The Falmouth Stakes (Group 1)
July 7, 2011
Another cracking contest to advertise the nature of the internationalism of pattern racing. World travellers River Jetez and Sahpressa are joined by another French filly in Lily Of The Valley. They are the top three in the market against a home team led by Antarra, who would have to be regarded as part of the home side. Godolphin of course have placed themselves at the heart of Newmarket having pioneered the international aspect of horseracing.
Since it’s reclassification in 2004 to Group 1 status some really good fillies have won this. Goldikova triumphed two years ago and Soviet Song won it twice. Sahpresa brings that sort of class to the event this year. She is a winner at top level on two occasions, both at Newmarket, in the Sun Chariot in 2009 and 2010 over the Rowley mile. She beat Freddie Head’s Moonlight Cloud on her only outing this year and that filly subsequently franked the form with a Group 3 win last Sunday at Longchamp.
Lily Of The Valley is equally as classy. She won six on the bounce topping off with the Prix De L’Opera in Paris last Arc weekend. She was fifth behind Sarafina on her comeback run in the Prix Corrida but that can be forgiven as it was a muddling affair with no early pace even by French standards.
Mike De Kock hasn’t has a runner in England since 2009 so River Jetez appearence brings extra significance. Her last three runs put her right there. Second to Previs in the Dubai Duty Free, she then ran at Sha Tin and on to Kranji where Gitano Hernando got the better of her by a 1/2 L in the Singapore International.
Antara is a consistent filly whose been second twice and third once at top level. Her star may well be on the rise judging from her win at Epsom last time out.
Of the others in the home team, Memory is the one to catch the eye. A precious juvenile, she let herself down badly in the 1000 Guineas when refusing to jump off. Ryan Moore takes over from Richard Hughes in the plate and his effect may be similar to his Previs partnership. Sometimes a change in personnel can prove dramatic with a horse and if the change in personnel brings the best in the business, well, you have to take note.
On form, it’s for export but Ryan Moore may give us all a new Memory.
