Kameko under Oisin Murphy, Regal Reality under Ryan Moore, and Benbatl under Frankie Dettori fought it out right to the wire in the Group 2 Shadwell Joe Stakes at Newmarket with youth prevailing and Kameko getting the win. The three-year old under rising star Murphy carried 131 pounds and spotted a pound to both his older rivals due to a weight penalty.
Dettori sent Benbatl, last years winner to the lead from the start while Kameko sat back with Murphy and even looked to come under some urging about a half mile into the Group 2 contest. Sir Michael Stoute who is having a rather quiet year, especially by his standards had Regal Reality ready as he stalked Benbatl and looked to have a real chance as the big three neared the wire.
The Andrew Balding-trained three-year-old carried a 5lb penalty for his Group 1 win in the 2000 Guineas, but it was no problem for the son of Kitten’s Joy.
Kameko started to really kick in late and was able to surge past Benbatl who hung tough and hold off Regal Reality who was game but not good enough.
Earlier on the card the classy Antonia de Vega took the Group 3 Princess Royal Muhaarar Stakes under a nice ride from off the pace by Harry Bentley.
Newmarket features two year olds on Saturday trying to race their ways into the Breeders’ Cup with “win and you’re in” races on the card.
Photo Credit: Qatar Racing
