelly Farms

Santa Anita 26 Sep 2007

10.04

Allowance Stakes (Cushion Track) 6f

[OFF 10.04]

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £17,908.16 2nd £4,591.83 3rd £2,755.10 4th £1,377.55 5th £459.18 6th £204.08 7th £204.08 8th £204.08

1

JOHNNY EVES (1) 3 8-9 ..................................... D Flores b g by Skimming–Capote’s Halo (Capote) (Jay Robbins) 2/1F 2 11/4 STREET BOSS (5) 3 8-7 ........................................ A Solis ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) 23/10 3 21/2 SIX PACK ABS (4) 3 8-5 b ...................................... F Jara [33/4] b h by Forest Wildcat–Warren’s Whistle (Wolf Power) (Chuck Peery) 131/10 4 21/2 ENFORCEMENT (6) 4 8-10b ....................................T Baze [61/4] (Bob Baffert) 31/5 5 2 PICK VIC (3) 3 8-5 ..............................................V Espinoza [81/4] (Rafael Becerra) 69/10 6 13/4 SNOW FIGHTER (7) 4 8-12 ..................................J Talamo [10] (Art Sherman) 57/10 7 3 CAN THIS BE TRUE (8) 3 8-7 ............................M C Baze [13] (David Hofmans) 166/10 8 6 A STARE AND ME (2) 3 8-5 ................................J K Court 55/1 [19] (Marcelo Polanco) 8 ran TIME 1m 8.05s 1st OWNER: Mooncoin Llc BRED: Mooncoin Llc TRAINER: Jay Robbins in USA 2nd OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify 3rd OWNER: Desert Sun Stables

Santa Anita 17 Jan 2008

11.38

Allowance Race (Cushion Track)

[OFF 11.38]

51/2f

For: 4-y-o and up 1st £15,678.39 2nd £6,793.97 3rd £3,135.68 4th £1,567.84 5th £522.61 6th £201 7th £201 8th £201

1

STREET BOSS (6) 4 8-9 ........................................ A Solis ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) 22/5 2 5 FURIOSO STAR (8) 5 8-11 ................................ R Migliore b g by Memo–Miss Excitement (Rajab) (Bill Spawr) 11/10F 3 21/4 STORM MACHINE (ARG) (1) 6 8-11............. G K Gomez [71/4] b/br g by Bernstein–Ma Crepinette (Mountdrago) (John W Sadler) 106/10 4 1/2 THRILLAH (5) 5 8-9 b ...........................................J K Court [73/4] (Gus Headley) 196/10 5 1/2 TEXAS VOYAGER (7) 4 8-9 b ..............................M Garcia [81/4] (Bob Baffert) 51/10 6 nse EXTREME NOTICE (3) 4 8-7 .............................R Bejarano 139/10 [81/4] (Doug O’Neill) 7 23/4 GLOBAL HEAT (4) 5 8-11 ......................................D Flores [11] (Darrell Vienna) 57/10 8 3/4 DEVIL DOWN (2) 4 8-9 b ....................................M E Smith [12] (J Buenaventura Vargas) 73/1 8 ran TIME 1m 1.27s 1st OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify BRED: Brilliant Stables Inc TRAINER: Bruce Headley in USA 2nd OWNER: Fred Carrillo & Daniel A Cassella 3rd OWNER: Gary & Cecil Barber

Allowance Optional Claiming Race (Cushion Track) 61/2f

For: 4-y-o and up 1st £18,994.97 2nd £6,331.66 3rd £3,798.99 4th £1,899.50

DOPPIO (3) 6 8-6 ............................................. R Bejarano ch g by Gentlemen–Gran Dama (Rahy) (Carla Gaines) 23/10 2 nk STREET BOSS (1) 4 8-8 ..........................................A Solis ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) 4/5F 3 43/4 DIAMOND FURY (2) 7 8-6 b .............................V Espinoza [5] h by Sea Of Secrets–In High Spirits (Vice Regent) (Bob Baffert) 41/10 4 1/2 IDIDN’TDOANYTHING (4) 4 8-6 .........................J Talamo [51/2] (Ted H West) 54/10 4 ran TIME 1m 15.08s 1st OWNER: Keith Brackpool BRED: Bemak N V & John T L Jones Jr TRAINER: Carla Gaines in USA 2nd OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify 3rd OWNER: Charles E Fipke

Santa Anita 6 Mar 2008

12.08

Allowance Race (Cushion Track)

[OFF 12.08]

61/2f

For: 4-y-o and up 1st £15,678.39 2nd £5,226.13 3rd £3,135.68 4th £1,567.84 5th £522.61 6th £201 7th £201 8th £201

1

STREET BOSS (7) 4 8-7 ........................................ A Solis

ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) 17/10F 2 2 /2 PAUL’S HOPE (8) 4 8-9 b ............................... G K Gomez b g by Lake Austin–Fondest Hope (Personal Hope) (Jerry Hollendorfer) 63/10 3 3 /4 TEMECULA CREEK (5) 4 8-7 b ....................... R Bejarano 1 [3 /4] ch h by Gulch–Serenita (Southern Halo) (Robert Frankel) 9/2 4 1/2 CARRILERO (ARG) (2) 4 8-7 ..........................J Valdivia Jr 31/10 [33/4] (Mike Puype) 5 11/4 SAVE (6) 6 8-7 ......................................................I Enriquez [5] (Mike Harrington) 117/10 6 11/4 CIGAR PAL (4) 7 8-7 b ............................................B Blanc [61/4] (Richard Baltas) 247/10 7 3 VESPUCCI (3) 4 8-7 ...............................................D Flores [91/4] (Robert Frankel) 105/10 8 1/2 STORM MACHINE (ARG) (1) 6 8-9 ..................J Rosario [93/4] (John W Sadler) 171/10 8 ran TIME 1m 15.85s 1st OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify BRED: Brilliant Stables Inc TRAINER: Bruce Headley in USA 2nd OWNER: Jerry Hollendorfer & George Todaro 3rd OWNER: Amerman Racing Stables Llc 1

