G2 third for African Gold in Copa Republica Argentina

African Gold secured a first placing in Pattern-race company with a staying-on third in the G2 Copa Republica Argentina at Tokyo, Japan, on Sunday, 3 November.

The Masato Nishizono-trained four-year-old, successful at the same course in the Rokusha Stakes on Sunday, 6 October, broke smartly and was covered up in eighth of the 13 runners by Christophe Lemaire for most of the extended 12-furlong contest.

He travelled strongly into the race with two furlongs left and showed an excellent turn of foot to go third approaching the final furlong. The son of Stay Gold galloped out well, missing out on second place by a head, and finished just over a length and a quarter behind Muito Obrigado, who won in 2m 31.50s on firm ground.

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said: “It was a pleasing run from African Gold. Though drawn in stall one, he got shuffled back during the race and had to contend with significant congestion in the home straight.  

“However, when space finally materialized, he accelerated gamely and has proven that he can be competitive in this class. He has earned more than US$500,000 this year and will now be rested until January when he will contest another Group race.”