El Cordobes third on comeback in G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic

El Cordobes emerged with credit on his first start since February as he finished third in a rough renewal of the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Park, USA, on Thursday, 1 October.

Last season’s G1 Sword Dancer Stakes winner pressed for the early lead in the 12-fulong feature before racing freely in a close third behind Program Trading and Pride Of Arras.

The Charlie Appleby-trained five-year-old saved ground throughout and darted up the inside of Program Trading to hit the front at the top of the straight.

Minaret Station quickened strongly on the outside of the field to join El Cordobes approaching the final half-furlong, with Far Bridge also challenging the Godolphin runner on his inside.

El Cordobes kept on but could not go with his two rivals in the closing strides, although his chance was compromised when Minaret Station drifted into his path, forcing Flavien Prat to snatch up his mount.

Minaret Station survived a stewards’ enquiry to prevail by half a length over Far Bridge, with a further two and a quarter lengths back to El Cordobes.

Charlie Appleby said: “I thought El Cordobes ran a great race. They didn’t go a mad gallop and he was fresh for the first half of the race. He went there to win his race and perhaps got a little tired, although Flavien felt that a mile and a half is probably far enough for him on these bigger turf tracks. We might have a look towards something like the Bahrain International Trophy for him, especially now he has that run under his belt."