Santa Anita 14 Apr 2008

12.08 [OFF 12.08]

Allowance Optional Claiming Race (Cushion Track) 61/2f

For: 4-y-o and up 1st £18,391.96 2nd £6,130.65 3rd £3,678.39 4th £1,839.20 5th £613.07 6th £201 7th £201 8th £201

1

STREET BOSS (4) 4 8-9 ........................................ A Solis

ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) 19/10 2 11/4 TROPIC STORM (8) 4 8-9 .................................. A Gryder b g by Stormy Atlantic–Diplomatic Angel (Valid Appeal) (Craig Dollase) 17/10F 3 3 1 /4 LUHUK’S DANCER (CAN) (7) 5 8-7 b .......... R Bejarano [3] ch g by Luhuk–Mishawaka (Miswaki) (Carla Gaines) 17/1 4 31/4 SILVER STETSON MAN (1) 4 8-7 b ..................J Rosario [61/4] (Bob Baffert) 48/10 5 1 ONE UNION (6) 5 8-7 .........................................V Espinoza 1/4] 169/10 [7 (Richard E Mandella) 6 1/2 MARVEL WOOD (3) 4 8-9 b ..............................C Nakatani [73/4] (Eric J Guillot) 145/10 7 21/2 TONTINE TOO (5) 5 8-7 .......................................M C Baze [101/2] (Howard Zucker) 74/10 8 83/4 BENEATH THE RADAR (2) 6 8-7 b ......................D Flores [19] (Bruce Headley) 57/1 8 ran TIME 1m 13.83s 1st OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify BRED: Brilliant Stables Inc TRAINER: Bruce Headley in USA 2nd OWNER: West Point Thoroughbreds 3rd OWNER: Rancho Del Sol

Hollywood Park 10 May 2008

1.35 [OFF 1.35]

Los Angeles Handicap (Grade 3) (Cushion Track) 6f

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £33,316.58 2nd £11,105.52 3rd £6,663.31 4th £3,331.65 5th £1,110.55

1

STREET BOSS (3) 4 8-4 ...................................... D Flores

2

ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) 7/5F 1 SAILORS SUNSET (6) 5 8-3 b .......................... J K Court gr/ro h by Petionville–Cayman Sunset (Wolf Power) (Marcelo Polanco) 144/10

jjContinues next page

26 RESULTS & ANALYSIS

STREET BOSS 3 11/2 HIGH STANDARDS (1) 6 8-2 ............................ J Rosario [21/2] ch g by High Brite–Tomato Paste (Torsion) (Martin F Jones)

30/1

4 11/4 EL MANUEL (CHI) (7) 6 8-3 .............................V Espinoza 5 6 7 8 9

127/10 [33/4] (Mike Puype) 1 /2 BONFANTE (4) 7 8-7 .............................................M Garcia [41/4] (Ronald McAnally) 106/10 nse BARBER (9) 5 8-4 .....................................................A Solis 32/1 [41/4] (Art Sherman) nk PEACE CHANT (2) 5 8-3 .....................................M C Baze [41/2] (Richard E Mandella) 13/2 3 /4 DOPPIO (5) 6 8-4 ..............................................J Valdivia Jr 1 [5 /4] (Carla Gaines) always towards rear 87/10 31/2 BILO (8) 8 8-7 ............................................................T Baze [9] (Mike Mitchell) 29/10

9 ran TIME 1m 7.55s 1st OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify BRED: Brilliant Stables Inc TRAINER: Bruce Headley in USA 2nd OWNER: Everest Stables Inc 3rd OWNER: Harris Farms Inc

A race that’s gone to some high-class types in recent years, notably Breeders’ Cup Sprint hero Kona Gold (2002) and dual Golden Shaheen winner Caller One (2001).

This looked a solid edition and the pace was quick - they went 21.74 for the first quarter and 43.80 for the half. The final time was a rapid 1:07.55, which was a course record for the Cushion Track.

STREET BOSS had made good progress to win three of his last four starts (all at Santa Anita), notably in a quick time on his most recent outing, and there was an awful lot to like about how he coped with this first try in Graded company.

Representing the same trainer as the aforementioned Kona Gold, his prospects looked bleak when he clipped heels after a few yards and was soon last, though the good pace gave him a chance. He swung wider than ideal off the final bend, but quickened up smartly to grab Sailors Sunset (who won this race last year) and was clearing away at the finish.

The runner-up enjoyed a smooth trip but had sat much closer to the pace than the winner and couldn’t resist that one’s late charge.

High Standards had a bit to find at this level but ran a solid race.

ANALYSIS

Hollywood Park 5 Jul 2008

12.30 [OFF 1.10]

Triple Bend Handicap (Grade 1) (Cushion Track) 7f

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £90,452 2nd £30,151 3rd £18,090 4th £9,045 5th £3,015

1

STREET BOSS (5) 4 8-7 ...................................... D Flores

ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) held up, last to inside final 2f, brought wide, led approaching final furlong, hung left inside final furlong, ridden out 7/10F 1 2 /2 ELITE SQUADRON (1) 4 8-7 b ........................ R Bejarano ch h by Officer–Sweet Mama (High Brite) (James E Baker) 42/10 1 3 2 /4 TROPIC STORM (3) 4 8-3 ....................................A Gryder [23/4] b g by Stormy Atlantic–Diplomatic Angel (Valid Appeal) (Craig Dollase) 19/5 4 13/4 GLOBAL HUNTER (ARG) (6) 5 8-3 ow1 ...........M E Smith [41/2] (A C Avila) 114/10 5 11/4 DESERT CODE (2) 4 8-5 b .................................R Migliore [53/4] (David Hofmans) close up in 4th or 5th, weakened final furlong 122/10 6 41/4 HIGH STANDARDS (4) 6 8-2 ..............................J Rosario [10] (Martin F Jones) 13/1 6 ran TIME 1m 22.42s NON RUNNER: Medzendeekron 1st OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify BRED: Brilliant Stables Inc TRAINER: Bruce Headley in USA 2nd OWNER: Tom R Walters 3rd OWNER: West Point Thoroughbreds TOTE PARI-MUTUEL: 3.40; PL (1-2) 2.40, 3.20; SHOW (1-2-3) 2.10, 2.20, 2.40;DF 6.60; SF 12.60

Unsurprisingly the market only wanted to know the progressive STREET BOSS, who was sent off odds-on to extend his winning sequence to four, having shaped as though this trip would be within reach when winning the Los Angeles Handicap here last time. He duly continued his rapid rise, gaining a Grade 1 win at the first attempt, and now rates one of the country’s leading sprinters, though he didn’t enjoy the best of trips.

