New ‘Iron Horse’ PADDINGTON the one to beat in star-studded International Stakes
PADDINGTON has carried all before him this season, winning every one of his six starts, over varying trips and conditions, and it’s no surprise that Aidan O’Brien’s star 3YO heads the betting for the £1 million International Stakes. PADDINGTON made it four G1 wins on the bounce with a gutsy success on horrible ground in the Sussex Stakes and the step up to 2051m for the International Stakes shouldn’t pose any issues for a colt who may still ultimately end up running in the 2400m Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp.
PADDINGTON is beginning to earn a reputation as the new ‘Iron Horse’ given how he just keeps churning out top-class performances, but he’ll need to be at the very top of his game if he is to continue that winning run in what is shaping up to be a star-studded International Stakes with the stunning Prince Of Wales’s Stakes winner MOSTAHDAF and Derby Stakes runner-up KING OF STEEL.
Irish Oaks Winner V.S. Nassau Stakes Champion
With the absence of the Oaks winner SOUL SISTER, Irish Oaks champion SAVETHELASTDANCE looks to be the most eye-catching contender in the 2371m G1 Yorkshire Oaks. SOUL SISTER stole the show with a brilliant change of speed that propelled her to a one and three-quarter length success in the fillies’ Classic but runner-up SAVETHELASTDANCE bounced back from that short-odds defeat by going one place better in the Irish equivalent at the Curragh. SAVETHELASTDANCE has proved herself to be much more effective in soft goings, therefore the ground conditions will be a key factor.
AL HUSN, who beat NASHWA and BLUE ROSE CEN in the G1 Nassau Stakes at Goodwood, could be the biggest stumbling block for the pair of Oaks heroines. Rarely did a horse achieve Nassau Stakes and Yorkshire Oaks double, the 4YO filly who was still competing in handicaps last season, nevertheless, makes rapid improvement in winning a G1 for her first trial in this level. It would not be too surprising if she is the giant killer here.
Lonsdale Cup: Rematch of the Goodwood Cup
The 3251m Lonsdale Cup this year will again be a clash of the greatest stayers in the Great Britain. COURAGE MON AMI has solidified his status as one of the strongest stayers by winning the Gold Cup in Royal Ascot earlier this season. Although his unbeaten streak was ended by QUICKTHORN in the G1 Goodwood Cup, there is no doubt that he is hoping to turn the tide with his best partner Frankie Dettori. On the other hand, securing a second and a third in both the Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup, the consistent 6YO COLTRANE continues a positive curve in the 2 miles journey. It would not come as a surprise if he manages to outshine his competitors in this race.
The overall race shape will likely depend on QUICKTHORN’s tactics. Despite his somewhat inconsistent performances, the runaway wins in both last year’s Lonsdale Cup and this year’s Goodwood Cup surprise all his rivals. Tom Marquand, who clinched five wins with QUICKTHORN, will probably be back in saddle again, the defending champion cannot be underestimated.
