You are here

Global Weekly Preview - 11.09.15

J A McGrath
Godolphin field three highly talented contenders in a trio of major Group One races in Europe at the weekend, while in Australia, there are also high hopes of posting another win at the highest level.

Godolphin field three highly talented contenders in a trio of major Group One races in Europe at the weekend, while in Australia, there are also high hopes of posting another win at the highest level.

Yet again, it is an incredibly busy two days internationally, but arguably topping the bill in a long list of features is Saturday's Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, in which Godolphin's Pleascach takes on Derby winner Golden Horn, as well as (ground permitting) Gleneagles, the leading three-year-old miler, and Royal Ascot winner Free Eagle.

If you throw in The Grey Gatsby, last year's shock Irish Champion Stakes winner, as well as evergreen warrior Cirrus Des Aigles and accomplished stablemates Found and Highland Reel, there is a suspicion this could well prove the best race of the season. It could certainly be the one to produce the highest-rated winner.

Mild controversy erupted on Thursday when officials brought forward the starting time of the race to ensure the top horses gained first use of fresh ground on the outer turf course and, it seemed, to also guarantee Golden Horn and Gleneagles took their chances.

Pleascach is an improving three-year-old, who is on an upward climb through the upper levels of Group One horses. Her last start victory in the G1 Darley Yorkshire Oaks was that of a gutsy individual set to make a name for herself in the world's top races from a mile and a quarter to a mile and a half.

She defeated Covert Love, the Irish Oaks winner, and French-trained Sea Calisi by a neck and the same, following a prolonged rally that came after she appeared well held two furlongs out.

Trainer Jim Bolger has a reputation for recognising the type of three-year-old equipped to take on older horses, so his decision to run Pleascach is an endorsement of her progress and potential.

Golden Horn, a son of the Darley stallion Cape Cross, was beaten for the first time in the Juddmonte Stakes at York, but his reputation suffered little in defeat. Arabian Queen, the filly who inflicted that defeat, will further enhance her reputation as a giant killer if she beats champion mare Treve in Sunday's Prix Vermeille at Longchamp.

The Vermeille is frequently called an Arc 'trial' but it is a major G1 race in its own right. Treve is building towards an attempt to become the first to register three wins in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but she faces eight rivals this time, including Arabian Queen and the back-in-form Godolphin filly Beautiful Romance.

There was something eye-catching about Beautiful Romance's win in the Listed August Stakes at Windsor on Good to Soft ground. This daughter of New Approach has recaptured her old sparkle.

Two of the season's major two-year-old races takes place at the Curragh on Sunday's Irish St Leger card, the second day of Irish Champions weekend, a concept that won wide applause on its introduction last year. The National Stakes and the Moyglare Stud Stakes are both over seven furlongs.

Godolphin are strongly represented in both, with Herald The Dawn and Birchwood both expected to make their presence felt in the National, and Vitello similarly rated in the Moyglare.

The Irish St Leger has attracted a field of 11, with Ballydoyle three-year-old Order Of St George, who bypasses Doncaster to run at the Curragh, should get his preferred ground and looks to hold the key to the race. Agent Murphy and Forgotten Rules both hold strong credentials.

In Australia, Godolphin's Exosphere has a great chance of landing the G1 Golden Rose at Rosehill, Sydney, though stablemates Shards and Holler will both run well.

Meanwhile, in Melbourne, the in-form Boban comes up against a strong 16-runner field in the G1 Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. New Zealander Mongolian Khan is a most interesting runner.

Global Weekly Preview