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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 BLOODHORSE.COM/DAILY
BELMONT
Countdown
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
DETERMINED
Circus Maximus Edges Terebellum
in Queen Anne Thriller
See page 4
IN THIS ISSUE
9 Appeals Court Hears Arguments on 2019
Kentucky Derby DQ
12 Modernist to be Entered in
Belmont Stakes
13 Kentucky Racing Commission Approves
New Crop Use Rules
BLOODHORSE DAILY Download the FREE smartphone app PAGE 1 OF 34
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CONTENTS
4 Circus Maximus Edges Terebellum 22 Bucking Worldwide Trends, HKJC Announces
in Queen Anne Thriller Purse Hikes
8 Leading Sires 23 Addeybb Bids to Extend Streak in Prince of Wales’s
9 Appeals Court Hears Arguments on 24 Japan’s New Owner Has Arc Hopes as Star Seeks
2019 Kentucky Derby DQ to Shine
12 Modernist to be Entered in Belmont Stakes 26 Ward and O’Brien Double-Handed for Windsor
Castle Bid
13 Kentucky Racing Commission Approves New
Crop Use Rules 27 Delaware Park to Open With Obeah Stakes
and Spectators
14 Rodriguez Wants to Join MGG Suit Against Zayat
Stables 28 Pedigree Analysis: Siskin Shines for Fappiano Line
15 Third Time Lucky: Battaash Lands Elusive 30 Results & Entries
King’s Stand
17 Frankly Darling 50th Royal Ascot Winner for Gosden
20 Pyledriver Upsets King Edward VII Stakes at 18-1
SKIP DICKSTEIN
BREEDING IN PENNSYLVANIA COVID-19 UPDATE
BREEDING SHEDS ARE OPEN & DOMICILE FARMS CONTINUE TO ACCEPT MARES
Our farms have implemented important safety protocols to protect the health of all involved.
Please call ahead to review their protocols.
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A publication of The Jockey Club Information Systems, Inc.
and TOBA Media Properties, Inc. ON THE COVER
Circus Maximus (blinkers) beats Terebellum
Editorial Director General Manager
Evan Hammonds Scott Carling in the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot
Visuals Director Managing Editor
Anne M. Eberhardt Claire Crosby
Assistant Editors Digital Designer
Meredith Daugherty Erin Morgan
Mary LaRue (Reeder) Senior Web Producer
Bloodstock Editor Christine Wittmer
Eric Mitchell Digital Content Coordinator
Sales Editor Michelle Benson
Ron Mitchell Copy Editor
Mark Sonka
Features Editor
Regional Sales Managers
Frank Angst Shirley Dievert
Associate Editors Kristi Heasley
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
Byron King Ellen Lambertus
Christine Oser Amanda Ramey
Senior Correspondent Classified Sales
Bob Ehalt Catherine Johnston
Senior Columnist Director of Technology
Jay Hovdey Courtney Bearse
Senior Bloodstock Columnist Pedigree Analyst
Bill Oppenheim Alan Porter ROYAL MEETING: The Royal Ascot meeting kicked off
Contact Us: June 16 with racing behind closed doors due to the COVID-19
Editor: cnovak@bloodhorse.com • Advertising: advertise@bloodhorse.com pandemic (see page 4 for more)
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 3 OF 34
PRESENTED BY RACING POST
CIRCUS MAXIMUS
EDGES TEREBELLUM
IN QUEEN ANNE
THRILLER
By Lee Mottershead/Racing Post
I f ever there was a race that de-
served an audience, it was this
year's Queen Anne Stakes (G1).
Through the final furlong of the
royal meeting's opening group 1
June 16, Ryan Moore and Frankie
Dettori, two masters of their craft,
fought out the most furious behind-
EDWARD WHITAKER/ RACING POST
closed-doors finish on courageous
horses representing the sport's two
most powerful owners.
Circus Maximus and Terebellum
gave their absolute all. Circus
Maximus won. So did this Like Moore, Circus
extraordinary Royal Ascot. Maximus does not know how
With the Queen Anne a part to lie down. He showed that
of the Breeders' Cup Challenge here 12 months ago when
Series, Circus Maximus received grinding out St. James's Palace
an automatic berth into the Nov. 7 Stakes (G1) success just 17
TVG Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) at days after finishing sixth in the
Keeneland. He was fourth in last Investec Derby (G1). What that
year's Mile at Santa Anita Park. day and subsequent days have
ALAN CROWHURST/GETTY IMAGES
In normal circumstances told us is that the 2019 Prix du
the Coolmore 'lads' with their Moulin de Longchamp (G1)
Coolmore lasses would have been winner is a miler—and a very
at Ascot, filling the winner's circle, good miler he is, too.
Circus Maximus (blinkers) wins the Queen Anne
while Sheikh Mohammed and his "I think he is probably an Stakes at Royal Ascot
huge entourage watched on from underestimated horse," said
the spot reserved for the second. O'Brien from Ballydoyle. have the son of Galileo's measure
None of them were here because You can guarantee Dettori when grabbing the lead just over
none of them were allowed to underestimated him neither before a furlong from home. Circus
be here. Also absent through nor after the race. Maximus grabbed it back in the
circumstances was winning trainer Not since 2012 had Dettori nick of time, scoring by a head,
Aidan O'Brien, yet all this victory enjoyed Royal Ascot success for with Marie's Diamond a further
needed was a horse and jockey Godolphin. Having tracked Circus three lengths back in third.
who could have been born for each Maximus from the moment the
other. stalls opened, Terebellum looked to (continued on page 5)
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 4 OF 34
PRESENTED BY RACING POST
CIRCUS MAXIMUS EDGES year he ran a cracker to finish fifth.
TEREBELLUM IN QUEEN ANNE "I'm really thrilled," she said. "I think he possibly
blew up—if he hadn't he would have been third. He
THRILLER
definitely has another group race in him, maybe a
(continued from page 4)
group 2 or 3, but what he really loves is a fast gallop,
which he didn't get here."
"That's him exactly," said O'Brien. "He's like a Nor did he get to see many people, including
fighter. If he doesn't get his blood up then he doesn't O'Brien, who instead enjoyed it all on television.
perform. He can be quite lazy so he needs the fast "Ascot is usually a busy week for us as we go there
tempo of a mile. He loves getting eyeballed. He's a very and back, so it's brilliant to be able to see all the
good horse. preliminaries and hear everything that everyone has
"He is very tough, he travels, quickens, and then to say," he said. "We have a great team of people over
toughs it out. He is unbelievable really. Really, he is a there. We couldn't be happier really. We're very lucky
trademark Galileo with loads of speed. His best form to have so many special people."
is over a mile, which makes him more valuable and In Circus Maximus, he also has a special horse.
interesting and important." For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock
O'Brien identified the Qatar Sussex Stakes (G1) news, visit RacingPost.com. BH
as the winner's likely next target, while John Gosden s Share this story
has a host of options
for Terebellum, who
came to Ascot having
won the Betfair Dahlia
Fillies' Stakes (G2) over
10 furlongs only 10 days
earlier.
