Simply the Best

Best Solution won a second successive G1 in Germany when running on well to defy challengers in the Grosser Preis Von Baden over a mile and half at Baden-Baden on Sunday, 2 September.

This has set up the improving four-year-old colt for an Australian challenge, first of all the G1 Caulfield Cup and then hopefully the G1 Melbourne Cup.

Best Solution, with regular rider Pat Cosgrave in the saddle, broke well and was settled a close third of the seven runners.

He came through to take the lead in the straight, but was soon headed by Iquitos before rallying strongly and regaining the advantage inside the final furlong.

Best Solution then defied the late challenge of Defoe, holding on by a neck in 2m 37.38s on ground described as good to soft, with Iquitos another half-length back in third.

Saeed bin Suroor, who sent out the colt to win the G1 Grosser Preis Von Berlin at Hoppegarten on Sunday, 12 August, reflected: “That was a very good performance by Best Solution.

“It was his second G1 win in Germany this year and he battled well for today’s success.

“He has improved all through 2018 and we now plan to take him to Australia. 

“He goes into quarantine on 13 September and will be aimed first at the Caulfield Cup (G1, 12 furlong, Caulfield, 20 October) and then hopefully the Melbourne Cup (G1, 2m, Flemington, 6 November).”

Pat Cosgrave added: “Best Solution is a horse who has really grown into himself this year.

“He has won his last three races after coming back from racing in Dubai.

“Best Solution toughed it out good in the closing stages, found plenty and fought well.”