 Richard Hill rides Awzaan to victory at Newmarket |
Awzaan maintained his unbeaten record with a thrilling win in the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. Mark Johnston's colt claimed victory in the Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury last time out and never looked like being caught by late challenger Radiohead. In the Cheveley Park Stakes, Criquette Head-Maarek's French filly Special Duty came home an impressive winner. She was challenged early by her rivals, including favourite Lady of the Desert, but eventually powered away to win. Awzaan, under Richard Hill, faced a strong field in the Group One Middle Park Stakes, including Royal Ascot winner Radiohead, from Brian Meehan's stable, and the John Gosden-trained Showcasing, winner of York's Gimcrack Stakes.  | She (Special Duty) has so much speed and stamina at the same time and her stamina has made her win today |
However, despite a late charge from last place by the Martin Dwyer-ridden Radiohead, Awzaan's powerful run was enough to take it by three-quarters of a length, with Showcasing coming in third. Winning jockey Johnston admitted Awzaan had been pushed in the race, but was delighted with his response. "They were going a bit quick for him a couple of times in the race and he stumbled at least twice, but when he goes, he goes. He's a really good horse," said Johnston. The runner-up's trainer Brian Meehan felt his horse's comeback bodes well for future races. "The Breeders' Cup Juvenile will be a consideration and based on the way he finished that race, there will be no problem with the trip," said Meehan. "We'll take him back home and see how he is but I'm very pleased with his run today." | 606: DEBATE |
Meehan had to contend with further disappointment in the Cheveley Park Stakes as his pre-race favourite Lady of the Desert came in third behind second-placed Misheer and winner Special Duty. Special Duty, under jockey Stephane Pasquier, set the early pace but was passed two furlong's out by Lady of the Desert, only for the French filly to power clear by two and three-quarter lengths. The likes of Albany winner Habaayib and Godolphin's Sand Vixen could never land a blow. Head-Maarek was full of praise for horse and jockey. "Pasquier rode a beautiful race," he said. "Today I told him to ride her the same way but to wait. "No other colt or filly at the yard can come close to her. "She has so much speed and stamina at the same time and her stamina has made her win today. Clive Brittain said of Misheer: "It's taken one from abroad to beat her. I've said she's the best filly in England and she's proved that again."
Shadwell Middle Park Stakes 6f, Newmarket
1 Special Duty (S Pasquier) C Head-Maarek 3-1 2f
2 Misheer (N Callan) 9-13
3 Lady Of The Desert 11-8 f
8 ran. Dist: 2¾; head Electrolux Cheveley Park Stakes 6f, Newmarket
1 Awzaan (R Hills) M Johnston 4-1
2 Radiohead (M Dwyer) 14-1
5 ran. Dist: ¾, neck Follow Twitter updates from BBC racing correspondent Cornelius Lysaght
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