With less than a week of the flat season remaining, we were treated to some mouth-watering action on Cesarewitch weekend. We also had some high profile 2yo’s on show, as well as the Canadian International at Woodbine.
Where do we start? We now have an odds on favourite for the 2000 Guineas next May, in the shape of Too Darn Hot. What a performance by this son of Dubawi who is so beautifully bred. He handled the tough contours of the Rowley Mile superbly, and beat some classy 2yo’s such as Coventry Stakes second Advertise and one of next season’s Derby favourites - Anthony van Dyck.
All three are expected to meet at HQ in May for the first classic of 2019, along with the injured duo of Calyx and Quorto. The 2000 Guineas is really hotting up despite being over six months away, and Too Darn Hot will be darn hard to beat. Less however, can be said about the female division - where it is wide open for the 1000 Guineas with no real superstar yet known.
Also at Newmarket, we saw a stunning performance from Norway who sauntered from last to first in the Zetland and looks an out-an-out stayer for next year’s St Leger. Persian King took the Autumn Stakes for French trainer Andre Fabre, and Low Sun led home a 1-2 for Irish Jumps Trainer Willie Mullins in the 2m2f Cesarewitch Handicap.
We also learned that Britain and Ireland can take their quests internationally. Britain led home a 1-2 in the Canadian International, won by David Simcock trained Desert Encounter. Usually held up, he was delivered just on time by Andrea Atzeni, to beat Juddmonte third Thundering Blue, who has had an unforgettable season for David Menuisier. Shortly after, Sheikha Reika - also trained in Britain by Roger Varian, claimed success in the Grade 1 E.P Taylor Stakes.
The flat season has had so many incredible moments this year and is drawing to a close. However, we still have one more big meeting - where the Champions are crowned of their divisions - it is none other, than QIPCO Champions Day, at Ascot, this Saturday. Don’t miss it.