"She ran a great race,"
said Gosden. "They
didn't go any pace, which
probably played against
her as she gets a mile
and a quarter. She hit the
front and the other one
just came back on the
run to the line under a
rousing ride."
Very much roused
was Eve Johnson
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
Houghton. Her family
pet Accidental Agent
sprang a 33-1 shock two
years ago. Last year he
refused to start. This Circus Maximus and Ryan Moore are led into the winner’s enclosure
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 5 OF 34
out of the gate
THE SHOW GOES ON: Runners
pass the winning post June 16
on opening day of the Royal
Ascot meeting, where racing is
conducted behind closed doors
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read additional opening day
coverage from our Racing Post
partners on page 15
ALAN CROWHURST/GETTY IMAGES,
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST,
JULIAN FINNEY/GETTY IMAGES
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 6 OF 34
This Week’s BloodHorse Magazine Cover: Click Here to Subscribe BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 7 OF 34
Central Kentucky’s Most Respected Source of Farm Brokerage
Let’s talk. www.kirkfarms.com │ telephone (+1) 859.576.8195 │ zach@kirkfarms.com
LEADING SIRES
Stallion, YOB (Sire) Rnrs/ BT SW/ Chief Earner
Rank Farm, Stud Fee Wnrs SHs GSW G1W AEI (Earnings) '20 Earnings
Sponsored by
1 New Year's Day, '11, (Street Cry) 69 / 17 1/1 1 0 2.15 Maximum Security $10,620,013
Shadai Stallion Station, JPN, 3,000,000 Yen $10,000,000
2 Midnight Lute, '03, (Real Quiet) 112 / 34 4/6 2 1 1.55 Midnight Bisou $5,101,925
Hill 'n' Dale Farms, KY, $15,000 $3,500,000
3 Tapit, '01, (Pulpit) 179 / 49 5 / 15 5 0 2.24 Tacitus $5,034,030
Gainesway, KY, $200,000 $1,030,000
4 Into Mischief, '05, (Harlan's Holiday) 248 / 72 14 / 30 5 0 1.94 Authentic $4,978,668
Spendthrift Farm, KY, $175,000 $380,000
5 Speightstown, '98, (Gone West) 157 / 62 7 / 11 4 2 1.95 Mozu Superflare $4,819,249
WinStar Farm, KY, $70,000 $690,612
6 Curlin, '04, (Smart Strike) 188 / 65 6 / 17 3 0 2.32 Gladiator King $3,916,039
Hill 'n' Dale Farms, KY, $175,000 $390,000
7 Mucho Macho Man, '08, (Macho Uno) 55 / 20 1/3 1 1 2.06 Mucho Gusto $3,835,671
Adena Springs Kentucky, KY, $10,000 $3,162,000
8 Uncle Mo, '08, (Indian Charlie) 179 / 64 5 / 12 5 0 1.64 Modernist $3,437,432
Ashford Stud, KY, $125,000 $377,400
9 Munnings, '06, (Speightstown) 172 / 51 8 / 11 5 0 1.53 Warrior's Charge $3,202,118
Ashford Stud, KY, $30,000 $420,000
10 I'll Have Another, '09, (Flower Alley) 178 / 74 2/2 0 0 0.94 Another Truth $2,877,776
Ballena Vista Farm, CA, $6,000 $246,289
11 The Factor, '08, (War Front) 205 / 61 5/8 3 0 1.15 Factor This $2,705,166
Lane's End, KY, $17,500 $282,500
12 Candy Ride (ARG), '99, (Ride the Rails) 160 / 51 3 / 10 1 1 2.07 Ollie's Candy $2,617,114
Lane's End, KY, $100,000 $204,000
13 Goldencents, '10, (Into Mischief) 134 / 48 3/4 2 0 1.40 By My Standards $2,614,017
Spendthrift Farm, KY, $25,000 $628,200
14 Blame, '06, (Arch) 104 / 30 2/8 1 1 1.58 Nadal $2,471,074
Claiborne Farm, KY, $35,000 $1,053,000
15 Street Sense, '04, (Street Cry) 180 / 55 2/7 2 0 1.53 Savvy $2,434,114
Darley, KY, $75,000 $138,360
Listed above are the top 15 leading sires by 2020 Northern Hemisphere earnings through June 15, 2020. Only stallions that stand, will stand, or
stood in North America (excluding stallions that died or were exported prior to the 2016 breeding season), and have runners in North
America are included. Racing statistics are 2020 Northern Hemisphere only.
ANNE M. EBERHARDT
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 8 OF 34
APPEALS COURT HEARS
ARGUMENTS ON 2019 KENTUCKY
DERBY DQ
By Frank Angst
t @BH_FAngst
B ased on questions from judges on a federal
appeals court June 16, a key point in determin-
ing if a lower federal court should consider own-
ers Gary and Mary West's lawsuit contesting the
SKIP DICKSTEIN/TIM LANAHAN
disqualification of their Maximum Security from
an apparent victory in the 2019 Kentucky Derby
Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) is if stewards'
decisions amount to de facto regulatory hearings. Maximum Security (inside) reaches the wire first in the 2019
The legal fight involving last year's Derby picked Kentucky Derby, ahead of Country House (outside)
up in earnest Tuesday when Ronald Riccio, attorney
for Maximum Security's owners, argued that a federal Each side was given 15 minutes to make oral
judge should not have dismissed their case contending arguments Tuesday, by teleconference, before the
the Wests' constitutional property rights were violated United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in
when their horse was disqualified from last year's Cincinnati. The case was conducted remotely because
Derby after reaching the wire first. Jennifer Wolsing, of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
general counsel for the Kentucky Horse Racing Wolsing argued that the stewards are the experts put
Commission, argued that the dismissal of the case was in place to make such judgment calls. Although when
proper, backing state regulations that do not allow for Wolsing said, "Just as it would be ludicrous to litigate
appeals of stewards' judgment calls in the running of an umpire's decision at a high school baseball game, it's
races. also inappropriate to ignore Kentucky regulations and
allow the Wests to challenge the stewards' unappealable
disqualification determination," it triggered a
question from Judge John Bush.
Judge Bush noted, "This is a little different
from an umpire at a Little League game. You have
a situation where you have a regulated sport where
gambling is sanctioned by the government as part
of the sport," Bush said. "And there's an elaborate
procedure by regulation as to how the stewards are
to function. Also there was a lot more formality in
this decision; it's not the normal umpire or referee
call at a game where they take a look at a replay
camera and make a call.
