The very flashy Silver Sonic gets the job done in the Red Sea Turf Handicap (Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia/Mathea Kelley)
Saudi Cup Press Release
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia— For the second consecutive year, the famous silks of Shadai Race Horse Co Ltd earned a comfortable victory in the G3 Longines Red Sea Turf Handicap, but unlike Stay Foolish’s surprise 2022 victory, Silver Sonic (JPN) was very much expected to run a big race for connections – and he did just that.
Breaking alertly from post one, the eye-catching grey homebred son of Orfevre settled in the perfect position behind a lead set by returning star Subjectivist (GB) and tracked by 2022 Ebor Handicap winner Trawlerman (IRE).
Barely moving a muscle on the Group 2 winner, jockey Damian Lane asked Silver Sonic to live up to his name turning for home as the pace setters weakened, and the race was put to bed with aplomb. Winning his second consecutive Group/Graded stakes in the process, following December’s 3600m Sports Nippon Sho Stayers Stakes at Nakayama, the victor never appeared in doubt and galloped across the finish line with measured superiority.
The final time for the 3000m contest was 3:06.46 and margin of victory a deceptive two-and-a-half lengths. Enemy (GB) rallied to cross the finish line second, three-quarters of a length to the good of Get Shirty (IRE) in third. It was another nose back to French raider Big Call (USA). Subjectivist, in his first start since taking the 2021 Ascot Gold Cup, faded to finish 12th.
Quotes:
Yasutoshi Ikee, trainer of Silver Sonic, 1st: “This might be the second win for Japan, but it is a first win for me. This is a great achievement for me and I am very happy.
“I didn’t talk tactics with Damien today. He made his own plans and we didn’t discuss anything before the race. I bought Orfevre to the Arc twice but he ran second on both occasions, so winning a big race abroad with Orfevre’s son, it is a great pleasure. My father trained Stay Gold, his dam’s sire, so the feeling with this victory is so special.
“I’m very grateful to the people of the JCSA who received us so well. Silver Sonic travelled over really well and kept his condition, he has been the same as he is at home. We have two options, the Tenno Sho and the other is the Dubai Gold Cup.”
Damian Lane, jockey, Silver Sonic: “I have had great support in Japan, especially the Shadai Race Horse Club. I’m glad to be a part of it and will be glad to keep it going.
“He began well, which is always important from barrier one. I was happy to track Subjectivist, who was always going to set a nice tempo and be a good horse to follow. I needed a bit of luck to get through but once it opened up he finished really well.
“We knew the distance wouldn’t be a problem. I would never advise a trainer, but the Tenno Sho looks a good option. It’s a great privilege to be riding here and to be part of the meeting, let alone ride a winner. I’m just grateful to be a part of it all, it’s a big thrill as a part of my career and I’m really enjoying it.”
Richard Kingscote, jockey, Enemy, 2nd: “I had a nice pitch. He drew inside and we had to use the gate. He was a little keen early but he was going well turning into the straight. He responded well. I thought briefly we might get to the Japanese horse but he was too strong.”
Ian Williams, trainer, Enemy: “He is having a great campaign in this part of the world and all being well he will go for the Dubai Gold Cup next. That distance is at the limit of his stamina when he is ridden as close as that, but we had to settle him closer than normal.”
Danny Tudhope, jockey, Get Shirty, 3rd: “He was done no favours with the wide draw but he’s the kind of horse you need to switch off, so he settled in rear. There wasn’t much pace either. But you have to ride him for luck. He was very strong in the finish and to get third from where he was positioned was a great effort.”
Joe Fanning, jockey, Subjectivist, 12th: “I felt he was keen enough, he has been off for a while and in the end he just got tired. As long as he’s OK afterwards, I’m sure he’ll be back.”
