Guineas Second For Territories

Territories ran well to take second in the first British Classic of 2015, the QIPCO 2,000 Guineas, over the straight Rowley Mile at Newmarket, UK, on Saturday, May 2.

The three-year-old Invincible Spirit colt, trained by Andre Fabre and partnered by Mickael Barzalona, was slightly slow into stride on the stands' rail.

He raced in seventh place among the group of runners towards the stands' side as the 18-strong field split in two. Territories, briefly short of room when trying to improve past the two-furlong marker, was switched right at the distance and ran on well to go second well inside the final furlong.

He finished two and a quarter lengths behind Gleneagles at the line and three quarters of a length ahead of the third Ivawood. The winner's time came to 1m 37.55s on good to firm turf.

Andre Fabre commented: "Territories was not unlucky.

"He has to come from off the pace, but the winner had some distance between us and we could not get that back.

"We were beaten by a better horse. It is the hardest thing to admit that you are beaten by a better horse, but today we do admit it.

"One of his possible targets is the St James's Palace Stakes (Group One, Royal Ascot, 1m rnd, June 16) We will think about it. He will probably be better in a smaller field and going round a bend.

"I expect we will meet Gleneagles again."

John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed's bloodstock advisor, declared: "We were absolutely thrilled with Territories.

"Andre was very keen that Territories relaxed and came into the race late. That is exactly what he did and Mickael gave him a lovely ride.

"This performance was another step forward for Territories who won his trial very well in France. This was a huge step-up in class and he has gone and run really well.

"He is going to be one of the leading milers in Europe this year."