"They (the stewards) actually issued an order
on what their decision was after interviewing
witnesses. Doesn't this look more like an agency
determination that would be subject to a statute …
that all final orders of an agency should be subject
to judicial review?"
ANNE M. EBERHARDT
Gary and Mary West in the winner’s circle as the Kentucky Derby
disqualification is announced at Churchill Downs (continued on page 10)
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 9 OF 34
RACE
APPEALS COURT HEARS
ARGUMENTS ON 2019 KENTUCKY
DERBY DQ
(continued from page 9)
Wolsing offered that the stewards' decision is not
the same as an agency decision, or "final order," that
would be subject to appeal.
"First, the stewards are not the agency's head of
in Ontario
“This exciting new purse structure
the racing commission," Wolsing said. "And second, represents the highest
their decision-making process was not sufficiently maiden purses in North America.
What an incredible opportunity
formal as to constitute a hearing."
for owners to
Riccio argued that the stewards' actions buy and race in Ontario!”
amounted to such a hearing as they heard objections — David H. Anderson, Owner/Breeder
from race participants, took testimony from those
riders, deliberated, issued an oral opinion, and MAIDEN
then a written opinion. He argued that Kentucky
law allows appeals of judicial review of agency
Allowance Races
determinations and the stewards' order falls into the
category of an agency determination. Furthermore,
he argued that the stewards were state actors who PURSE
$
123,200
denied property interests of the Wests under the (Includes $30,100 for Eligible Ontario Breds)
U.S. Constitution. (Includes $23,100 for Ontario Sired Horses)
Wolsing countered that because a purse is not • FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES
THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD
awarded until a race is made official, there is no
• FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD
property interest. Wolsing said as part of licensure, AND UPWARD
Thoroughbred owners agree to compete in racing
under Kentucky rules which give racing stewards PURSE
$
126,800
discretion on interference calls—if it occurred and (Includes up to $31,000 for Eligible
if it should result in disqualification—during the Ontario Breds) (Includes $23,800 for
running of a race. Ontario Sired Horses)
"Participation in horse racing is a privilege," • FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES TWO
YEARS OLD
Wolsing said. "This means, among other things,
• FOR MAIDENS, TWO YEARS OLD
that people can participate if, and only if, they agree
to the rules of racing. It also means that there is
no due-process interest in any racing event in the
commonwealth. Importantly, the same rules apply
Peter Brosch Photo
to every Kentucky race, whether it's a Friday night
claiming race or the Kentucky Derby."
The court's Tuesday schedule only called for oral
arguments; no decision was expected or issued.
The appeal is of a Nov. 15 decision of United States
District Judge Karen Caldwell to dismiss the Wests'
ontarioracing.com
(continued on page 11)
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 10 OF 34APPEALS COURT HEARS the dismissal. Wolsing noted that the standard is in
ARGUMENTS ON 2019 KENTUCKY place in 16 of 34 U.S. racing jurisdictions.
"The Wests have not established that the
DERBY DQ
defendants' conduct deprived them of a protected
(continued from page 10)
life, liberty, or property interest," Caldwell ruled.
"Accordingly, their procedural due process claim
case after she ruled that Kentucky regulations clearly based upon how the stewards arrived at the decision to
state that disqualification decisions are not subject to disqualify Maximum Security must be dismissed."
judicial review, and, furthermore, the disqualification Three days after the federal judge dismissed
procedure does not implicate an interest protected his case, Gary West announced his commitment to
under the due process clause of the Constitution. challenge that decision.
The Wests filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court "The Court's decision holding that disqualification
May 14, 2019 after Maximum Security finished first decisions by Kentucky's stewards are never 'subject to
in the May 4 Derby at Churchill Downs but was judicial, or any kind of review' literally puts Kentucky's
disqualified to 17th for interference near the five- stewards above the law," West said in a statement Nov.
sixteenths pole. Country House, who reached the wire 18, later adding, "I cannot, and will not, allow such a
second, was named the winner. A request in the days dangerous precedent to stand unchallenged. I have,
after the race to appeal the stewards' decision to the therefore, authorized my attorneys to immediately
KHRC was denied. appeal."
The lawsuit filed in federal court named the KHRC, In a March 6 filing with the appeals court, attorneys
commission staff, and the stewards as defendants and for the Wests argued that the appeals court should
referred to the disqualification of Maximum Security send the case back to district court to be heard.
as a "bizarre and unconstitutional process." But the "Plaintiffs respectfully submit that the district court's
Kentucky rule is in line with horse racing's model judgment granting defendants' motion to dismiss,
rules, which do not allow for appeals of stewards' denying as moot plaintiffs' motion for summary
judgment calls on interference. judgment, and dismissing this action should be reversed
Judge Caldwell's decision to dismiss the Wests' and the case remanded with instructions to the district
litigation backed the industry's current standard, which court to terminate the stay and address the merits of
potentially could face more scrutiny should the appeals plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment consistent
court send the Wests' case back to district court to be with the opinion of this court," they argued. BH
heard; or strengthened should the appeals court back s Share this story
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BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 11 OF 34MODERNIST TO BE ENTERED IN his five career starts with two thirds and earnings of
BELMONT STAKES $388,800.
By Bob Ehalt Modernist made his career debut at Belmont Park last
year at 2, finishing fifth in a Sept. 28 six-furlong maiden
t @BobEhalt
special weight test. It was his lone start at the Elmont
T rainer Bill Mott says Pam and Martin Wygod's
Modernist will be entered June 17 at the post
position draw for the $1 million Belmont Stakes (G1),
N.Y., track and last race at a distance less than a mile.
Aside from Modernist, the expected starters are
probable morning-line favorite Tiz the Law, Sole
bringing the field up to nine candidates, barring any Volante, Tap It to Win, Dr Post, Farmington Road, Max
last-minute defections or additions. Player, Pneumatic, and Jungle Runner.
"We will enter tomorrow," Mott said June 16. "As With a field of nine, it would be the smallest field for
long as the horse is good and acts well, we intend to a Belmont Stakes since 2015 when American Pharoah
run. That always goes without saying. As long as he's beat seven rivals to complete his Triple Crown sweep.
good on race day." The post position draw for the 152nd Belmont
Mott said Modernist was doing well Tuesday, two Stakes is scheduled for noon Wednesday. It can be seen
days after a bullet :59 1/5 five-furlong work June 14 at via a live stream on the New York Racing Association's
Belmont Park. YouTube channel.
