Tag: Stradivarius (Ire)

Into The ‘Stradosphere’

It is almost unimaginable to think that this year's Yorkshire Cup, Ascot Gold Cup, Goodwood Cup or Lonsdale Cup will be run without Stradivarius (Ire). His appearance in those races had become a near constant occurrence for the past number of years and in an industry where retiring a stallion prospect at two is not out of the question we should count ourselves lucky that we were able to witness the striking son of Sea The Stars (Ire)'s prowess on the racecourse for so long. Having now swapped Newmarket Heath for the green pastures of The National Stud, as he begins his stallion career, the draw of Bjorn Neilson's superstar has not been lost.

“Everybody across the world knew about Stradivarius,” says Joe Bradley, the recently appointed Head of Bloodstock Operations at the stud. “But here in Newmarket in particular, he was a huge personality on the heath and he's a very important horse to a lot of people.” It may seem a daunting task to take on a celebrity of the racing ranks and maybe even more so when a horse whose career like Stradivarius's may not necessarily be what every breeder is after but the team at The National Stud are confident in the horse, allowing his credentials to speak for themselves.

“We don't shy away from what he achieved,” said Bradley when reminiscing on Stradivarius's racing career. “We're proud of it. He finished races in a way that most horses couldn't. People understood the quality he has. He's by an amazing stallion, he's got a fantastic pedigree. He's got the race performance, and physically he's an exceptional animal.”

By allowing the facts to do the talking Stradivarius has been well received so far with “a range of breeders that provide mares from a range of distance, from six furlongs right up to a mile and a half,” booking a nomination. Given the mix of owner-breeders and commercial breeders that have expressed interest in Stradivarius, the team behind the horse have every reason to be optimistic for his future at stud with a book of over 100 mares coming together nicely.

“It's been such an interesting process and it's been great seeing the confidence that breeders have for Stradivarius,” Bradley added.

There is no doubt that launching a new stallion brings fresh enthusiasm and excitement, but it is hard to imagine that The National Stud has been lacking in those departments given the other stallions on their roster. Time Test (GB)'s first crop made a huge impression on the track and “he covered 160 mares in 2021.” There were a few key performers for the stallion last year with one of note in particular.

“He's got some leading horses for the big races in the summertime,” said Bradley. “What we're really looking forward to is Crypto Force (GB), who is with John Gosden now, making his seasonal return.”

Another on the roster who impressed with his first, albeit small, crop was Rajasinghe (Ire).

“He has been an amazing horse for Phil Cunningham,” said Bradley. “He won the G2 Coventry [S.] in the fastest time. And now, I think people are starting to connect those dots because he's had an amazing first crop with 80% winners to runners with horses that have really shown a good turn of foot.”

Rounding off the quartet is Lope Y Fernandez (Ire) who has his first crop of foals this year. Of course, that is not the only interesting fact about the son of Lope De Vega (Ire).

“Lope Y Fernandez is a horse that we're hugely excited by,” said Bradley. “We are in a great partnership with Nick Bradley and Whitsbury Manor. And what we're doing is combining what we have, to give him every chance to be a very successful stallion.”

Of his first-born foals, so far, Bradley remarked, “They are exactly what we thought they would be. We've been telling breeders that Lope Y Fernandez will put plenty of bone and quality into your mare and into the progeny and that's exactly what we've got.”

Like the stallions around him, Bradley seems very at ease in his new role which “incorporates a variety of things that are directly related to the farm and also dealing with clients, sales and nominations.”

Starting at a time with the promise of so much growth is not lost of the Irish native who cited it as “very poignant” to be working alongside the likes of Stradivarius. As both embark on what should hopefully be a long and fruitful career, perhaps going the distance isn't such a bad thing after all.

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Stradivarius To Parade At Ascot On QIPCO British Champions Day

The recently retired crack stayer Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) will be paraded at Ascot on QIPCO British Champions Day on Oct. 15. Bred and raced by Bjorn Nielsen, the charismatic chestnut retired with the most QIPCO British Champions Series wins in history with 16. Trained throughout his career by John and Thady Gosden, Stradivarius will be joined by fellow retired racehorses Side Glance (GB) (Passing Glance {GB}) and Trip To Paris (Ire) (Champs Elysees {GB}).

