G1 Manhattan project pays off in style as Measured Time beats Nations Pride

Measured Time stormed clear to claim his second G1 success of 2024 in the Manhattan Stakes, with Nations Pride filling the runner-up spot in the turf feature at Saratoga, USA, on Saturday, 8 June.  

Four-year-old Measured Time, who captured the Jebel Hatta at Meydan in January, broke half a stride slow from his wide draw and was rushed up around the field to race in a half-length second on the outside of Strong Quality.  

Nations Pride in contrast was held up at the rear of the eight runners before taking closer order in fifth halfway down the back straight.  

After looming up to head Strong Quality over three furlongs out, Measured Time kicked on into a clear advantage turning in, with Program Trading and Nations Pride both attempting to track the move into the home straight.  

Measured Time drifted out at the top of the lane, allowing Program Trading and Far Bridge to briefly press for the lead. The half-brother to Rebel’s Romance soon reasserted and went through the gears under William Buick inside the final furlong, readily opening up daylight to score by an easy two lengths.

Nations Pride swept past Ohana Bridge, Far Bridge and Program Trading in the closing strides for Frankie Dettori, providing Charlie Appleby with a 1-2 in the extended nine-furlong contest.

Charlie Appleby said: “We had earmarked this race for some time thinking that the American tracks would suit Measured Time. We saw what he did in Dubai and nice level tracks suit him as he’s a big-striding horse.  

“We let him get on with it today and try and make our own run rather than get him in a tangle. If you try and organise a horse like him, he finds it hard, and he's happy going on. We were confident about today’s trip [nine and a half furlongs] and he could stretch out to a mile and a half. We will take the Breeders' Cup [Turf] into consideration.  

“I thought Nations Pride was coming with a run and the one thing he does is finish strong. It’s great to see him so competitive and he could go to Kentucky for the summer.”

William Buick said: “Measured Time still has a bit to learn and he’s not the finished article yet. I liked being in the wide gate, where he could find his own feet and take a forward position, and he is a relentless galloper.  

“He struggled a little bit on the last turn, when he shifted out into the middle of the track, but he ran home strong. He’s a very exciting horse for the future.”