"He absolutely looked good today," said Mott, who Jungle Runner Breezes for Belmont
heads into this week's racing action with 4,999 North Calumet Farm's Jungle Runner posted a half-mile
American wins. "That helped make our decision." breeze in :50.50 Tuesday on the Belmont Park dirt
Modernist, a son of Uncle Mo, is coming off a third- training track in preparation for the Belmont Stakes.
place finish in the March 21 Twinspires.com Louisiana The work was the third local breeze for Steve
Derby (G2), a race run at 1 3/16 miles, which, in an Asmussen trainee.
unusual twist due to revamped stakes schedules, is a "It was a nice easy half in :50 and change," said
sixteenth-of-a-mile longer than the 1 1/8-mile Belmont assistant trainer Toby Sheets. "He galloped out in a
Stakes. minute. Not a big gallop out but we're very happy with
In his prior start, Modernist used his keen early it. He's doing well."
speed to capture the second division of the Risen Star Jungle Runner captured the seven-furlong Clever
Stakes Presented by Lamarque Ford (G2). Trevor at Remington Park in November. The Candy
Bred by the Wygod Family out of the Bernardini Ride colt was eighth last out out in the first division of
mare Symbolic Gesture, Modernist has won two of the May 2 Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park.
"He's had some decent works on
the main track and then just a nice,
easy blowout here this morning" said
Sheets. "He's done everything the
way we wanted. It's a big step up, but
we'll give it a try."
Asmussen will also have Winchell
Thoroughbreds' Pneumatic in the
Belmont. The Uncle Mo colt breezed a
:51 3/5 half-mile Monday at Churchill
HODGES PHOTOGRAPHY / LOU HODGES, JR.
Downs and comes off a third in the
May 23 Matt Winn Stakes (G3) after
winning his first two starts.
"He has good form and I think
he has a good shot in there," Sheets
Modernist wins the second division of the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course
said. BH s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 12 OF 34KENTUCKY RACING COMMISSION step forward for Kentucky racing. I'm proud of the end
APPROVES NEW CROP USE RULES result and looking forward to seeing how it works."
By Ron Mitchell "I would just like to thank The Jockeys' Guild for
listening and accepting what we were trying to do," said
t @BH_RMitchell
Safety and Welfare Committee chair Charlie O'Conner.
T he Kentucky Horse Racing Commission June 16
gave unanimous approval to new rules regulating
the use of riding crops by jockeys, with riders allowed
"In the end we're all trying to conduct horse racing in a
safe, mannerly way."
Also during Tuesday's meeting, Dr. Bruce Howard,
to use the crop six times during a race after the first the KHRC's equine medical director, reported on the
furlong, and only twice in succession before allowing a Churchill Downs meet in which 2-year-old races are
horse the chance to respond. being run that do not allow the administration of the
Under the rules, jockeys would also be able to use anti-bleeder medication Lasix within 24 hours of post
the whip "to avoid a dangerous situation that may time.
harm another rider or horse, left up to the discretion of "We have run 11 2-year-old races at Churchill to
stewards." date, with 107 starters for an average 9.7 horses per
The new rules were approved and sent to the full race," he said. "We have seen no instances of epistaxis
commission by its Safety and Welfare Committee (bleeding from the nose), all of whom are competing
and Rules Committee after a nearly two-hour June 15 without Lasix this year."
meeting. The Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and
OSER: KHRC Committees Approve Proposed Protective Association had filed a suit against
Crop Use Amendments Churchill, Keeneland, and the KHRC over the tracks'
"It was a long meeting, but I feel like there was some race conditions that precluded race-day Lasix in
decent give and take there, which is what it requires 2-year-olds. A circuit court judge recently dismissed
to get an agreement," Rules Committee chair Mark the suit, upholding the position of the tracks and KHRC
Simendenger said of the previous day's committees that the horsemen's organization lacked standing to
meeting that included input from The Jockeys' Guild. bring the suit. The Kentucky HBPA has since appealed
"We were closer to the middle than when we started. the dismissal.
And that takes cooperation on both sides. I think it's a Also during the meeting conducted via
teleconference due to COVID-19
restrictions, the first meeting presided
over by new commissioner and
chairman Jonathan Rabinowitz,
Churchill Downs was approved for an
additional day of racing for its current
meet, June 28, after Ellis Park decided
to forgo the date it was originally
granted. Ellis Park will now begin its
meet July 2 and will race an additional
day during its opening week.
In other action, the commission
approved changes to its fiduciary
responsibility regulations that allow
the commission to use any judgment
"related to the business of horse racing"
ANNE M. EBERHARDT
as a basis for denying an individual a
license. BH
s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 13 OF 34RODRIGUEZ WANTS TO JOIN MGG
SUIT AGAINST ZAYAT STABLES
By Eric Mitchell
t @BH_EMitchell
T rainer Rudy Rodriguez hopes by joining a lawsuit
filed by a New York investment firm against Zayat
Stables, he'll get the remainder of money owed him by
the racing stable.
COGLIANESE PHOTOS/SUSIE RAISHER
According to court documents, Rodriguez has a
judgment against Zayat Stables for almost $400,000
in unpaid training bills that was reduced by $200,000
because he sold a couple of horses Zayat Stables had
in training with him. The trainer filed a motion June
Ahmed Zayat
11 with Fayette (Ky.) Circuit Court Judge Kimberly
Bunnell to consolidate his legal action with MGG
Investment Group's suit. Court in this case," MGG's response stated.
MGG's attorneys, however, are arguing against a In other action taken related to the MGG-Zayat
consolidation, which will be considered at a June 19 Stables lawsuit, Bunnell dismissed the last of MGG's
hearing. attempts to repossess horses and breeding rights sold
"There are no outstanding questions of law or fact by Zayat Stables since September 2017. MGG pursued
for the Court to develop, and Rodriguez Racing is only nine breeding rights to American Pharoah, the stallions
attempting to consolidate the cases as a collection El Kabeir and Solomini, the broodmare American
strategy, with the more pointed goal of attempting Cleopatra (a full sister to American Pharoah), and the
to cut in front of MGG as to claims to Zayat Stables' racemares Lemoona and Amandrea on the grounds
assets," stated MGG's June 15 response to Rodriguez' that these assets were all used as collateral for Zayat
motion. Stables' loans and were inappropriately sold.
