Global Weekly Review - 13.07.15

Territories rounded off a successful week for Godolphin with a stunning victory in Sunday's G1 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly, coming from last on the home bend to win with something in hand.

Trainer Andre Fabre was impressed by the performance. "He is a good colt, and he prefers running on top of the ground. He is also best when fresh.

"He will run next in the Prix Jacques le Marois at Deauville, provided it is not soft.

"If conditions are not suitable at Deauville, then we will look at the Prix du Moulin at Longchamp," the trainer added.

This was a well-deserved G1 win for Territories, who finished an honourable second to Gleneagles in the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket in May. He then missed a return clash with the Ballydoyle miler at Royal Ascot due to a minor setback.‎

This time, Territories, a son of Invincible Spirit, was dropped out early but he finished with a flourish on the outside to cut down the Charlie Hills-trained Dutch Connection in the last 50 yards. The first two were well clear of third Sir Andrew and fourth Kodi Bear.

Exactly 24 hours earlier, Godolphin put an important win on the board when Birchwood made it three wins from four starts with his triumph in the G2 Superlative Stakes at Newmarket.

The two-year-old had disappointed in Ireland at his previous outing but he showed his true worth with a tidy win over Air Vice Marshall and Tony Curtis, scoring by one length and a neck, setting a new course record for 2-year-olds over 7 furlongs. The Dark Angel colt has real potential.

Saturday's Darley July Cup featured a memorable win for the three-year-old Muhaarar, owned by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum and trained by Charlie Hills.

The colt flew home late to collar the consistent sprinter Tropics, who was finishing second in the sprint for the second successive year.

Sheikh Hamdan has been a remarkably successful owner and breeder of thoroughbreds, of colts and fillies, over all distances. His contribution to the sport has been huge, by any standards.

Godolphin's Brazen Beau, the brilliant Australian sprinter, finished an honourable seventh, fading in the final furlong after being prominent throughout. He has now been retired and is due to cover his first mares as a Darley stallion in Australia later in the year.

Chris Waller, his trainer, offered no excuse for the defeat, preferring to reflect on an impressive career that took the son of I Am Invincible from Sydney and Melbourne to Royal Ascot and Newmarket. From 12 starts, Brazen Beau won five and finished second four times.

John Ferguson, bloodstock advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, said: "Brazen Beau left a lasting impression with his outstanding second in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting.

"He won many fans that day, and we expect him to be one of the busiest stallions at Darley in Australia when he starts there in a few weeks. He will serve over 150 mares.

"Also, with his good looks and great temperament, we expect him to be very popular with European breeders, as well," Ferguson said.

In other news, Godolphin jockey James McDonald is to return to Australia this weekend in a bid to clinch his second Sydney jockeys' title. McDonald rode seven winners in Britain in his short stint this summer. He is currently four clear in the title race in Sydney.