Global Weekly Review - 08.06.15

Wedding Toast heads to Saratoga next after her triumph for Godolphin in the G1 Ogden Phipps Stakes at Belmont Park on the day that American racing rejoiced in its first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.

American Pharoah was exceptional in landing the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the series, by five and a half lengths, in front of an ecstatic crowd of 90,000. His attempt to become the 12th Triple Crown winner had captured the imagination of New Yorkers.

Godolphin-owned Frosted finished an honourable second, two lengths clear of Keen Ice in third, with UAE Derby winner Mubtaahij fourth, and Kiaran McLaughlin, trainer of the runner-up, sportingly praised the history-making winner, describing him as "a special horse."

"Our colt Frosted was gallant in defeat. He gave us all a thrill when he moved up a close second on the home turn. He had to be taken back a little just before that point, which cost him about a length, but it worked out well. He got a nice run on the inside.

"He has run his last quarter in 24.0secs, which is very good. The overall time made it the second fastest time since Secretariat (Belmont winner by 31 lengths in 1973)," he pointed out.

For Godolphin, results at Belmont were further evidence that the second half of the season can be approached with great anticipation. Wedding Toast won impressively, which augurs well for her late-summer target, the G1 Personal Ensign Stakes, at Saratoga on August 29, while Frosted is to be aimed at The Travers G1 on the same day.

"Both horses have come out of their races well," McLaughlin said. "We have also been looking at the G3 Shuvee Stakes at Saratoga for Wedding Toast, but she seems to like a little bit of space between her races.

"Frosted has the option of the Jim Dandy at Saratoga on August 1 early in the month, prior to The Travers. His ultimate aim will be the Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland (October 31)," the trainer said.

"For Wedding Toast, we will be looking at the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare," he added.

Several hours earlier, on Epsom Downs in the UK, Golden Horn retained his unbeaten record when racing to a brilliant win in the Investec Derby, defeating Godolphin's Jack Hobbs by three and a half lengths to provide trainer John Gosden with a 1-2 in the Classic.

Golden Horn became the second Derby winner for his sire, the Darley stallion Cape Cross. His other was Sea The Stars in 2009.

Frankie Dettori, landing his second Derby, was aboard a well-trained, quick-learning colt, who seems certain to take on the older horses next in the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown, most probably followed by the Juddmonte International at York, as well as the Irish Champion and/or Ascot's QIPCO Champion Stakes.

Early indications are that the Handicappers responsible for the official World Rankings are rating this Derby one of the best in the past decade, at least.

Jack Hobbs was having his first outing in the Godolphin royal blue colours and ran a blinder. Gosden has already nominated the Irish Derby, over a mile and a half at the Curragh on June 27, as his next engagement.

As this was only his fourth race start, his potential is unlimited as he gains more experience.