Bunnell ruled June 10 that Zayat Stables had One by one, Bunnell has dismissed all of MGG's
breached the agreement and was liable for more than claims on breeding rights and horses. She most
$24.5 million due to MGG from defaults on loans. recently dismissed the claims on the breeding rights
The investment firm cannot take action to collect and purchased by LNJ Foxwoods and Orpendale because
the summary judgment is not enforceable, however, these transactions were protected by a provision of the
because it is not a final ruling in this case and cannot U.S. Food Security Act.
be appealed. The federal law states: "…a buyer who in the
Still, MGG argues that there is no action Rodriguez ordinary course of business buys a farm product from a
Racing Stable as an unsecured creditor can take to seller engaged in farming operations shall take free of a
move ahead of MGG in the line of people waiting to get security interest created by the seller, even though the
paid by Zayat Stables. Also, MGG said the court should security interest is perfected; and the buyer knows of
exercise "discretion to prohibit consolidation" because the existence of such interest."
it would invite other creditors to pursue the same Under the Food Security Act, Kentucky is
strategy. considered a "direct notice" state, which means
"Zayat Stables undoubtedly owes a lot of money MGG was required to meet specific "direct notice"
to a lot of people. Allowing Rodriguez Racing into requirements in order for LNJ Foxwoods or Orpendale
the case will only open up Pandora's box and cause to be subject to its security interest in the mare.
all of Zayat Stables' other creditors to come out of Bunnell has noted in several rulings that MGG did not
the woodwork to join the case, regardless of the comply with those requirements. BH
irrelevance of their claims to the matters before the s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 14 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
THIRD TIME LUCKY: BATTAASH
LANDS ELUSIVE KING'S STAND
By David Carr/Racing Post
S ome things are worth waiting for—not that there is
much waiting where the blink-and-you'll-miss-him
sprinter Battaash is concerned.
ALAN CROWHURST/GETTY IMAGES
The brilliantly quick five-furlong specialist has put
in a series of outstanding performances in recent years,
notably when bolting up by four lengths in the Prix de
l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines (G1) at Chantilly in
2017 and when taking the Coolmore Nunthorpe (G1) at Battaash wins the King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot
York in record time last summer.
But he had let down his many fans among racegoers
at Royal Ascot, in the years when they were allowed, home a smooth 2 1/4-length winner from stablemate
with defeats on all three previous visits to the meeting. Equilateral, who pipped Liberty Beach for second
He reared in the stalls and never figured in the place.
Windsor Castle Stakes as a 2-year-old, after which the "I had to hold him for two furlongs, he was on a
decision was taken to geld the former tearaway, and in going day and he was wanting to charge off, so my only
the last two seasons he had found Blue Point too good concern was to try to get the fractions right on him. He
in the King's Stand Stakes (G1). was quite keen," Crowley said.
With that rival now retired, the best sprinter that "There was nothing quick enough to lead him and
Hamdan Al Maktoum has owned since Dayjur was sent I was trying to save enough up our sleeve for the
off 5-6 favorite to take full advantage June 16 at Royal finish, which worked out.
Ascot, and he did so in a style that would have made "I was a little bit worried the stiff
on-course bookmakers thankful they were not allowed uphill finish might find him out but he's
to be at the track and taking bets. a real superstar. He's done the three
Always full of running under Jim Crowley, whose now, with the Abbaye and Nunthorpe,
hardest job was to get him settled enough to see and hopefully we're not finished yet.
out the trip on the rain-softened ground, he came
(continued on page 16)
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 15 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
THIRD TIME LUCKY: BATTAASH "He's six years old and he's been with the family for
LANDS ELUSIVE KING’S STAND a long time. You do get very close to them and it does
make you slightly well up when he does a performance
(continued from page 15)
like that," he said.
"It's wonderful to have a horse like him around, the
He's one of the best sprinters in recent years, he's got so horse of a lifetime really. And first and second in a race
much natural talent. He can throw the odd one in now like this is fantastic. But it's very sad Sheikh Hamdan
and again but when he's good he's very, very good." wasn't able to come and watch him because I know he's
Charlie Hills was scoring his first success in a enormously proud of this horse."
race his father Barry won with Equiano in 2010 and Racing behind closed doors was reckoned to be a
taking his second group 1 sprint at the meeting after potential advantage to Battaash, given his past history
victory with Sheikh Hamdan's Muhaarar in the 2015 of getting worked up before races.
Commonwealth Cup (G1). But Hills said: "I think we're all reading too much
"I'm relieved but so proud he's done that today after into that now. It was a problem but now he's a man of a
being second in it twice," the trainer said. "As soon horse and he can deal with most things.
as the gates opened today he was on his A-game, you "This race will do him the world of good and
could see, and he was going to be hard to beat. I'm really looking forward to Goodwood and trying
"You'd always prefer to have a fast lead horse, like to win the King George Stakes (G2) for the fourth
El Astronaute or Ornate who we've been able to get time."
leads off in the past, but without them there today we For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock
had to do it ourselves." news, visit RacingPost.com. BH
Hills admitted that landing this elusive success
meant a lot. s Share this story
ALAN CROWHURST/GETTY IMAGES, EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
(L-R): Third time proves the charm for Battaash in the King’s Stand Stakes; Charlie Hills celebrates Battaash’s win
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 16 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
FRANKLY DARLING 50TH ROYAL
ASCOT WINNER FOR GOSDEN
By James Thomas and David Milnes/Racing Post
J ohn Gosden registered his 50th Royal Ascot win-
ner in fitting fashion as Frankly Darling delivered
a rousing performance June 16 in the Ribblesdale
Stakes (G2) to put herself firmly in the Investec Oaks
(G1) picture.
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
Even with no crowds in attendance, rider Frankie
Dettori could not help himself from conducting
a flying dismount after a dominant display at the
expense of Aidan O'Brien pair Ennistymon and
Passion. (L-R): Thady Gosden and John Gosden in the stands at Royal Ascot
Frankly Darling was immediately cut to 3-1 (from 8)
by Paddy Power for the Oaks after her victory in a race favorite was in the best position to strike for home
that is normally a consolation that follows the Epsom from this point and was not for catching.
Classic. Gosden indicated afterwards that the winner would
Representing the same trainer, jockey, and owner head to the Oaks, a race the Newmarket trainer has
combination as last year's winner Star Catcher, previously won three times, including last year with
Anthony Oppenheimer's filly wore a red hood to post Anapurna.
and was keen enough without it in the early stages of He said: "Frankly Darling showed an awful lot of
the race, until Dettori dropped anchor in behind front- class today and if I have an Oaks filly it's her. She's a bit
runner Golden Lips. wild and has a lot of Frankel about her in that it's her
Content to get a nice tow until the bend, the 11-8 business when she wants to run and not the jockey's,
but she did it well."
Having only her third career start
and second on turf, Frankly Darling
was supplementing her first career
win which came at Newcastle just two
weeks ago.
The trainer added: "Luckily she got
in on the first day at Newcastle as they
split the race and that allowed us to then
come here. Ordinarily we would have
run her at Newbury in April and then
a trial in May but we had to do things
differently this year as you can imagine.