Carrying joint-top weight, he was held up last off fractions of 23.29 and 44.97, and despite the small field he was taken five wide into the straight. He showed his customary change of gear to soon take control, but idled once in front and allowed the runner-up a second chance. He did enough, but can be considered better than the bare form.

Elite Squadron won a Grade 2 on the Churchill dirt in May, but he’s just as good on synthetics and ran a creditable race behind the improving winner, finishing clear of the remainder.

ANALYSIS

Del Mar 27 Jul 2008

1.30 [OFF 1.48]

Bing Crosby Handicap (Grade 1) (Polytrack) 6f

Street Boss extended his winning sequence to four when landing the Grade 1 Triple Bend Handicap at Hollywood Park 4 5 6 7 8

nk SAILORS SUNSET (7) 5 8-2 b ..........................R Bejarano 122/10 [21/4] (Marcelo Polanco) hd SPOT THE DIPLOMAT (8) 4 7-12b ....................M C Baze 216/10 [21/2] (Peter Miller) 11/2 SILVER STETSON MAN (5) 4 8-3 ow2b .........V Espinoza [4] (Bob Baffert) 117/10 21/2 JOHNNY EVES (9) 4 8-4 ...................................G K Gomez [61/2] (Jay Robbins) 76/10 11/4 BARBECUE EDDIE (2) 4 8-4 b .............................A Gryder 3 [7 /4] (Brian Koriner) led narrowly until headed and weakened over 1f out

9

TIME 1m 8.67s 1st OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify BRED: Brilliant Stables Inc TRAINER: Bruce Headley in USA 2nd OWNER: Waterford Stable 3rd OWNER: Jack D Burk, Jospeh A Sciarra, Robert Zamaripa Et TOTE PARI-MUTUEL (including $2 stake): WIN 6.40; PL (1-2) 3.60, 4.40; SHOW (1-2-3) 3.00, 3.80, 8.20; DF 14.20; SF 23.00 9 ran

Bruce Headley had already won this three times, notably twice with champion Kona Gold (2000, 01), and he did so again courtesy of STREET BOSS. Despite shouldering joint-top weight and having yet another wider than ideal trip, the winner overwhelmed his rivals to gain back-to-back Grade 1 victories.

The sectionals were 22.42 and 44.97, and as usual Street Boss was held up in last. If anything he was finding the early pace a bit hot on this drop back to 6f, but he made good headway before going more than seven horse widths wide on the bend into the straight. It was a concession of ground that would have found out a lesser type, but this likeable son of Street Cry just ran right past his rivals, his killer change of pace in evidence yet again. This was no mean feat considering the runner-up was last year’s winner In Summation.

Street Boss, who broke through at the top level in the Triple Bend Handicap last time, was improving his lifetime record to 7-11 and this was a fifth consecutive success.

In Summation had to wait for a clear and finished well when in the open, but he’s probably a bit flattered to get so close to the winner considering that one’s tough trip.

Jungle Prince has been in good form in similar company lately and helps give the form a solid look.

ANALYSIS

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £90,452 2nd £30,151 3rd £18,090 4th £9,045 5th £3,015

1

2

3

STREET BOSS (1) 4 8-9 ...................................... D Flores ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) last to inside final 2f, brought seven wide straight, led well inside final furlong, driven out 11/5F 1 IN SUMMATION (4) 5 8-9 ............................... C Nakatani b/br h by Put It Back–Fiesta Baby (Dayjur) (Christophe Clement) always close up on inside, 5th straight, switched out and not clear run 1f out, finished well 18/5 1 JUNGLE PRINCE (3) 7 8-3 b ............................. J Rosario [2] b g by Sir Cat–Wayward Song (Seattle Song) (Victor L Garcia) 166/10

31/10

hd WINSOME CHARM (6) 3 8-0 ow4b ........................T Baze [8] (Jeff Mullins) 176/10

2

/ STREET BOSS (1) 4 8-12...................................... D Flores

12

ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) held up in rear, headway on outside from 2f out, reached 2nd approaching final furlong, ran on 9/10F 3 3 1 /4 IN SUMMATION (4) 5 8-12............................J R Velazquez [21/4] b/br h by Put It Back–Fiesta Baby (Dayjur) (Christophe Clement) raced in close 5th to straight, not clear run well over 1f out, found gap 1f out, ran on 29/10 4 41/4 DELTA STORM (2) 7 8-12b ..................................A Gryder [61/2] (Mike Mitchell) 24/1 5 21/2 IDIOT PROOF (3) 4 8-12 ....................................G K Gomez [9] (Clifford Sise Jr) pressed leader until weakened well over 1f out 4/1 6 3/4 ESPERAMOS (5) 4 8-12 ......................................J A Garcia [93/4] (Wesley A Ward) 28/1 6 ran TIME 1m 7.53s NON RUNNERS: Decado(IRE), Sailors Sunset 1st OWNER: Gary & Cecil Barber BRED: Harris Farms Inc TRAINER: John W Sadler in USA 2nd OWNER: Bluegate Corp Headley And Naify 3rd OWNER: Waterford Stable TOTE PARI-MUTUEL: WIN 13.60; PL (1-2) 4.80, 2.60; SHOW (1-2-3) 2.80, 2.10, 2.60; SF 30.60

A key prep race for the Breeders’ Cup, particularly so this year with the Sprint set to be run over C&D, and a good Grade 1 in its own right. They went 21.27 for the quarter and 43.57 for the half.

