Ben Ali victory for Watershed

Watershed gained his biggest success in the G3 Ben Ali Stakes over nine furlongs on dirt at Keeneland, USA, on Saturday, April 15. 

The five-year-old Bernardini horse, back on dirt after trying turf, broke well under Paco Lopez and was settled in fifth, one off the rail as Conquest Enforcer set a good pace. The first quarter-mile was run in 23.95 seconds.

Watershed made progress on the back stretch to go fourth and moved up to third when switched out on the turn for home.

He took second on straightening up, went after the leader and hit the front with a half-furlong remaining.

Watershed ran on and had two and three-quarter lengths to spare over Eagle who snatched second from Bird Song. The winning time came to 1m 50.92s and this was the fifth victory of Watershed’s career.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said: “Paco rode a great race. It is always wonderful to win here in my hometown of Lexington.

“We tried the turf last time and Watershed ran well but we thought he was better on the dirt and are happy everything worked out today.

“It was fabulous for him to win a G3 and we will have to look at the options of where to race next.”