This past weekend was notable for horse racing, highlighted by Nations Pride’s impressive victory in the Grade I Arlington Million. This win lifted Godolphin’s spirits after a less-than-stellar weekend and set the stage for an exciting Breeders’ Cup lineup.
The horse racing scene remains vibrant, with noteworthy performances from emerging 2-year-olds and international competitions across France, Germany, and Ireland. The world of racing continues to thrive!
Turf
This weekend’s turf races showcased the skill of top jockeys and the prowess of exceptional horses. William Buick confidently rode Nations Pride to victory in the Arlington Million, demonstrating his understanding of the horse’s capabilities.
As he explained, it was clear to him that Nations Pride was the class of the field, especially as he tracked the leader and made his move in the stretch run. The horse ultimately won by 1¾ lengths, asserting his dominance.
Similarly, in the $600,000 Grade I Saratoga Derby Invitational, Carson’s Run made an impressive late charge to clinch victory, reflecting the highly competitive nature of turf racing this season.
Filly & Mare Turf
In an exhilarating showdown at the $500,000 Grade II Beverly D. at Colonial Downs, Moira showcased her stamina and competitive edge by overcoming defending champion Fev Rover in the stretch, triumphing in the final strides.
Her 2022 Woodbine Oaks and Queen’s Plate victories are already impressive, but this one guarantees her a coveted “Win and You’re In” position in the next Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, where she had finished third before.
Meanwhile, Anisette proved her worth in the $200,000 Grade II Yellow Ribbon Handicap at Del Mar, winning decisively, while Full Count Felicia maintained a strong lead at the Canadian Stakes, emphasizing the depth of talent among contenders for the Breeders’ Cup.
Turf Mile
In an exhilarating display of talent at the $500,000 Grade I Fourstardave Handicap, Carl Spackler showcased his remarkable ability by breaking away from the pack during the upper stretch, securing an impressive victory by 3 1⁄2 lengths.
More Than Looks finished strong in second place, while the highly anticipated Godolphin runner, Ottoman Fleet, could only manage third as the race favorite. This event served as a qualifying opportunity for the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile, heightening the stakes for all participants.
Meanwhile, in the Grade II Secretariat Stakes at Colonial Downs, Trikari took the lead early on and fended off late pressure from Brilliant Berti, asserting dominance by winning comfortably and solidifying his status among the top 3-year-olds.
Turf Sprint
This past week in the Turf Sprint division was bustling with activity, delivering thrilling performances across several key stakes races. Beauty of the Sea claimed victory in the $150,000 Andy Guest Stakes at Colonial Downs, finishing 1½ lengths ahead of Hollywood Walk—a notable achievement for her connections.
Over at Saratoga, Fandom edged out the competition by a neck in the $150,000 Mahoney Stakes for 3-year-olds, showcasing the intensity of this category. Surveillance triumphed in the $300,000 Grade III off-the-turf Troy Stakes with a decisive 3 1⁄4 lengths margin amidst numerous scratches.
Halina’s Forte emerged victorious in the $150,000 Galway Stakes, winning by a head after surviving a challenging day. Meanwhile, Love Appeals confirmed her status as the odds-on favorite in the $100,000 Incredible Revenge Stakes at Monmouth Park, crossing the finish line one length ahead. Each result signals the growing depth and competitiveness within the Turf Sprint division as we approach the Breeders’ Cup.
Dirt Mile
The Dirt Mile division has seen some exciting performances recently, showcasing both returning champions and rising stars. Saudi Crown, fresh off a long break, made headlines by winning the $150,000 “Cowboy” Jones at Ellis Park—an impressive return after finishing third in the $20 million Saudi Cup earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Regalo secured a strong victory in the $100,000 Petramalo Mile at Colonial Downs, underscoring the competitive nature of this category.
Five Star General repeated his success in the $150,000 Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs, while Pigalle surprised many by leading a trio of double-digit long shots in the $175,000 Groupie Doll Stakes, resulting in a trifecta payout of $1,057.93. The upcoming races promise to be just as thrilling!
Juvenile
The juvenile racing scene has been heating up, showcasing promising talent as young contenders make their mark. Getaway Car made a strong statement in the $150,000 Grade III Best Pal at Del Mar, pulling away in the stretch to win by an impressive 5 ½ lengths, continuing his unbeaten streak with both victories at this meet under the guidance of seasoned rider Juan Hernandez for trainer Bob Baffert.
Meanwhile, Showcase displayed his prowess in the $200,000 Grade II Saratoga Special, overtaking early leader First Resort to secure a 3 ¼-length victory, solidifying his perfect record.
Additionally, Naughty Rascal triumphed in the $95,000 Proud Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park, while R Heisman claimed the $100,000 Graduation Stakes for California breds, and Owen Almighty wrapped up the weekend with a win in the $175,000 Ellis Park Juvenile. These results emphasize the exciting depth of juvenile racing as we look ahead to their future potential on bigger stages.
Juvenile Fillies
In an impressive performance during Saturday’s $150,000 Grade III Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar, Nooni established herself as a formidable contender by leading from the start and finishing strong, winning by 1 ½ lengths. Win Win Win filly, trained by the renowned Bob Baffert, completed the 6 furlongs on a fast track in just 1:10.41, showcasing her potential as a rising star in the juvenile ranks. With this victory, she remains undefeated after two starts.
Meanwhile, at Gulfstream Park, Win N Your In triumphed in the $95,000 Sharp Susan Stakes, while Stilettos claimed the $175,000 Ellis Park Debutante, further illustrating the competitive landscape in juvenile fillies.
These results emphasize the exciting depth of juvenile racing as we look ahead to their future potential on bigger stages, including their Breeders’ Cup 2024 odds.
Around the world, around the clock…
France
Charyn showcased his impressive finishing ability in Sunday’s Group 1 Jacques le Marois at Deauville, dramatically pulling away in the final 200 metres to secure a 3-length triumph over Metropolitan. This victory not only highlights Charyn’s remarkable talent but also complicates the narrative for Inspiral, the previous champion who finished third this time around.
Despite this win earning a “Win and You’re In” spot for the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile, owner-breeder Nurlan Bizakov has suggested that Charyn may not pursue that route, leaving fans eager to see where his next venture will take him.
Ireland
In a thrilling showdown at the Group 1 Keeneland Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, Babouche demonstrated her exceptional racing acumen. Tracking a fierce pace battle between the favorite, Whistlejacket, and Arizona Blaze, she held back until the final furlong.
With a remarkable surge, she powered past her rivals to secure a victory by 1½ lengths, maintaining her unbeaten record. This event not only solidifies her status but also marks her as a significant contender in the 2-year-old division.
Germany
Al Riffa, a 4-year-old colt trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien, showcased his exceptional talent by dominating the Group 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin at Hoppegarten. Racing in his fifth country, he pulled away impressively in the final 200 metres, ultimately winning by 5 lengths over Narrativo.
This victory positions him as a strong contender for the prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Meanwhile, Godolphin’s King of Conquest struggled against the competition, finishing last among his six rivals.
Photo: Getaway Car, Ernie Belmonte, Past the Wire