COST OF FREEDOM was claimed for $50,000 when winning at Del Mar in July and it’s proved a remarkable bit of business for his new connections. He looked good when following up in an allowance race at the same venue and took this first venture into Graded company in his stride.

David Flores has been getting away with taking Street Boss wide around the final bend in the colt’s recent starts, the 4yo coming here on a five-race winning streak, but not this time. The runner-up was at least six horse widths out on the turn into the straight and conceded too much ground to the winner. He ran on well for a closing second and this was an admirable effort in defeat.

Street Boss was confirming form from the Bing Crosby with In Summation.

ANALYSIS

Santa Anita 25 Oct 2008

Santa Anita

10.15

27 Sep 2008

[OFF 10.18]

Sentient Flight Group Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Grade 1) (Pro-Ride) 6f

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £542,714 2nd £201,005 3rd £100,503 4th £51,256 5th £25,126

11.00 [OFF 11.13]

Ancient Title Stakes (Grade 1) (Pro-Ride) 6f

1

MIDNIGHT LUTE (3) 5 9-0 ............................. G K Gomez

2

b/br h by Real Quiet–Candytuft (Dehere) (Bob Baffert) last until headway around outside 2f out, 4th straight, led inside final furlong, ran on strongly 100/30 13/4 FATAL BULLET (8) 3 8-11b ..................... E Rosa Da Silva b g by Red Bullet–Sararegal (Regal Classic) (Reade Baker) pressed leader until led just over 3f out, headed inside final furlong, one pace 4/1

For: 3-y-o and up 1st £75,377 2nd £25,126 3rd £15,075 4th £7,538 5th £2,513

1

COST OF FREEDOM (6) 5 8-12............................. T Baze b/br g by Cee’s Tizzy–Freedom Dance (Moscow Ballet) (John W Sadler) pressed leaders on outside, led well over 1f out, hung left 1f out, driven out 58/10

3 13/4 STREET BOSS (1) 4 9-0 ....................................... D Flores [31/2] ch h by Street Cry–Blushing Ogygian (Ogygian) (Bruce Headley) held up in 7th, headway towards outside 2f out, kept on final furlong, not pace of first two 3/1F

4

1 IN SUMMATION (6) 5 9-0 .............................J R Velazquez [41/2] (Christophe Clement) raced in 5th, kept on at one pace final 2f 8/1

5 11/2 FABULOUS STRIKE (2) 5 9-0 ....................R A Dominguez [6] (Todd M Beattie) pressed leader early, raced in 3rd, one pace final 1 1/2f

7/1

6

/ SING BABY SING (7) 5 9-0 b ....................Justin Shepherd [61/2] (Jack Bruner) raced in 7th, last straight, never a factor 28/1

7

7 BLACK SEVENTEEN (5) 4 9-0 b .........................C L Potts 12/1 [131/2] (Brian Koriner) close up, 2nd 2f out, soon weakened

12

8 33/4 FIRST DEFENCE (4) 4 9-0 ............................J J Castellano [171/2] (Robert Frankel) led narrowly until headed just over 3f out, weakened 2f out 12/1 TIME 1m 7.08s NON RUNNER: Cost Of Freedom 1st OWNER: Watson & Weitman Performances & Pegram BRED: Tom Evans, Macon Wilmil Equines & Marjac Farms TRAINER: Bob Baffert in USA 2nd OWNER: Bear Stables 3rd OWNER: Bruce Headley Marsha Naify And Simon Yu TOTE PARI-MUTUEL: WIN 7.40; PL (1-2) 5.00, 6.60; SHOW (1-2-3) 3.20, 3.80, 2.40; SF 47.60 8 ran

They went quick up front (sectionals 21.28 and 43.85), as you would expect, and MIDNIGHT LUTE, just as when winning this race in the slop at Monmouth Park 12 months earlier, stayed on best of all from well back. This famous follow-up victory was gained in a time of 1m 7.08sec, which bettered the previous quickest Breeders’ Cup time of 1m 7.77sec set by Kona Gold at Churchill Downs in 2000.

This was a remarkable effort from the winner, and a brilliant training performance from Bob Baffert, as the five-year-old had managed just two runs since last year’s victory, having suffered from a quarter crack, and was well beaten on his only starts this season over 7f in August. It wasn’t a bad show from Garrett Gomez either, who became the first jockey to ride three Breeders’ Cup winners on the same day.

Midnight Lute was yet another winner on the Pro-Ride to make his move on the wide outside, and his momentum carried him past Fatal Bullet, who ran a huge race in defeat considering he took over the strong pace at halfway.

Street Boss looked for an inside run for a change, but he lost a bit of impetus when forced to switch wide early in the straight, and although keeping on, didn’t have the winner’s momentum. He has come a long way since making his debut just over a year ago and clearly takes his racing well, this being his 13th start. Perhaps his exertions just told (never had a break of more than ten weeks), but he still confirmed placings again with In Summation.

Fabulous Strike was below form having been unable to dominate. [RW]

ANALYSIS

27 RESULTS & ANALYSIS

TEOFILO Curragh 16 Jul 2006

3.05 [OFF 3.07]

