- Econimics raced to victory in the Irish Champion Stakes on Saturday afternoon
- Bradsell showed his pace to win the Flying Five Stakes at the Curragh
- Seagulls Eleven, owned by several Brighton players, also enjoyed a great weekend
It was the most compelling and informative weekend of the Flat season so far with a host of pointers to the defining autumn targets. At every turn, there were performances to take the breath away.
Mail Sport went trackside to analyse the five key issues.
Sensible Economics
The thrill of racing comes when two outstanding horses go head to head and the collision between Economics and Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes induced goosebumps.
William Haggas was happily drained after Economics returned from battle and yesterday reported the chestnut in good form. The Newmarket trainer isn’t tempted for a crack at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on October 6, even though he would be favourite.
‘If he’s as good as we hope he is, he can run in it next year,’ said Haggas, whose eyes are fixed on the QIPCO Champion Stakes at Ascot on October 19.
Paris Pointers
So who will run? Ralph Beckett’s Bluestocking could be a contender after winning the Prix Vermeille at Longchamp yesterday. She carries the same Juddmonte colours as Westover, who was second in the Arc for the trainer 12 months ago, but would need to be supplemented for £100,000.
‘It would be nice to have another go,’ said Beckett.
Sosie, trained by French maestro Andre Fabre, was made the bookmakers’ favourite after taking in the informative Prix Niel but if Aidan O’Brien sends Los Angeles, fourth behind Economics on Saturday, to Paris, follow him closely. He ran a mighty race over a distance short of his best.
Blistering Bradsell
The argument is over. The quickest horse in Europe resides with Archie Watson in Lambourn. Bradsell went so quick in the Group One Flying Five at the Curragh yesterday he clocked speeds that would have got him penalty points on most roads.
Jockey Hollie Doyle is adamant there is more improvement to come from Bradsell and it will be breathtaking to see him whizzing around the tight turns in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar in November.
Milner’s Marvel
Brighton might have been frustrated against Ipswich on Saturday but 24 hours later, members of the squad were bursting with pride after their Seagulls Eleven finished third in the Group One National Stakes at the Curragh.
James Milner leads the syndicate and the colt is being trained by Hugo Palmer at Michael Owen’s Cheshire stables. Seagulls Eleven ran a mighty race behind Scorthy Champ and Henri Matisse. This youngster has talent and tenacity — like his owner — and should be followed.
King Kyprios
You may look at the result and see a 2-5 favourite winning a race and wonder what excitement could be gleaned but watching Kyprios, the horse who came back almost from the dead, gallop remorselessly is a sight to behold.
His record, having landed the Irish St Leger for a second time, now reads 13 wins from 17 races and he has won £2million in prize money. ‘He’s a very special horse and that might just have been his best run yet,’ said Aidan O’Brien.
