Godolphin followers will find themselves fully occupied this weekend as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's global stable becomes involved in a collection of Group One races in England, France and Australia.
Godolphin followers will find themselves fully occupied this weekend as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's global stable becomes involved in a collection of Group One races in England, France and Australia.
Plenty of early activity is anticipated Down Under. Most importantly, Etymology and Tarquin, two of trainer John O'Shea's staying three-year-olds, face a total of 15 rivals as they have a crack at the G1 South Australian Derby at Morphettville, Adelaide.
Etymology has impressed as a developing young horse whose trademark stamina will come into play in a minor Classic that has consistently attracted late-maturing types. He was runner-up in both the G1 Victoria Derby and Listed VRC St Leger.
Tarquin comes to this race off the back of a win in handicap company at Caulfield, so he, too, is bang in form.
In Brisbane, the O'Shea-trained Souchez lines up in the G2 Moet & Chandon Champagne Classic at Doomben as Queensland's popular Winter Carnival steps up a gear. The trainer has always held Souchez, winner of two of his three starts, in high regard and this looks a suitable target.
And, finally, in New South Wales, there is a 'stand-alone' meeting at Scone, around 180 miles North-West of Sydney, which carries the status of a metropolitan fixture. Godolphin are well represented on this popular card.
In Europe, the season is starting to unfold very quickly. Godolphin will have four runners in Newbury's G1 Lockinge Stakes, including recent purchase Dutch Connection. The recent rain makes it an attractive objective for the Roger Varian-trained Belardo, whose last start 4th to Toormore and Dutch Connection (1st and 2nd) in the G2 Bet 365 Mile at Sandown was a better run than it appeared on paper.
The quality of the field has held up well, but on the day, the ability to handle the rain-softened ground is going to be essential.
Sunday will feature Godolphin's attempt to lift both the French G1 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas, with Birchwood and Come Alive, respectively, at Deauville. Andre Fabre has given Come Alive an encouraging report.
At Irish track Navan, the Willie McCreery-trained Shrill attempts to advertise her Royal Ascot claims in a very competitive Listed race, over just short of 6f.