Jumeirah European Breeders Fund (C & G) Maiden 7f

For: 2-y-o 1st €13,020 2nd €3,820 3rd €1,820 4th €620

1

TEOFILO (10) 2 9-0 ..............................(123) K J Manning

b h by Galileo (IRE)–Speirbhean (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) (J S Bolger) led and disputed, strongly pressed from 2f out, joined 1 1/2f out, narrowly headed inside final furlong, stayed on well to regain lead close home [op 6/1] 8/1 2 nk RED ROCK CANYON (4) 2 9-0 .................... Kieren Fallon b h by Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE)–Imagine (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders, pushed along from 3f out, close 3rd and strongly pressed leaders 2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on, headed close home [op 4/6] 4/5F 1 3 1 /4 BLUE CORAL (8) 2 9-0 ................................... P J Smullen [11/2] br h by Grand Lodge (USA)–Pharmacist (IRE) (Machiavellian (USA)) (D K Weld) mid-division, progress into 4th 2 1/2f out, ridden to dispute lead 1 1/2f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace [op 7/1 tchd 8/1] 7/1 1 4 1 /4 WARRIORS KEY (11) 2 9-0 ........................D P McDonogh 3 [2 /4] (Kevin Prendergast) in rear of mid-division, 8th halfway, 5th 2 1/2f out, ridden and kept on without threatening final furlong [op 12/1] 14/1 5 nk EYSHAL (1) 2 9-0 t .............................................M J Kinane [3] (John M Oxx) led and disputed, ridden and headed 1 1/2f out, soon no impression [op 5/1 tchd 11/2] 5/1 6 3 LUCK WUD HAVE IT (7) 2 9-0 .............(78) Tadhg O’Shea [6] (Charles O’Brien) tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and no impression from 2 1/2f out [op 25/1 tchd 20/1] 25/1 7 1/2 SHABAHAR (6) 2 9-0 ...................................(69) F M Berry 1 [6 /2] (John M Oxx) slowly into stride, soon tracked leaders, 6th halfway, no impression from 2f out [op 12/1] 14/1 8 41/2 LIFFEY BANK (9) 2 9-0 .............................(44) M C Hussey [11] (J T Gorman) always behind 40/1 9 21/2 CHESS (GB) (3) 2 9-0 ..............................(44) P Shanahan [131/2] (John Joseph Murphy) in touch to halfway, ridden and weakened from 2 1/2f out 25/1 10 3 CAMASSIE (GB) (5) 2 9-0 ..........................(59) J Murtagh [161/2] (G M Lyons) upset in stalls, always behind [op 12/1] 16/1 10 ran TIME 1m 26.30s (slow by 2.80s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 125 NON RUNNER: Crystal Crown 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: J S Bolger TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Michael Tabor 3rd OWNER: Dr R Lambe TOTE WIN €9.40; PL €2.30, €1.10, €2.20; EX €26.30; CSF €15.67 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

wasn’t much form to go on but this looked a ANALYSIS There decent maiden with a number of the leading yards represented by newcomers, and one of them, TEOFILO, emerged victorious.

Teofilo raced in a close second from the outset and responded well under pressure heading into the final 2f. He appeared to hold a fractional advantage heading into the final furlong and ran on well to make sure of victory close home. Jim Bolger could step the Galileo colt up to 1m or he could run him next in the Tyros Stakes. The National Stakes may also figure on his agenda and he looks a horse with a big future.

Red Rock Canyon, a three-parts brother to the top-class juvenile Horatio Nelson, ran a fine race on this debut. He was one of four in with every chance heading into the final furlong and stayed on well to give the winner most to do. He looks a promising sort.

Blue Coral arrived with a good-looking challenge on the outside with over 1f to run, but he just wasn’t able to match the front two. This was a pleasing effort from a colt whose siblings include two smart middle-distance performers and he should improve.

Warriors Key started a forward move with less than 3f to run and kept on quite well without getting to the leaders. He can be expected to improve and looks one to keep on the right side.

Eyshal ran a promising fourth to Duke Of Marmalade here last month. He set out to make all but could find no more from the furlong pole. He wasn’t disgraced and won’t have to wait long for a maiden success.

Luck Wud Have It showed up well and can do better, as can Shabahar, whose pedigree suggests he will come into his own over a longer trip. [RM]

Leopardstown 29 Jul 2006

6.20 [OFF 6.21]

Korean Racing Association Tyros Stakes (Listed Race) 7f

For: 2-y-o 1st €32,550 2nd €9,550 3rd €4,550 4th €1,550

1

2

3

4 5 6 7

TEOFILO (1) 2 9-1 ................................(123) K J Manning b h by Galileo (IRE)–Speirbhean (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) (J S Bolger) held up in touch, 8th into straight, 4th and headway over 1f out, led inside final furlong, ran on well, comfortably [op 4/1] 7/2F 13/4 MIDDLEHAM (10) 2 9-1 .................................. W J Supple ch h by Best Of The Bests (IRE)–Taalluf (USA) (Hansel (USA)) (Mark Johnston) settled 2nd, challenged and led early straight, headed inside final furlong, not pace of winner [op 9/2] 11/2 1 WHATSTHESCRIPT (5) 2 9-1 ....................... W M Lordan [23/4] b h by Royal Applause–Grizel (Lion Cavern (USA)) (David Wachman) tracked leaders, 5th halfway, 4th and challenged on outer early straight, kept on inside final furlong 6/1 1 1 /4 BLACKBERRY BOY (6) 2 9-1 ..................(90) P J Smullen [4] (D K Weld) held up, 9th into straight, 5th under 1f out, kept on [op 7/1] 8/1 shd HAMMERS BOY (4) 2 9-1 .............(101) Seamie Heffernan [4] (T Stack) settled 3rd, close up and challenged early straight, every chance 1f out, soon no extra 14/1 3/4 COUNTRY SONG (USA) (9) 2 9-1 b 1 ....(99) Kieren Fallon [5] (David Wachman) chased leaders, 7th into straight, ridden and no from 1 1/2f out [op 5/2] 4/1 31/2 THE REAL THING (3) 2 8-12 ....................(70) P Shanahan 1 [8 /4] (C Collins) chased leaders, 6th and ridden entering straight, no extra from 1 1/2f out [op 8/1] 10/1

8

3 /4 JOPAU (GB) (11) 2 9-1 ................................(88) J Murtagh [9] (G M Lyons) soon led, headed under 2f out, soon weakened 10/1 9 21/2 STREETOFCHAMPIONS (USA) (2) 2 9-1 .......................