Anna Kerr, Chief Executive of the National Stud, said, “We are delighted to have a racehorse of the calibre of Stradivarius joining the roster at the National Stud. He has consistently demonstrated many of the attributes of his sire Sea The Stars–consistency, soundness and a phenomenal temperament. Parading at QIPCO British Champions Day provides the perfect opportunity for racing fans to say farewell to a true icon of our sport.”

Nielsen added, “He has been a joy to own. He turned up and ran his race every time with marvellous consistency. The last six years have been an absolute privilege and I particularly want to thank Ascot, Goodwood and York racecourses as well as everyone who has come out to support him during his career.

“He has been an absolute credit to the Gosdens and their staff at Clarehaven who managed to maintain his performance and enthusiasm for so long.”

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Girl Power In The Nunthorpe

Five-furlong sprints used to be the dominion of the powerhouse colts and geldings, but recent years have seen a shift in the dynamic and that could hardly be better expressed than the line-up for Friday's G1 Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe S. at York. Four of the top five in the betting are fillies or mares and that doesn't even include last year's impressive winner Winter Power (Ire) (Bungle Inthejungle {GB}) who trades around the 20-1 mark which would have been inconceivable following her career-best here 12 months ago.

Unusually, position of hot favourite is filled by a 3-year-old with only three career starts to her name, but in a renewal lacking a standout Sheikh Juma Dalmook Al Maktoum's Royal Aclaim (Ire) (Aclaim {Ire}) is one of those that will continue to attract support until the bubble bursts. The rapid juvenile The Platinum Queen (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), the the G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest heroine Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) and the 'TDN Rising Star' Flotus (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) complete the formidable distaff cast in a fascinating clash.

Strangely, the Listed City Walls S. seems to be the key piece of form again as it was in 2021 when Winter Power served notice of her prowess over this fast five-furlong strip. This time, Winter Power had to surrender as Royal Aclaim took up the mantle with an impressive display July 9 and it is easy to see why the punters have been seduced by the filly who bids to provide her owner with a notable Ebor Festival double following the Lowther win of Swingalong (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) on Thursday. “I've got every confidence in her and in her ability, but at the end of the day she's an animal and she's got to have some luck in running,” trainer James Tate told QIPCO British Champions Series.

“She's the least experienced runner in the field, and that includes the 2-year-old, but she's like nothing we've ever had through our stable gates before–she's completely different,” Tate added. “In three runs, she's achieved a rating of 108 and beaten two Group 1 winners. Yet, to be quite honest with you, she's never been fully fit, as she is now. I expected her to win at York but I didn't know she'd win quite as easily as that, given that she wasn't 100% fit. It was obvious after a furlong or two that she would win. For a filly to win a Nunthorpe she probably needs to be something like 114, and the six pounds she needs to improve on the York form is just two lengths. Can she improve two lengths? I really think and hope so.”

 

Queen Bee?

Two-year-olds added to this mix always create an extra vibe and this time it is a strange one, with Middleham Park Racing's The Platinum Queen entering the fray with no black-type to boast of. Only 13th behind Dramatised (Ire) (Showcasing {GB}) on her sole attempt in the G2 Queen Mary S. at Royal Ascot on June 15, the bay proved that running all wrong with powerful displays in a novice over this course and distance July 8 and in Goodwood's Alice Keppel Conditions S. July 27, where she broke the juvenile track record set minutes earlier in the Molecomb by Trillium (GB) (No Nay Never). With all the weight-for-age and sex allowances in her favour, she has the significant bonus of Hollie Doyle in the saddle as she bids to emulate Lyric Fantasy (Ire) (Tate Gallery) who was the last juvenile filly to succeed 30 years ago. Acapulco (Scat Daddy) was second in 2015, so the portents are strong for a big effort. “She's improved with racing, which we thought she would. She just wants to go faster all the time, so we're trying to channel that but she's in great nick,” trainer Richard Fahey said. “It's extremely game of the owners, I hope they get a run for their money–I'm sure they will.”