"That's 50 not out at Royal Ascot
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
for ourselves which is remarkable as
it's hard to win even one race at this
meeting."
Frankly Darling wins the Ribblesdale Stakes
(continued on page 18)
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 17 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
FRANKLY DARLING 50TH ROYAL including Our Obsession, a listed stakes-winning
ASCOT WINNER FOR GOSDEN daughter of Shamardal and the dam of Frankel's group
3-placed daughter Frankellina, and classy middle-
(continued from page 17)
distance performer First In Line, who is by New
Approach.
Frankie Dettori said: "This filly has got some lungs. Moreover, Hidden Hope is a half sister to Rebecca
We were burning plenty of petrol in the first half of the Sharp, winner of the 1997 Coronation Stakes (G1), and
race as she was overracing a bit but I managed to slow to Fleche d'Or, the dam of Oppenheimer's outstanding
her down turning for home and she had every chance Investec Derby (G1) and Qatar Prix de l'Arc de
of stopping if she wanted to but she kept finding. Triomphe (G1) winner Golden Horn.
"She galloped out really well and I would imagine These celebrities descend from Lora, who was
all roads lead to Epsom for the Oaks after that. She's purchased by Hascombe and Valiant Studs as a
learned a bit today as it was only her third start and I'm yearling for 28,000 guineas in 1973 and has
very excited." since gone on to found her own dynasty
Ennistymon, who was the outsider of O'Brien for Oppenhemier's breeding
runners, finished a 1 3/4 lengths behind Frankly empire.
Darling in second. (continued on page 19)
James Doyle said of the runner-up: "Ennistymon
has run well. It was hard to come from where we did
off a slow pace. It was hard to make ground but it was a
good effort."
A New Star for Oppenheimer's Lora Clan
Frankly Darling certainly possesses the
bloodlines of a potential Epsom classic
winner. She is the eighth foal out
of Hidden Hope, a daughter of
Daylami who won the 2004
Letheby & Christopher Cheshire
Oaks and finished second
in the Bet365 Lancashire
Oaks (G2) during her
own racing career.
Hidden Hope
has gone on to
produce six
winners,
EDWARD WHITAKER/ RACING POST
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 18 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
FRANKLY DARLING 50TH ROYAL The Frankel-Daylami cross has been represented
ASCOT WINNER FOR GOSDEN by just six runners in Britain and Ireland but has
produced five winners, with Frankly Darling far from
(continued from page 18)
the only high-class talent among the quintet.
Also bred along those lines are William Hill St.
As well as being the ancestress of the Leger hero Logician, who is out of Scuffle, and recent
aforementioned talents, she is also the dam of 1982 Two Thousand Guineas (G1) fifth Juan Elcano.
One Thousand Guineas (G1) and Sussex Stakes (G1) The nick could yield yet another winner at this
winner On the House, while the champion Cracksman year's Royal Ascot, as Juan Elcano is second choice
also descends from her. for the Hampton Court Stakes (G3) on Wednesday,
Frankly Darling is one of 89 stakes performers while Juddmonte homebred Collide, an older brother
by Juddmonte's Banstead Manor Stud resident, who to Logician, is second choice for the Copper Horse
covered his eighth book of mares in 2020 at a fee of Handicap later on Day 2.
£175,000. The unbeaten son of Galileo is the sire of 41 For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock
group winners, including 10 who struck at the top level, news, visit RacingPost.com. BH
and 12 listed scorers. s Share this story
Each year, our grants help thousands of
Thoroughbreds and backstretch workers. In
this unprecedented year, we’ve received a
record number of requests for funding. Your
donation makes a difference.
© New York Race Track Chaplaincy
One.
Helping Many.
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BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 19 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
PYLEDRIVER UPSETS KING believes he may never have a better chance of landing the
EDWARD VII STAKES AT 18-1 iconic race.
By Martin Stevens, Brian Sheerin and Jonathan "I read in the paper that he was slightly inconsistent
Harding/Racing Post but he was just weak as a kitten last year," the trainer said.
"I came here today thinking I could have two winners. I
U nwanted as a foal and friendless in the market June
16 for the King Edward VII Stakes (G2) at Royal
Ascot, Pyledriver proved everybody who has ever doubted
was quite confident that this horse would run a massive
race as he had really come to himself over the past three
or four days."
him wrong by delivering on the big stage for William Muir Muir added: "To be fair, one of the owners said to me
and Martin Dwyer. if I wasn't happy with him the day before the race, I didn't
Sent to post a largely unconsidered 18-1 chance, have to run him but, three or four days before the race, he
Pyledriver delivered a knockout blow to some of the started to spark and he was bouncing.
powerhouse stables by running out a gritty winner of the "I wondered if we'd have had enough time as it was
group 2. just under two weeks ago (since he ran at Kempton) but
The son of Harbour Watch kept on well to score by two he can only keep getting better."
lengths from Arthur's Kingdom, a Camelot three-parts On the colt's Derby prospects, Muir said: "I drove the
brother to three-time Pattison Canadian International box to Kempton and on the way home, one of his owners
(G1T) winner Joshua Tree, with Mohican Heights, an rang me asking can we go to Royal Ascot and then on to
Australia half brother to classy performers Eye of The the Derby. I said that's far too much and that we can't
Storm and Satchem, in third. expect the horse to do that. And, now of course we can!"
Mogul, the sale sensation who sold to Coolmore for He added: "I will monitor the horse but this is
3,400,000 guineas (US$4,674,201) as a yearling at probably the only year that we would have a chance as it's
Tattersalls October Book 1, was sent off odds-on but the the same entry stage for everything else. We have three
Galileo colt could finish only fourth in his bid to become weeks and if he does well we can go there."
the third Royal Ascot winner for his dam Shastye after The unlikely Derby contender could easily be racing
Japan and Sir Isaac Newton. in a different set of silks. Although Pyledriver attracted
The performance earned Pyledriver quotes of 14-1 for
the Investec Derby (G1) in three weeks' time, and Muir (continued on page 21)
EDWARD WHITAKER/ RACING POST
(L-R): Pyledriver wins the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot; William Muir (left) poses with Pyledriver after his upset score
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 20 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
PYLEDRIVER UPSETS KING
EDWARD VII STAKES AT 18-1
(continued from page 20)
little interest at the sales and was bought back for just
ALAN CROWHURST/GETTY IMAGES
10,000 guineas by his breeders, they have since received
skyscraper offers for the colt after his victory in the
Ascendant Stakes last year and a runner-up effort in the
Classic Trial (G3) at Kempton this month.
