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Rhyl Journal
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Falakeyah putting mile credentials to the test against Zarigana
The Owen Burrows-trained Falakeyah looked every inch a top-class filly in the making when dominating her rivals in the 10-furlong Pretty Polly at Newmarket, after which the Betfred Oaks at Epsom and the French equivalent were mooted as potential Classic targets. However, with connections ultimately deciding against stepping up to a mile and a half at Epsom and the Prix de Diane also ruled out, the daughter of New Bay will instead drop back to a mile on the penultimate day of the Royal meeting after being supplemented for the Coronation at a cost of £46,000. This is eyecatching 👀 FALAKEYAH follows in the footsteps of future Oaks winner Taghrooda winning the @Betfred Pretty Polly Stakes in sparkling fashion ✨ — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) May 4, 2025 Angus Gold, racing manager for owner-breeders Shadwell, said: 'It was a hard decision to supplement, just because of the amount of money involved. I just felt when the entries for the race closed we'd be looking at a mile and a quarter at least for her given she had won over an extended mile on her debut. 'I said to Owen I was just trying to save money and that there was no point even entering her if we thought she was going to be running over further.' While Gold admits to having doubts about how effective Falakeyah will be dropping back in trip, he is taking some confidence from the feedback of Shadwell's retained rider Jim Crowley. 'To Jim's credit, he kept saying every time he sat on her that she had a lot of speed and his first words to me having got off her at Newmarket were 'she'd have killed them over a mile'. He thought she'd have gone close in the Guineas had she run in that, so I had to take notice,' Gold added. 'Unfortunately we were going for the Prix de Diane but then she had a hold-up and we ran out of time. They now feel she's back to her best. 'We could have waited a month for the Falmouth but as she's well we've taken the chance. 'She likes to get on with things so that is probably contributing to the fact she looks like she's got a lot of speed. 'It's only her third race so we're still learning and I couldn't put my hand on my heart and say she's definitely a miler, but she has plenty of speed and we felt after discussing it this was worth a try.' The trip is of no concern to French raider Zarigana, who has won four of her five starts for Francis-Henri Graffard in the colours of the late Aga Khan. Breaking: The French 1000 Guineas appeal has been dismissed and Zarigana keeps the race over Shes Perfect — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 21, 2025 She was most recently awarded the French 1000 Guineas in the stewards' room after first past the post Shes Perfect was deemed to have caused sufficient interference for the placings to be revised – and while connections are hoping for a bold showing in Berkshire, they are taking nothing for granted. Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan's French studs, said: 'Zarigana worked well last week, she's in good form and we've been very happy with her since the Pouliches. 'It is a competitive race and it's the first time she'll have to travel abroad and she can have moments where she gets quite worked up. It looks like it's going to be very hot as well, but she's got to get through all that as part of the test of being a Group One filly. 'She's very consistent – she's won four of her starts and was beaten a nose in the other one. This is a big test for her and she's got to maintain that form and hold it all together in the preliminaries and have luck in running and everything else. 'If there's any weakness it will be found out, but we're happy with her preparation and while she goes on anything, she's probably better on fast ground.' Further strength in depth is added by Aidan O'Brien's Exactly, who was little over a length behind Zarigana when fourth in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches last month, while the also-supplemented Kon Tiki puts her unbeaten record on the line for Jane Chapple-Hyam.