 

Beware The Princess

Very few sprinters can come off success in the 6 1/2-furlong G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest and follow up here over five, but Highfield Princess (Fr) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) is looking increasingly a sprinter that is capable of the unusual. Showing the kind of pace at Deauville Aug. 7 that would have been potent over the minimum, she did the same on this track when taking the G2 1895 Duke of York S. May 11 and will be giving her all once again. The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Flotus is another aggressive front-runner reverting to five, having scored at the track in the G3 Summer S. last time July 8 and tried this trip just the once. Of the remainder, the July 29 G2 King George S. one-two Khaadem (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) and Raasel (GB) (Showcasing {GB}) come into play in along with 'TDN Rising Star' Dragon Symbol (GB) (Cable Bay {Ire}), who was third here 12 months ago and who has enjoyed a confidence boost in a Hamilton conditions event July 30.

 

What Next From Stradivarius?

There is no longer-running retirement story than that of Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}), with Bjorn Nielsen seeming to further extend the date each time he is interviewed. After the 8-year-old's superb performance when touched off in the July 26 G1 Goodwood Cup, it is not hard to see why he should want to extend the brilliant career of the horse so endeared to the York faithful. Frankie had waved them goodbye after the May 13 G2 Yorkshire Cup, but in a twist the chestnut returns to the Knavesmire under Andrea Atzeni for what may not even be his final visit on Friday. Already successful six times from six outings here, including in three renewals of the G2 Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup, one of history's elite stayers looks set to have his desired fast ground with the storms so far missing York. “He's enjoying life as much as ever and he's bouncing around the place,” John Gosden commented. “He's got a pretty good record at most tracks, but York obviously suits him particularly well with it's long straight and he's never been beaten there.”

 

King Waits Again

   In what has become a perpetual state for Alan King, he waits on the rain for Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) with more hope than expectation. Having finally bent to running the G1 Prix du Cadran and G1 Goodwood Cup hero on ground quicker than ideal in defence of his crown in the latter contest on the Sussex Downs, the trainer was rewarded with a third behind Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Stradivarius which was commendable but probably below his exalted standard when the ground is testing. “He'll only run if it rains, it's as simple as that,” he said in his latest update. “There's some rain coming through, but we don't know what quantity so we'll just have to see what the morning brings.” Fourth in the Goodwood Cup, Coltrane (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) is one who could yet emerge as a threat even if Trueshan is absent, which also applies to Lady Blyth's G2 Prix Maurice de Nieuil and G3 Henry II S. winner Quickthorn (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) in a strong edition set to test Stradivarius's endurance more than the betting would suggest.

 

Royal Standard In The Gimcrack

There is a fascinating G2 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Gimcrack S. in prospect, with the Hays' impressive G2 Richmond S. winner Royal Scotsman (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) needing to defy a three-pound penalty as a result of his Goodwood exploits July 28. That was no hindrance to Lusail (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) last year and to Rock Of Gibraltar (Ire) in 2001, so if the best that has passed through the Whatcombe stable of the Coles for some time follows suit we are talking about a genuine Group 1 performer in the making. “He's in very good form and we think he's improved since Goodwood. Physically we think he looks bigger,” Oliver Cole warned. “We just thought travel-wise it was easier to go to York than Deauville [for the Morny] and we're thinking about the future with him. He handled quick ground in the Richmond and I think there was bit of cut in the ground the day he won his maiden there, so I think he's pretty versatile.”