Pyledriver was bred by his owners Roger Devlin and Nazeef wins the Duke of Cambridge Stakes over Agincourt
brothers Guy and Hugh Leach out of La Pyle, a daughter
of Le Havre bought from France after winning a handicap said if one of them owned him they'd have to say yes but
and claimer in her native country. She was only sent to as it's three of them they decided they'd enjoy the journey.
stud after showing nothing in four starts over jumps for Thank God they did because I am too. They also took La
Philip Hobbs. Pyle to New Approach, Oasis Dream, and Frankel. She's
The late Kevin Mercer of Usk Valley Stud took on the in foal to Kingman too so I'll have to keep training for a
mare and she was sent to unbeaten Tanqueray Richmond few more years."
Stakes (G2) winner Harbour Watch in his fourth season Nazeef Keeps Streak Alive
at Tweenhills, in the spring before his debut 2-year-olds Nazeef recorded her fifth victory in a row in the Duke
were set to race. Unfortunately, Harbour Watch turned of Cambridge Stakes (G2) for John Gosden and in-form
out to be a disappointing sire and was out in the cold by jockey Jim Crowley.
the time Pyledriver, the result of the mating with La Pyle, The 4-year-old held on gamely from 28-1 shot
came up for sale as a foal at Tattersalls in 2017. Agincourt and was given the verdict after a photo-finish,
For all the light-hearted talk of Pyledriver being a with Queen Power in third.
social upstart on breeding, however, there are some Victory gave Crowley a day one treble, following a
seriously good elements in his pedigree. dazzling King's Stand Stakes (G1) win aboard Battaash
La Pyle was no slouch, with a peak Racing Post Rating and success in the Buckingham Palace Handicap on
of 84 on the flat, and her sire Le Havre is one of the Motakhayyel, all for owner Hamdan Al Maktoum.
leading lights of the French stallion ranks, his 34 stakes "It's testament to the owner," said Gosden. "He has
winners headed by the dual classic heroines Avenir many horses in training and a treble on the first day is a
Certain and La Cressonniere. great achievement.
La Pyle is also a sister to Park Express Stakes winner "Nazeef is very genuine and did nothing but improve
Normandel and a half sister to Juddmonte Grand Prix de last year. She deserves a little rest after winning the
Paris (G1) victor Mont Ormel, the siblings being out of Snowdrop Fillies' Stakes at Kempton earlier this month
Lidana, a winning King's Best half sister to dual group 1 and then coming here. We won't rush her back but you'd
hero Linngari. love to see her have a go at a group 1."
There is plenty of stamina in the female family, which The Invincible Spirit filly was introduced at 14-1 for the
helps explain how Harbour Watch—a son of top sprinter Sussex Stakes (G1), but Gosden suggested the Falmouth
Acclamation who showed plenty of dash in his three Stakes (G1) was a possibility.
victories over six furlongs at 2—has come up with a Derby For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock
prospect in Pyledriver. news, visit RacingPost.com. BH
"There are three owners involved," Muir added. "They s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 21 OF 34BUCKING WORLDWIDE TRENDS, that purse to HK$24 million (almost US$3.1 million).
HKJC ANNOUNCES PURSE HIKES Increases will extend throughout the racing
By Bob Kieckhefer program, all the way down to Class 5 events for which
purses jump from HK$725,000 to HK$750,000.
B ucking worldwide trends to lowered purses and de-
spite a season beset by social unrest and COVID-19
pandemic restrictions, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will
"Despite the issues associated with the COVID-19
pandemic and the uncertainty in world economies, we
will continue our successful strategy of recent years to
offer substantial purse increases for its 2020-21 sea- increase purse levels as necessary in order to reward
son. and encourage our owners and to ensure Hong Kong's
The HKJC June 16 announced record prize money elite races are attractive to overseas competitors," said
of HK$1.4 billion (about US$180.6 million) for next Andrew Harding, HKJC executive director of racing.
season, with the Longines Hong Kong Sprint (G1) and "This approach has been a core element in Hong
the BMW Hong Kong Derby the biggest beneficiaries. Kong being able to maintain its position as a world
The 1,200-meter (about six-furlong) Sprint will leader in providing quality horse racing and has
regain its position as the world's richest group 1 turf enabled us to achieve between 20 and 26 horses in the
sprint with a HK$2 million boost to HK$22 million, World's Best Racehorse Rankings for each of the past
the Club said. seven years," Harding said.
HK$2 million equates to about US$258,000; Unsurprisingly, the announcement was welcomed
HK$22 million, to about US$2.84 million. by owners.
Five other group 1 races—the Centenary Sprint Cup "At a time when prize money levels are being cut
(1,200 meters), Stewards' Cup (1,600 meters, about worldwide, the prize money increases announced
one mile), Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400 meters, today by the Hong Kong Jockey Club are very welcome
about seven furlongs), Hong Kong Gold Cup (2,000 news and a testament to the strength, resilience, and
meters, about 1 1/4 miles), and Champions & Chater buoyancy of Hong Kong racing, even in these very
Cup (2,400 meters, about 1 1/2 miles)—will receive difficult times," said Hong Kong Racehorse Owners
HK$2 million increases, taking their value to HK$12 Association president Chew Fook Aun.
million or about US$1.55 million. During the first half of the current season, Hong
The HKJC calculated it will leapfrog its Derby into Kong racing was impacted negatively by occasionally
second place among the world's Derbys behind only the violent street demonstrations. Those actions forced
Tokyo Yushun (G1) with a HK$4 million hike boosting cancellation of two race programs at the in-town
Happy Valley Racecourse,
required the closure of most
off-track betting shops, and
severely held down attendance
at the Longines Hong Kong
International Races in
December.
As that problem eased, the
coronavirus pandemic set in and
the HKJC has been conducting
racing without fans since early in
the year. Travel restrictions also
have prevented foreign horses
from competing in the major
HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB
group 1 events during the second
half of the 2019-20 season. BH
Runners duke it out at Sha Tin Racecourse
s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 22 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
ADDEYBB BIDS TO EXTEND
STREAK IN PRINCE
OF WALES'S
By Andrew Dietz/Racing Post
T hey beat the lockdown and con-
quered Australia. Now Tom
Marquand reunites with Addeybb to try
to break new ground on home soil.
Should the pair manage to replicate
their two group 1 Sydney successes in the
spring in the June 17 Prince of Wales's
Stakes (G1), it would send a jockey
MATHEA KELLEY
already on an upward trajectory into
orbit.