North Wales Chronicle
a day ago
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Falakeyah putting mile credentials to the test against Zarigana
The Owen Burrows-trained Falakeyah looked every inch a top-class filly in the making when dominating her rivals in the 10-furlong Pretty Polly at Newmarket, after which the Betfred Oaks at Epsom and the French equivalent were mooted as potential Classic targets. However, with connections ultimately deciding against stepping up to a mile and a half at Epsom and the Prix de Diane also ruled out, the daughter of New Bay will instead drop back to a mile on the penultimate day of the Royal meeting after being supplemented for the Coronation at a cost of £46,000. This is eyecatching 👀 FALAKEYAH follows in the footsteps of future Oaks winner Taghrooda winning the @Betfred Pretty Polly Stakes in sparkling fashion ✨ — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) May 4, 2025 Angus Gold, racing manager for owner-breeders Shadwell, said: 'It was a hard decision to supplement, just because of the amount of money involved. I just felt when the entries for the race closed we'd be looking at a mile and a quarter at least for her given she had won over an extended mile on her debut. 'I said to Owen I was just trying to save money and that there was no point even entering her if we thought she was going to be running over further.' While Gold admits to having doubts about how effective Falakeyah will be dropping back in trip, he is taking some confidence from the feedback of Shadwell's retained rider Jim Crowley. 'To Jim's credit, he kept saying every time he sat on her that she had a lot of speed and his first words to me having got off her at Newmarket were 'she'd have killed them over a mile'. He thought she'd have gone close in the Guineas had she run in that, so I had to take notice,' Gold added. 'Unfortunately we were going for the Prix de Diane but then she had a hold-up and we ran out of time. They now feel she's back to her best. 'We could have waited a month for the Falmouth but as she's well we've taken the chance. 'She likes to get on with things so that is probably contributing to the fact she looks like she's got a lot of speed. 'It's only her third race so we're still learning and I couldn't put my hand on my heart and say she's definitely a miler, but she has plenty of speed and we felt after discussing it this was worth a try.' The trip is of no concern to French raider Zarigana, who has won four of her five starts for Francis-Henri Graffard in the colours of the late Aga Khan. Breaking: The French 1000 Guineas appeal has been dismissed and Zarigana keeps the race over Shes Perfect — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 21, 2025 She was most recently awarded the French 1000 Guineas in the stewards' room after first past the post Shes Perfect was deemed to have caused sufficient interference for the placings to be revised – and while connections are hoping for a bold showing in Berkshire, they are taking nothing for granted. Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan's French studs, said: 'Zarigana worked well last week, she's in good form and we've been very happy with her since the Pouliches. 'It is a competitive race and it's the first time she'll have to travel abroad and she can have moments where she gets quite worked up. It looks like it's going to be very hot as well, but she's got to get through all that as part of the test of being a Group One filly. 'She's very consistent – she's won four of her starts and was beaten a nose in the other one. This is a big test for her and she's got to maintain that form and hold it all together in the preliminaries and have luck in running and everything else. 'If there's any weakness it will be found out, but we're happy with her preparation and while she goes on anything, she's probably better on fast ground.' Further strength in depth is added by Aidan O'Brien's Exactly, who was little over a length behind Zarigana when fourth in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches last month, while the also-supplemented Kon Tiki puts her unbeaten record on the line for Jane Chapple-Hyam.
Leader Live
a day ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Falakeyah putting mile credentials to the test against Zarigana
The Owen Burrows-trained Falakeyah looked every inch a top-class filly in the making when dominating her rivals in the 10-furlong Pretty Polly at Newmarket, after which the Betfred Oaks at Epsom and the French equivalent were mooted as potential Classic targets. However, with connections ultimately deciding against stepping up to a mile and a half at Epsom and the Prix de Diane also ruled out, the daughter of New Bay will instead drop back to a mile on the penultimate day of the Royal meeting after being supplemented for the Coronation at a cost of £46,000. This is eyecatching 👀 FALAKEYAH follows in the footsteps of future Oaks winner Taghrooda winning the @Betfred Pretty Polly Stakes in sparkling fashion ✨ — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) May 4, 2025 Angus Gold, racing manager for owner-breeders Shadwell, said: 'It was a hard decision to supplement, just because of the amount of money involved. I just felt when the entries for the race closed we'd be looking at a mile and a quarter at least for her given she had won over an extended mile on her debut. 'I said to Owen I was just trying to save money and that there was no point even entering her if we thought she was going to be running over further.' While Gold admits to having doubts about how effective Falakeyah will be dropping back in trip, he is taking some confidence from the feedback of Shadwell's retained rider Jim Crowley. 'To Jim's credit, he kept saying every time he sat on her that she had a lot of speed and his first words to me having got off her at Newmarket were 'she'd have killed them over a mile'. He thought she'd have gone close in the Guineas had she run in that, so I had to take notice,' Gold added. 'Unfortunately we were going for the Prix de Diane but then she had a hold-up and we ran out of time. They now feel she's back to her best. 'We could have waited a month for the Falmouth but as she's well we've taken the chance. 'She likes to get on with things so that is probably contributing to the fact she looks like she's got a lot of speed. 'It's only her third race so we're still learning and I couldn't put my hand on my heart and say she's definitely a miler, but she has plenty of speed and we felt after discussing it this was worth a try.' The trip is of no concern to French raider Zarigana, who has won four of her five starts for Francis-Henri Graffard in the colours of the late Aga Khan. Breaking: The French 1000 Guineas appeal has been dismissed and Zarigana keeps the race over Shes Perfect — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 21, 2025 She was most recently awarded the French 1000 Guineas in the stewards' room after first past the post Shes Perfect was deemed to have caused sufficient interference for the placings to be revised – and while connections are hoping for a bold showing in Berkshire, they are taking nothing for granted. Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan's French studs, said: 'Zarigana worked well last week, she's in good form and we've been very happy with her since the Pouliches. 'It is a competitive race and it's the first time she'll have to travel abroad and she can have moments where she gets quite worked up. It looks like it's going to be very hot as well, but she's got to get through all that as part of the test of being a Group One filly. 'She's very consistent – she's won four of her starts and was beaten a nose in the other one. This is a big test for her and she's got to maintain that form and hold it all together in the preliminaries and have luck in running and everything else. 'If there's any weakness it will be found out, but we're happy with her preparation and while she goes on anything, she's probably better on fast ground.' Further strength in depth is added by Aidan O'Brien's Exactly, who was little over a length behind Zarigana when fourth in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches last month, while the also-supplemented Kon Tiki puts her unbeaten record on the line for Jane Chapple-Hyam.