 

The Triple Threat

While Royal Scotsman gives all the signals that he is top-class, he will certainly have to prove it here taken on by a trio of unbeaten colts who have all flashed major talent. Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Noble Style (GB) (Kingman {GB}) had Royal Scotsman back in fourth on debut at Ascot May 7 and was ante-post favourite for the Coventry in which the Coles' runner ended up third, only to miss out due to a setback. His return defeat of Mill Stream (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}) over this six-furlong trip at Newmarket July 29 was boosted by the runner-up's effort in a strong renewal of the G3 Acomb S. on Wednesday and Charlie Appleby is hoping he can follow through on his significant early promise. “He looked very smart when winning his maiden at Ascot, but I was not entirely happy with him coming into the Royal meeting so we missed his intended target there,” he explained. “I'm a believer that sometimes missing those type of races in the summer can benefit them in the second half of the season. He had his break, then he came back under a penalty in a Newmarket novice. We got the job done but, most importantly, we could see improvement for that run. His work has been good. He's definitely come on for that experience. The Gimcrack is the right race for him now, but in time, I think he will benefit for stepping up in trip.”

 

Burke Has Another Strong Hand

After Thursday's G2 Lowther S., it is increasingly essential to pay due diligence to the entries of Karl Burke in the 2022 pattern races for 2-year-olds and his duo here are headed by Nick Bradley Racing and Elaine Burke's well-regarded unbeaten Marshman (GB) (Harry Angel {Ire}). Denied a crack at Royal Scotsman in the Richmond due to a setback, arguably the best out so far from the first crop of his talented sire is here just a week after his 8 1/2-length success in a Thirsk novice over this trip Aug. 12. “We always thought Marshman was a nice horse, but he showed us a bit more than what he had been doing at home when he got left in the stalls first time out and still absolutely bolted up,” Burke said. “The Richmond might not have worked out for us anyway, but he was lame on the morning of the race and I was keen to get another run into him then before we went for a black-type race. He took us a little bit by surprise with how he did it at Thirsk. We weren't surprised that he won, but it was a very good performance on the clock and obviously visually it was very good as well.”

 

Making A Point

Richard Fahey saddles the third colt with a two-for-two record in the Gimcrack, with Clearpoint (GB) (Ardad {Ire}) by the same sire and carrying the same Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum silks as the stable's dual triple Group 1 winner Perfect Power (Ire). His form stands up well against Marshman from his novice win on debut at Ayr May 30 and he was able to defy a penalty dropping back to five furlongs in a novice at Newcastle June 25. “It's a good Gimcrack this year, it's probably the best Gimcrack I've seen for years,” Fahey commented. “I do like the horse though and we'll find out on Friday where we are with him.”

 

Also…

York's valuable British Stallion Studs EBF Convivial Maiden S. sees a line-up of 20, with Ballydoyle responsible for the Aug. 6 Curragh maiden runner-up Salt Lake City (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the race they used to introduce Stravinsky in 1998. At Salisbury, Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' Flying Honours (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) puts his reputation on the line in the Listed Longines Irish Champions Weekend 10-11 September EBF Stonehenge S. Off the mark by 9 1/2 lengths in a seven-furlong novice at Sandown July 27, the relative of Lammtarra looks a genuine Derby prospect at present.

 

Click here for the fields.

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Green Light Expected For Trueshan Cup Bid

He may have been missing from Royal Ascot, but Trueshan (Fr) (Planteur {Ire}) has since reminded everybody that he belongs at the very top of the staying division and he looks set to meet Kyprios (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) and Stradivarius (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) in his defence of the G1 Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup on Tuesday. Re-routed to Newcastle to defy a big weight in the historic Northumberland Plate June 25, last year's winner has good ground and that is slow enough for connections to take the plunge. While trainer Alan King has to walk the course, part-owner Andrew Gemmell suggested that the 6-year-old who also captured the G1 Prix du Cadran and two editions of the G2 QIPCO British Champions Long Distance Cup is good to go for a huge heavyweight tussle. “It would be nice to run and defend his title and all being well and the weather being okay, I'm sure we will,” he said. “The intention is definitely to go, it's not like Ascot when we kind of knew that it wasn't really going to happen, so I think there is every possibility he will run.”

