Runner-up in the Gr1 Qatar Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, the talented two-year-old Unquestionable (Wootton Bassett) proved too strong to win the Group 1 Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita, USA, on Friday. Trained by Aidan O’Brien, the son of Wootton Bassett was giving a first success in this race to owner Al Shaqab Racing, who own him in partnership with Coolmore & Westerberg.
With River Tiber (Wootton Bassett) declared as a non-runner, Ryan Moore replaced Frankie Dettori to ride the colt to victory.
Sent off favourite, Unquestionable jumped off well to sit a few lengths in fourth behind Air Recruit (Air Force Blue) making the running at fast pace. Still a few lengths off the leading pair entering the final straight, Unquestionable quickly made up the ground to win by one and a half lengths. Fast finisher and stable companion Mountain Bear (No Nay Never) took second to give his trainer a one-two in the race. My Boy Prince (Cairo Prince) held on for third.
Winning jockey Ryan Moore said after the race: “He’s only run one bad race but had a legitimate excuse as he missed the break and pulled off a shoe. He’s always held his form and run a very good race in the Lagardere. The step up in trip suited him today.”
Bred by C Porin, A Vitse, V Vitse & G Vitse, he is out of Strawberry Lace (Sea The Stars), who is a daughter of Listed race winner Crying Lighting (Holy Roman Emperor).
Lord Bullingdon takes
QREC-sponsored Qatar Golden Mile at Santa Anita
The QREC-sponsored Golden Mile Stakes, conducted as part of the ongoing partnership between QREC and Breeders’ Cup, went the way of the promising colt Lord Bullingdon (Lord Nelson) who ran out a wide margin winner of the contest for two-year-olds at Santa Anita, USA, for the opening day of the Breeders’ Cup weekend on November 3.
After a good effort in the Gr3 Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes in September, Lord Bullingdon finally got his head in front in some style.
Carrying the colours of Colbart Stables & Michael McCarthy Racing Stable Inc and trained by Michael McCarthy, the two-year-old has improved dramatically since upped in distance.
With Ultra Power (Curlin) leading at a blistering pace, Lord Bullingdon was patiently ridden by Umberto Rispoli over the 1600m. Still traveling strongly in the turn for home, the son of Lord Nelson pulled clear in the final straight to win over favourite Go With Gusto (Medaglia d’Oro) in second, and Mo Fox Givin (Mo Town) in third. Bred by Veloce Llc, Lord Bullingdon is out of Ms Silver Oak (Leroidesanimaux).