South Wales Guardian
a day ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Falakeyah putting mile credentials to the test against Zarigana
The Owen Burrows-trained Falakeyah looked every inch a top-class filly in the making when dominating her rivals in the 10-furlong Pretty Polly at Newmarket, after which the Betfred Oaks at Epsom and the French equivalent were mooted as potential Classic targets. However, with connections ultimately deciding against stepping up to a mile and a half at Epsom and the Prix de Diane also ruled out, the daughter of New Bay will instead drop back to a mile on the penultimate day of the Royal meeting after being supplemented for the Coronation at a cost of £46,000. This is eyecatching 👀 FALAKEYAH follows in the footsteps of future Oaks winner Taghrooda winning the @Betfred Pretty Polly Stakes in sparkling fashion ✨ — Newmarket Racecourse (@NewmarketRace) May 4, 2025 Angus Gold, racing manager for owner-breeders Shadwell, said: 'It was a hard decision to supplement, just because of the amount of money involved. I just felt when the entries for the race closed we'd be looking at a mile and a quarter at least for her given she had won over an extended mile on her debut. 'I said to Owen I was just trying to save money and that there was no point even entering her if we thought she was going to be running over further.' While Gold admits to having doubts about how effective Falakeyah will be dropping back in trip, he is taking some confidence from the feedback of Shadwell's retained rider Jim Crowley. 'To Jim's credit, he kept saying every time he sat on her that she had a lot of speed and his first words to me having got off her at Newmarket were 'she'd have killed them over a mile'. He thought she'd have gone close in the Guineas had she run in that, so I had to take notice,' Gold added. 'Unfortunately we were going for the Prix de Diane but then she had a hold-up and we ran out of time. They now feel she's back to her best. 'We could have waited a month for the Falmouth but as she's well we've taken the chance. 'She likes to get on with things so that is probably contributing to the fact she looks like she's got a lot of speed. 'It's only her third race so we're still learning and I couldn't put my hand on my heart and say she's definitely a miler, but she has plenty of speed and we felt after discussing it this was worth a try.' The trip is of no concern to French raider Zarigana, who has won four of her five starts for Francis-Henri Graffard in the colours of the late Aga Khan. Breaking: The French 1000 Guineas appeal has been dismissed and Zarigana keeps the race over Shes Perfect — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 21, 2025 She was most recently awarded the French 1000 Guineas in the stewards' room after first past the post Shes Perfect was deemed to have caused sufficient interference for the placings to be revised – and while connections are hoping for a bold showing in Berkshire, they are taking nothing for granted. Nemone Routh, manager for the Aga Khan's French studs, said: 'Zarigana worked well last week, she's in good form and we've been very happy with her since the Pouliches. 'It is a competitive race and it's the first time she'll have to travel abroad and she can have moments where she gets quite worked up. It looks like it's going to be very hot as well, but she's got to get through all that as part of the test of being a Group One filly. 'She's very consistent – she's won four of her starts and was beaten a nose in the other one. This is a big test for her and she's got to maintain that form and hold it all together in the preliminaries and have luck in running and everything else. 'If there's any weakness it will be found out, but we're happy with her preparation and while she goes on anything, she's probably better on fast ground.' Further strength in depth is added by Aidan O'Brien's Exactly, who was little over a length behind Zarigana when fourth in the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches last month, while the also-supplemented Kon Tiki puts her unbeaten record on the line for Jane Chapple-Hyam.