 

Over To Atzeni

Much has been made of the replacement by Andrea Atzeni of Frankie Dettori on Stradivarius and it is certain that the veteran will be playing a more prominent role than of late as he looks for a fifth renewal. While his draw in seven may mean that he is hemmed in again on the inside due to the quick left turn the field faces from the two-mile start, it will soon open up as they move to the right and then it will be all to play for. Whatever tactical ploy Atzeni has in his mind, Bjorn Nielsen's evergreen performer will have more exposure than usual and the answer to the question as to how much ability he retains should be provided in a race of truth. “It's a great opportunity for me and he owes us nothing, so hopefully we'll see the Stradivarius we've seen in the past,” commented Atzeni, who partnered the chestnut on his first two Goodwood Cup victories back in 2017 and 2018.

 

A Point To Prove With Kyprios

   Whatever befell Stradivarius in the June 16 G1 Gold Cup, Kyprios seemed a worthy winner with his power-packed finish and he should be even more effective back at two miles with his closing effort at Ascot the fastest in recent history. This is a speedy stayer with the right temperament to rack up a sequence in these Cup races, much as one of his chief rival's has and Aidan O'Brien believes he is still on the up. “He is still learning and is a relaxed horse who takes everything in his stride, so we think there is more improvement to come,” he said. “He is straightforward to ride and uncomplicated. I think he is well-balanced and doesn't over-race. Goodwood is an unusual track, but he seems to be okay going left or right-handed.” Ryan Moore added on his Betfair blog, “Ignore all the talk about Stradivarius, I think my colt beat him fair and square at Royal Ascot and maybe a shade comfortably too in the final analysis. It may well be that the older horse is better than he was able to show that day, but Kyprios was very professional and determined there, showing a great attitude.”

 

Vintage Action

Tuesday's action at Goodwood also features the G2 Japan Racing Association Vintage S., with no standout among the nine engaged. One of the more interesting contenders is Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum's July 9 Salisbury novice scorer Marbaan (GB) (Oasis Dream {GB}), a relative of Ribchester (Ire) (Iffraaj {GB}) who looks to give Charlie Fellowes something to dream about. Charlie and Mark Johnston have targeted this meeting as keenly as ever and supply two unbeaten colts in

Dear My Friend (GB) (Pivotal {GB}) and Dornoch Castle (Ire) (Gleneagles {Ire}). Charlie is looking for a fifth renewal for the stable since 1993 and he said, “I would struggle to split them, to be fair. Dornoch Castle's form is probably a touch stronger as there are a lot of horses that have come out of his races and won subsequently, but the other horse did well to win over six furlongs because it was far too sharp for him at Carlisle.”

 

Time For Another Pogo?

One of 2022's revelations, the May 28 G3 John Of Gaunt S. and June 25 G3 Criterion S. winner Pogo (Ire) (Zebedee {GB}), encounters a higher-class of rival in Tuesday's G2 World Pool Lennox S. but Gary and Linnet Woodward's 6-year-old seems in unstoppable form at present. “He obviously hasn't won at this level before, but he did win a Group 3 with a penalty last time and he won that one more easily than he did without it the time before,” trainer Charlie Hills said. Cheveley Park Stud's G2 Hungerford S. winner Sacred (GB) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}) looms large back at her favoured seven furlongs having run a stormer when a length fifth in the G1 Platinum Jubilee S. over six at Royal Ascot June 18.

 

Baaeed Meets Six In The Sussex

Following Wednesday's disappointing bulletin on Coroebus (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), Shadwell's Baaeed (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) cuts a domineering figure in Wednesday's G1 Qatar Sussex S. at Goodwood. Charlie Appleby still has the May 15 G1 Poule d'Essai des Poulains hero Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) among the seven confirmed on Monday, with the defending champion and G1 July Cup heroine Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never) and Ballydoyle's G2 Minstrel S. scorer Order Of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) other key protagonists. The latter was fifth last year, but Aidan O'Brien said, “He won nicely the last day at The Curragh and is in good form. He won the same race last year before the Sussex, but then at Goodwood it was a bit soft for him. It will be better ground this year hopefully and that will suit him.”

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