[111/2] .................................................................(86) D P McDonogh

(T J O’Mara) chased leaders in 4th, weakened early straight 10/1 10 3 BOLD APACHE (7) 2 9-1 ......................(46) C O’Donoghue [141/2] (A P O’Brien) behind throughout [op 16/1] 20/1 11 51/2 FRIARSCOURT (USA) (8) 2 9-1 ...............(44) R M Burke 100/1 [20] (R J Osborne) always behind, trailing straight 11 ran TIME 1m 30.00s (slow by 4.70s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 122 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: J S Bolger TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Sheikh Mohammed 3rd OWNER: Michael B Nolan TOTE WIN €4.40; PL €1.30, €2.50, €2.00; EX €34.30; CSF €23.96 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

This looked a strong Listed race with several interesting maiden winners in the line-up as well as the second and third - Country Song and Middleham - from the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot.

TEOFILO produced a cracking effort to score and stamp himself a high class colt. Successful in a decent looking Curragh maiden two weeks ago, he took the step up in class in his stride to put himself on course for the National Stakes.

The winner only had a couple of rivals behind him heading into the final quarter of a mile but he picked up well as the field fanned out and got to the front inside the final furlong before pulling clear for a decisive success.

Trainer Jim Bolger pointed the way towards the National Stakes, adding that his juvenile could run in the Futurity Stakes in the meantime.

The English raider Middleham ran well and reversed Chesham form with Country Song. The former had no answer to the winner’s charge, but he kept on well for second and this represented an improvement on his Chesham run. He should be able to win at this level.

Whatsthescript was stepping up in class having won a Roscommon maiden earlier this month. He was never that far away and took closer order heading towards the final furlong. He probably wasn’t helped when appearing to be flicked by a rival rider’s whip, but then stayed on again. He has improved with each run and further progress looks quite likely.

Blackberry Boy acquitted himself well. He was having his first run since May and was taking a marked step up in class from the Gowran maiden he won on his debut. There should be more to come from him.

Hammers Boy posted a sound effort on his first run since finishing unplaced in the Coventry. He held every chance heading towards the final furlong but wasn’t able to contain the challenges of several of his rivals.

Country Song didn’t match the form of his run in the Chesham. Wearing first-time blinkers, he made his challenge on the outside entering the straight but could never quite pick up the leaders.

The Real Thing ran respectably but found this tougher than the Listed race in which she finished second to Gaudeamus at the Curragh last month. (RM)

ANALYSIS

Curragh 26 Aug 2006

4.25 [OFF 4.25]

Galileo European Breeders Fund Futurity Stakes (Group 2) 7f

For: 2-y-o 1st €75,000 2nd €23,750 3rd €11,250 4th €3,750 5th €2,500 6th €1,250

1

TEOFILO (6) 2 9-1 ................................(123) K J Manning b h by Galileo (IRE)–Speirbhean (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) (J S Bolger) close up in 2nd, led over 1 1/2f out, soon ridden clear, strongly pressed inside final furlong, stayed on well under pressure [op 5/4] 6/4F 2 hd EAGLE MOUNTAIN (GB) (5) 2 9-1 .......... C O’Donoghue b h by Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE)–Masskana (IRE) (Darshaan) (A P O’Brien) held up in rear, 5th and headway 1 1/2f out, 2nd and challenged inside final furlong, every chance close home, just failed 16/1 3 3 FERNELEY (1) 2 9-1 ..........................................W J Supple [31/4] b h by Ishiguru (USA)–Amber Tide (IRE) (Pursuit Of Love) (Francis Ennis) held up in touch, progress into 4th after halfway, 2nd briefly 1 1/2f out, 3rd and no extra when edged left inside final furlong [op 6/1] 15/2 3 4 1 /4 TRINITY COLLEGE (USA) (7) 2 9-1 .............Kieren Fallon [5] (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders in 5th, ridden and outpaced over 2f out, 6th 1f out, stayed on [op 2/1] 7/4 5 11/4 REGIONAL COUNSEL (GB) (8) 2 9-1 (63) D P McDonogh [61/4] (Kevin Prendergast) tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd 2f out, soon ridden and no impression, no extra final furlong [op 6/1] 13/2 6 1 VORTEEVA (USA) (3) 2 9-1 ......................(90) M J Kinane [71/4] (John M Oxx) led, ridden and strongly pressed 3f out, headed and weakened over 1 1/2f out 25/1 7 21/2 YELLOWSTONE (2) 2 9-1 ................(87) Seamie Heffernan [93/4] (A P O’Brien) dwelt, soon chased leaders in 3rd, weakened from over 2f out 33/1 7 ran TIME 1m 22.60s (fast by 0.90s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 114 NON RUNNER: Finicius(USA) 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: J S Bolger TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Derrick Smith 3rd OWNER: D F O’Rourke TOTE WIN €2.00; PL €1.60, €5.80; EX €72.20; CSF €26.29 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com A race that has been won by some top class sorts in recent years with Giant’s Causeway, Hawk Wing, Oratorio and Horatio Nelson among those to have appeared on its roll of honour since 1999. This renewal looked well up to standard with the exciting Tyros Stakes winner Teofilo, joined by the Anglesey winner Regional Counsel and the promising pair of Trinity College and Ferneley.

TEOFILO cemented his position as one of the best juveniles around with a gritty effort that saw him maintain his unbeaten record. A winner over this course and distance last month, he had looked a possible contender for top honours when following up in Listed company at Leopardstown.

On this occasion the winner raced in a close second from early on and was a little keen over the first few furlongs. He only had to be pushed along when going to the front with well over a furlong to run and when Eagle Mountain seemed poised to collar him, he pulled out that bit more to make sure of victory.

Jim Bolger holds Teofilo in the highest regard and it was no surprise to see his price contracting for both next year’s 2,000 Guineas and Derby.

Future targets for this season are undecided, but the National Stakes is one possibility. He looks quite capable of making his mark at the highest level this season.

ANALYSIS

Eagle Mountain was the surprise package of the race on his first start since winning a 6f maiden on soft ground here in May. Given a patient ride, he started a forward move on the outer heading into the final two furlongs.

He picked up well when asked for his all and looked as if he might overhaul the winner inside the final furlong but his effort came up just short. This was a fine effort on his first start for three months and it will be a surprise if he does not make his mark at Stakes level. There should be more to come from him.