UPI
09-06-2025
- Sport
- UPI
Coolmore, trainer Aiden O'Brien enjoyed Derby weekend at Epsom
Jantar Mantar cruises to victory in Sunday's Grade 1 Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse, earning a "Win and You're In" spot in the Breeders' Cup Mile in November. Photo by and courtesy of Masakazu Takahashi June 9 (UPI) -- While American fans and punters were focused on a stakes-filled weekend at Saratoga, much of the rest of the world had eyes on Epsom Downs in England this past weekend, where the Irish Coolmore "lads" and trainer Aidan O'Brien carried all before them. Jantar Mantar grabbed the mantle of leading Japanese miler with a smooth victory in Sunday's Grade 1 Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse, earning a spot in the Breeders' Cup Mile into the bargain. England The weekend couldn't have gone much better for the Coolmore squad at Epsom, as Aidan O'Brien notched his 11th Derby victory Saturday after posting a 1-2 finish in the Betfred Oaks and a win in the Group 1 Coronation Cup on Friday. Admittedly, the Derby triumph came with a horse most would have regarded antepost as no better than second-best of three O'Brien runners. But it only matters what goes on the board after the race, and that was the name Lambourn, who led virtually every step of the 1 1/2 miles and held on stubbornly for jockey Wayne Lordan to win by 3 3/4 lengths over Lazy Griff. Coolmore's main chance and the race favorite, Delacroix, had trouble early in the race and lost position. Jockey Ryan Moore said that essentially eliminated him from any chance and he got home ninth, passing some tired rivals. The outfit's third runner, The Lion In Winter, reported 14th, tiring late. Lambourn is a son of 2024 Derby winner Australia, who in turn was sired by 2001 Derby winner Galileo. O'Brien said Lambourne's performance was not unexpected in the Ballydoyle yard. "Wayne rides him in all his work and, after his last piece, he told me he's absolutely there," O'Brien said, according to Racing Post. "He knew exactly what this horse was and what he was capable of doing and the word in our place was that Wayne wanted to ride the filly [Oaks runner-up Whirl] and him." "He's a Derby winner by a Derby winner by a Derby winner. It's pretty extraordinary," Coolmore's M V Magnier said. "I don't want to sound like a broken record, but that's how we win a Derby -- by breeding precocious horses that are quick enough to do it." Lordan and Coolmore filly Whirl almost pulled off a similar feat a day earlier in the Oaks, leading until the final strides before yielding to the better-fancied stable companion Minnie Hauk by a mere neck. That pair handed a first career defeat to the favorite, Desert Flower, winner of the Betfred 1000 Guineas among her five previous victories. The Godolphin filly never looked comfortable while stretching out to the 1 1/2 miles. She flattened out when asked by William Buick and was third, 4 lengths adrift of Whirl, at the finish. Minnie Hauk, a Frankel filly, was making her fourth start and first since winning the Cheshire Oaks at Chester on May 7. "Ryan gave her a beautiful ride and she's a very exciting filly, Racing Post quoted O'Brien as saying. "She's obviously learning and she's going to improve with racing." While O'Brien might have been comfortable watching the final furlong of the Oaks with a 1-2 finish seemingly in bag, he would have been less so in the late stages of the Coronation Cup. In that, Moore got Jan Brueghel to the front right about at the 2-furlong marker only to see Mickael Barzalona urge the favorite, Calandagan, up on his outside. The two were on even terms with a furlong to go, with neither yielding until Jan Brueghel inched clear in the final strides to win by 1/2 length. The 4-year-old Galileo colt now has won four of five starts and finished second in the other. "He stays the trip very well, he's an uncomplicated horse," Moore said on ITV Racing. "Aidan had him, as he always does, in unbelievable shape. He showed a great attitude." Japan His connections have yet to figure out why Jantar Mantar finished 13th in last December's Group 1 Longines Hong Kong Mile -- by far his worst-ever performance. But they likely care less about what happened six months earlier after the 4-year-old cruised to a trouble-free win in Sunday's Grade 1 Yasuda Kinen at Tokyo Racecourse -- his third top-level victory. The Palace Malice colt, with Yuga Kawada up, took command while cresting the stretch hill and reported 1 1/2 lengths ahead of runner-up Gaia Force. The favorite, Soul Rush, last seen winning the Group 1 Dubai Turf over Romantic Warrior, settled for third. Jantar Mantar earned a "Win and You're In" spot in the Nov. 1 Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar. Soul Rush already owns a ticket to that heat, thanks to the Dubai win. After a clean break from the middle of the 18-horse field, Kawada held an eager Jantar Mantar in check just behind the early leaders, while sticking to a path well off the inside rail. Turning into the stretch, he let the colt run, and he responded to grab the lead and finished with enthusiasm. Kawada said the race, from his perspective, wasn't as easy as it as Jantar Mantar was keen after his six-month vacation after Hong Kong. "The colt broke well and was in a good position in third to start," Kawada said. "But then he got a little over-excited as horses came from behind, so I got a little worried. The colt just barely managed to contain himself as much as he could after that." The son of Palace Malice won the Grade 1 Asahi Hai Futurity at age 2 and the NHK Mile Cup last season. "I knew he would become a potential miler when he won the Asahi Hai as a 2-year-old and was certain he was the best miler in Japan when taking the NHK Mile Cup title," the jockey said. Today, he's justified his talent, so I'm happy for that."