Addeybb wins the Wolferton Stakes during the 2019 Royal Ascot meeting
It would also award Addeybb a berth
into the Nov. 7 Longines Breeders' Cup Turf
(G1T) at Keeneland as the Prince of Wales's is part of Not everything quite went to plan in Australia
the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series. for Marquand as he was fined for breaking social
"Addeybb is always going to have a special place distancing rules after embracing Addeybb's groom
in my heart and it would be incredible if it came off," Safid Alam following the win in the Longines Queen
Marquand said. "Everyone needs that one horse to Elizabeth Stakes (G1).
raise you to the next level and he's definitely been the "It was one of those things and it's amazing what
horse to do that." emotion can do and make you forget," he added.
As well as gaining a first domestic group 1, the 2015 "Hopefully at Ascot we'll be in the position where I
champion apprentice is hoping to break his Royal want to hug someone."
Ascot duck. Addeybb, on the other hand, has a royal Japan has been away since fourth in the Qatar Prix
meeting victory to his name after an impressive win in de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1). He won consecutive group
last year's Wolferton Stakes on his favored soft ground. 1s last season in the Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris
"I'm looking forward to getting back on him and (G1) and Juddmonte International Stakes (G1).
praying the forecast rain arrives," the jockey said. "We're happy with him. Ideally we'd have liked to
"Japan is an exceptional horse and it's by no means an have given him a run before this but he seems to be in
easy task as with any Royal Ascot group 1, but he goes good form," said Aidan O'Brien. "Things were a little
into the race off two group 1 wins and is the horse to bit tight with him at the beginning of last season and
have the most recent runs. He's traveled back great and we only just got him to the Derby (G1) on time, but
everything points to a big effort." we've been very happy with him during the winter and
"He needs soft ground, so I'd like more rain for him," right through the spring this year. So far everything has
said trainer William Haggas. "His best ground is when gone very well with him."
there's an inspection and it passes. He'll run providing For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock
it's not fast ground, which is looking unlikely, but his news, visit RacingPost.com. BH
chance will be increased the more it rains. He did great
in Australia and is a fantastic horse." s Share this story
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 23 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
JAPAN'S NEW OWNER HAS ARC It is Japan's first aim of the year. The ultimate
HOPES AS STAR SEEKS TO SHINE objective is to realize those twin dreams on October's
By Lee Mottershead/Racing Post first Sunday.
Matsushima was at ParisLongchamp when Japan
M asaaki Matsushima has a dream, as does Yutaka
Take. It is the same dream.
Take yearns to win the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
followed up his course-and-distance Juddmonte
Grand Prix de Paris (G1) success by finishing fourth to
Waldgeist in last year's edition of the Arc.
(G1). Matsushima yearns to make his friend's dream "Japan is one of the best horses in the world—and I
come true. All this being so, it is safe to say both men really liked him in the Arc," he said in February.
will be following the highlight of June 17, Royal Ascot's Like Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier, and Michael
second day, with the keenest interest. Tabor, his partners in the Ballydoyle star, Matsushima
It was announced in February that Japanese will not be at Ascot. He will presumably want to be at
businessman Matsushima had bought a half-share Longchamp. He will presumably want the 51-year-old
in Japan, the Aidan O'Brien-trained son of Galileo Take to be there as well.
who became a Royal Ascot winner last season when First, however, Japan must show he retains
storming to victory in the King Edward VII Stakes his ability. Bookmakers seem confident he will do
(G2). He returns as hot favorite for the royal meeting's exactly that in a Royal Ascot feature whose betting
most prestigious prize, the Prince of Wales's Stakes
(G1). (continued on page 25)
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
Japan’s King Edward VII victory came before much different stands than those in 2020 at Royal Ascot
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 24 OF 34PRESENTED BY RACING POST
JAPAN’S NEW OWNER HAS ARC Gosden, also going into battle with Cambridgeshire
HOPES AS STAR SEEKS TO SHINE victor Lord North. Among Dettori's mounts, it is not,
however, Mehdaayih who will receive the biggest
(continued from page 24)
cheers (from afar), nor even Lord Tennyson, a potential
market leader in the Royal Hunt Cup.
he dominates, not surprisingly given he defeated the That is because Dettori dons the silks of Queen
2019 Prince of Wales's winner Crystal Ocean in York's Elizabeth II in the Hampton Court Stakes when riding
Juddmonte International Stakes (G1). That shines out First Receiver, a wide-margin winner at Kempton two
as the strapping colt's personal best effort, one that weeks ago. Her Majesty is missing Royal Ascot for
was executed under Ryan Moore, who partnered him the first time in her 68-year reign and also has fewer
them and partners him now. Moore has already won challengers than usual, with one runner on Friday and
two Arcs. He may or may not do much dreaming but he two on Wednesday, when Tactical tackles the Windsor
would almost certainly like to win it again. Castle Stakes as a leading player.
More immediately, Moore wants to repeat his Yet there is little doubt her most exciting candidate
success in a prize he landed for the Coolmore lads is First Receiver, the likely Hampton Court favorite and
with Highland Reel in 2017. Others will be similarly the mount of a jockey who steered royal filly Phantom
enthusiastic, including all connected with Headman, Gold to Ribblesdale Stakes (G2) glory 25 years ago.
who this time last year had just won a Newbury Moreover, in First Receiver, Dettori will steer a colt
handicap by a short head. He went on to snare quoted at between 20-1 and 33-1 for the Investec Derby
two French group races and finish fifth in the Irish (G1). At the moment, the world's most famous jockey
Champion Stakes (G1). There is surely little doubt he is has no obvious Epsom mount.
better than that. There is therefore still the chance Dettori could yet
If Japan and Headman have interesting back stories, seek to give the Queen her first taste of Derby glory on
so does Godolphin's Barney Roy, winner of the 2017 July 4. That really would be something worth dreaming
St. James's Palace Stakes (G1) for Richard Hannon. about.
Retirement to stud followed a few months later but For more European racing, sales, and bloodstock
fertility issues triggered a return to the track, this news, visit RacingPost.com. BH
time for Charlie Appleby, who coached the now elder s Share this story
statesman to claim a Meydan group 1 in March.
The William Haggas-trained Addeybb can
trump that, having already exported two group
1 features this year during a fantastic stint at
Sydney's autumn carnival. Rain helped him
then, as it did when he took the Wolferton
Stakes at Royal Ascot 12 months ago. A few
pre-race downpours would again please Haggas
and jockey Tom Marquand, who became known
as 'Aussie Tom' in his now second home. 'Ascot
EDWARD WHITAKER/RACING POST
Tom' has a similarly pleasant ring to it.
Frankie Dettori, Crystal Ocean's winning
jockey last year, will bid for back-to-back
triumphs, this time on high-class filly
(L-R): Paul Smith and M. V. Magnier lead Japan and Ryan Moore to the
Mehdaayih, one of two runners for John winner’s enclosure after the 2019 Juddmonte International Stakes at York
BLOODHORSE DAILY WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2020 PAGE 25 OF 34You can also read
