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Alizee wins G2 Missile Stakes to claim special position among Godolphin team

Mike Hedge

Alizee began yet another preparation with a victory full of promise, this time earning special recognition in Godolphin’s equine hierarchy at Rosehill on Saturday, 10 August.

But her G2 Missile Stakes success did little to determine her main mission of the Australian spring.

The Missile was Alizee’s ninth victory and her eighth at Stakes level, a total that is bettered only by the recently-retired Blue Point whose nine black-type wins are the record for a Godolphin racehorse.

In a slowly-run race, Alizee settled at the tail of the small field, with jockey Hugh Bowman showing typical confidence and race sense by putting her into contention at the halfway point of the 1,200m race.

The pair joined the lead within a dozen strides and took control soon after, passing the 200m with a three-length break over Invincible Gem, at which point Bowman allowed her to cruise to the post under her own steam.

The lack of pressure over the final section allowed Invincible Gem get to within a neck, but Bowman said he still had something in hand.

For trainer James Cummings the victory was a new-season continuation of the record year during which he and his team guided Godolphin runners to 62 Stakes victories in Australia.

But his only concern was that the three-time G1 winner Alizee had come through her return to racing in good order.

"She's an outstanding horse and we are lucky enough to have her in the barn," Cummings said.

"I'm really pleased for her that she's come back in such good form."

Alizee’s spring plans won’t be finalised for several weeks, but the filly is in the mix for the $14 million Everest, either as Godolphin's runner or to occupy another place in the race.

Bowman confirmed he had given Alizee as easy a run as possible.

“It was a slowly run race which didn't suit and she had to do a bit of work,” Bowman said.

“So I was keen to be easy on her at the finish. It got a little bit close, but she was comfortable.

“She‘s only going to improve from the run."

As well as being her ninth win, it was the fourth time in her career that Alizee had opened her preparation with a victory.