Ferneley came here off victories in a Galway maiden and a conditions event at Tipperary. He was taking a marked rise in class and acquitted himself well. With a furlong and a half to run he looked the biggest danger to the winner but could not go with Eagle Mountain when that one quickened up. A likeable sort, he should be able to land a good prize in the coming months.

Trinity College looked a horse of considerable potential when winning a Cork maiden on his debut earlier this month but this represented a major rise in class. He lost a couple of places and came under strong pressure with two furlongs to run, but he was staying on again in the closing stages. He should derive significant benefit from this experience and an extra furlong will be in his favour.

Regional Counsel had a good position from the outset and held third with two furlongs to run, but he could do no more nearing the furlong pole. He turned in a sound effort in a race that looked tougher than the Anglesey.

Vorteeva finished the same distance behind Ferneley as when they met at Tipperary, while Yellowstone found the step up to this grade too much. (RM)

Curragh 17 Sep 2006

3.10 [OFF 3.11]

Laing O’Rourke National Stakes (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) 7f

For: 2-y-o 1st €180,400 2nd €57,400 3rd €27,400 4th €9,400 5th €6,400 6th €3,400

1

TEOFILO (2) 2 9-1 ................................(123) K J Manning

b h by Galileo (IRE)–Speirbhean (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) (J S Bolger) settled 2nd, ridden to lead under 2f out, quickened clear 1f out, stayed on well, impressive [op 13/8] 2/1 2 11/4 HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR (1) 2 9-1 .(122) Kieren Fallon b h by Danehill (USA)–L’On Vite (USA) (Secretariat (USA)) (A P O’Brien) tracked leaders in 3rd, 2nd and ridden to challenge 1 1/2f out, outpaced when edged slightly left 1f out, kept on well [op 4/7] 4/9F 1 3 4 /2 EYSHAL (6) 2 9-1 t .............................................M J Kinane 3 [5 /4] b g by Green Desert (USA)–Ebadiyla (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells (USA)) (John M Oxx) tracked leaders in 4th, ridden 2f out, moderate 3rd and no impression inside final furlong [op 20/1] 25/1 4 1 SLANEY TIME (5) 2 9-1 b 1 .........................(48) D J Moran [63/4] (J S Bolger) led, ridden 2 1/2f out, headed under 2f out, kept on same pace 100/1 5 21/2 DAVIDII (4) 2 9-1 ..........................................(73) J Murtagh [91/4] (K J Condon) tracked leaders in 5th, effort 2f out, soon no extra [op 40/1] 33/1 6 13 FLASH HARRY (GB) (3) 2 9-1 ...................(42) D M Grant [22] (John Joseph Murphy) always in rear, lost touch from halfway [op 50/1] 100/1 6 ran TIME 1m 26.40s (slow by 2.90s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 111 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: J S Bolger TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Mrs John Magnier 3rd OWNER: H H Aga Khan TOTE WIN €2.30; PL €1.30, €1.10; EX €3.30; CSF €3.22 VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com

A flawless performance by TEOFILO who made if four from four to consolidate his reputation as an exceptional juvenile and an outstanding three-year-old prospect. The quality of this display was readily apparent, since he never looked in danger of defeat from the moment that he took over under two furlongs down, after his pacemaker had done the job to perfection, providing a level pace that allowed him to settle and take up a position that gave him control of the race.mPerhaps the most impressive aspect of his victory was that it was achieved with a turn of foot that took him clear of a 6f Group 1 winner. For a horse who had been generally hailed as a middle-distance horse for next year after his victory in the Futurity Stakes, it was quite something to witness his acceleration this time.

So many possibilities are opened up by this win that it hard to know where to begin. In the short term, Jim Bolger has to decide whether to call a halt to the season now or to take in another race. It was fascinating to hear him talk in terms of a Dewhurst bid, and refer specifically to Vincent O’Brien’s methodology with his two-year-olds. Of course, O’Brien first won the Dewhurst 37 years ago with the great Nijinsky, and though one would not wish to burden this relative youngster with an undue weight of expectation, it may not be ludicrously extravagant to describe him as a potential Triple Crown candidate.

The very aspiration to a Triple Crown has become almost fancifully redundant over the past four decades on account of the way that the modern thoroughbred has developed. However, when one considers Teofilo’s position in the ante-post market for the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby, the dream may not be impossible. He is, after all, by Galileo, the sire who gave us the first three horses home in the St Leger earlier this month.

There are many bridges to be crossed before then, and in the first instance it must be more pertinent to ask whether he has the pace to win a Guineas.

On this evidence the answer is yes, but there will be many who will still see him as essentially a Derby horse. Stamina is not going to be a problem, and his temperament is ideal. Crucially, he appears to be a very sound horse. The sky is the limit.

Holy Roman Emperor, who had carved such a strong reputation with his triumph in the Phoenix Stakes, did very little wrong. He was ideally positioned when Teofilo quickened the tempo of the race but seemed to hit a slightly flat patch and was quite simply beaten for toe. The positive is that he showed no lack of stamina, and his ranking as one of the season’s top performers is assuredly not in question. To judge from Aidan O’Brien’s post-race remarks it will be no surprise to see him in action again this term.

As the pre-race analysis suggested, this was a match pure and simple, but Eyshal did not enough to suggest that he will win a maiden, and overall form indicates that Davidii can do likewise.

Slaney Time and his rider played a significant part in ensuring that this was a true-run race. (AS)

ANALYSIS

Newmarket 14 Oct 2006

4.10 [OFF 4.11]

Darley Dewhurst Stakes (Group 1) (Entire Colts & Fillies) Class 1 7f Row

For: 2-y-o 1st £141,950 2nd £53,800 3rd £26,925 4th £13,425 5th £6,725 6th £3,375

1

TEOFILO (IRE) (12) 2 9-1 ...................(123) K J Manning b h by Galileo (IRE)–Speirbhean (IRE) (Danehill (USA)) (J S Bolger) slowly into stride, headway over 5f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, edged right and headed well inside final furlong, rallied to lead near finish [op 13/8 tchd 7/4 and 15/8 in a place] 11/8F 2 hd HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR (IRE) (7) 2 9-1 .................... ....................................................................(122) M J Kinane b h by Danehill (USA)–L’On Vite (USA) (Secretariat (USA)) (A P O’Brien) went right start, held up, headway and not clear run over 1f out, switched right, ridden to lead and bumped well inside final furlong, headed near finish [op 9/4 tchd 2/1 and 100/30 in a place] 3/1 1 3 2 /2 STRATEGIC PRINCE (11) 2 9-1 ..........(109) Eddie Ahern [23/4] b h by Dansili–Ausherra (USA) (Diesis) (Paul Cole) tracked leaders, ridden and every chance over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong [op 10/1 tchd 12/1] 9/1 4 nk HAATEF (USA) (9) 2 9-1 ...................(111) D P McDonogh [3] (Kevin Prendergast) held up, headway over 2f out, hampered 1f out, stayed on same pace [op 33/1] 22/1 5 hd VITAL EQUINE (IRE) (13) 2 9-1 t ...............Richard Mullen [31/4] (E J O’Neill) pulled hard, with leader, led halfway, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace inside final furlong 20/1 6 1 RALLYING CRY (USA) (15) 2 9-1 ....(105) Jimmy Fortune [41/4] (John Gosden) chased leaders, every chance over 1f out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace 40/1 7 nk ADAGIO (5) 2 9-1 ..........................................Kerrin McEvoy [41/2] (Sir Michael Stoute) slowly into stride, held up, headway over 1f out, no impression final furlong 25/1 8 31/2 HE’S A DECOY (IRE) (8) 2 9-1 .............(116) Ryan Moore [8] (David Wachman) mid-division, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out [op 33/1] 40/1 9 21/2 TRAFFIC GUARD (USA) (6) 2 9-1 ..........(110) John Egan [101/2] (J S Moore) slowly into stride, held up, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out [op 33/1] 40/1 10 shd DUBAI BUILDER (14) 2 9-1 ...................(90) Martin Dwyer 1 [10 /2] (J S Moore) held up, ridden and weakened over 1f out [op 80/1] 100/1 11 shd PRIME DEFENDER (3) 2 9-1 ................(108) Michael Hills 1 [10 /2] (B W Hills) held up, headway over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out [op 16/1] 20/1 12 13/4 MOUNT PARNASSUS (4) 2 9-1 ............Seamie Heffernan 1 [12 /2] (A P O’Brien) chased leaders over 5f 200/1 13 nk HAMOODY (USA) (10) 2 9-1 ...............(85) Frankie Dettori [13] (Peter Chapple-Hyam) held up, headway and not clear run over 1f out, soon hung right and weakened [op 11/1] 9/1 14 21/2 HALICARNASSUS (IRE) (1) 2 9-1 .....(105) Tony Culhane [151/2] (Mick Channon) prominent, ridden halfway, weakened over 1f out 20/1 15 3 NAIGANI (USA) (2) 2 9-1 .....................(60) David McCabe 200/1 [181/2] (A P O’Brien) led to halfway, weakened over 2f out 15 ran TIME 1m 26.12s (slow by 3.12s) SP TOTAL PERCENT 118 1st OWNER: Mrs J S Bolger & John Corcoran BRED: J S Bolger TRAINER: J S Bolger at Coolcullen, Co Carlow 2nd OWNER: Mrs John Magnier 3rd OWNER: H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah TOTE WIN £2.20; PL £1.10, £1.70, £3.20; EX £6.00; CSF £4.17 TRIFECTA £35.40 Pool: £1,815.16 - 36.33 winning tickets.

VIDEO: view race at racingpost.com The definitive two-year-old race of the season and strongest renewal for many years despite this being the largest field bar four years ago when 15 lined up against Tout Seul. While big fields usually suggests connections feel there is no stars to fear, this was far from the case with this line-up of gold standard performers. The race also worked out remarkably well on official figures and with Teofilo and Holy Roman Emperor pulling nicely clear of solid yardsticks in Strategic Prince, Haatef and Eagle Mountain’s conqueror Vital Equine, they mark themselves down as leading contenders for next year’s big races.

As with last year’s finish between Sir Percy and Horatio Nelson, there will be plenty of warming winter argument over the first two, but TEOFILO takes the bragging rights with this second defeat of Holy Roman Emperor as he maintained his unbeaten record. Teofilo’s connections have gone on record as describing him as exceptional and this did nothing to diminish that view despite the narrow margin. He showed early they were not going fast enough for him and after taking time to engage his raking stride, he was just headed by the runner-up before lengthening again. That marks him down as something special and with connections feeling sure he will get further, he could be the horse to light up next year.

On the face of it, he is far too short at 5-1 generally for the Derby (winter favourites have been around double that price) but he looks the real deal. The 9-4 for the 2,000 Guineas has been earned and with connections having said they would consider the Nijinsky route to the triple crown if it opened up, then there is worth in taking double-figure prices for that, as a Guineas win would send him off very short for the Derby and St Leger.

Holy Roman Emperor did a passable impression of Horatio Nelson in this race last year, leaving plenty of debate over his merit. He jinked right out of the stalls and while he had to be switched right from the blocked stands’ rail run, which left him last into the final two furlongs, he again hung right before bearing down on the winner. He can progress again next year and should get 1m, but he has the burst of speed to bother Teofilo again in the Guineas and remains his closest challenger and number one in the Ballydoyle team.

Strategic Prince travelled better than most through the race despite fears over the ground for him. He battled on well for third but could not contain the big two. However, this late foal, who has not raced since his Group 2 Vintage win at Goodwood, is another open to improvement next year.

Haatef, another very late foal, deserves plenty of credit for this effort in only his second appearance against much more battle-hardened rivals. He leant into Holy Roman Emperor midrace but got it back when his rival hung into him as Haatef was starting a menacing run. It looked to put him off a little and the way he rallied late on suggests he should have been third with a clear run. (BJ)

ANALYSIS

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