Modern Games closes late for second in G1 Maker’s Mark Mile

Modern Games suffered a surprise defeat on his four-year-old return as he filled the runner-up spot behind Chez Pierre in the G1 Maker’s Mark Mile at Keeneland, USA, on Friday, 14 April.

Last season’s Champion Turf Male in North America broke on terms and raced in fourth, some six lengths off the lead, as Chez Pierre and Dr Zempf duelled for the early advantage ahead of Cabo Spirit.

Dr Zempf took up the running down the back and stretched the field on the far turn, with William Buick urging Modern Games to close on the leading trio turning for home.

Modern Games still had significant ground to make up as Chez Pierre retook the lead a furlong and a half out before kicking clear. The Dubawi colt made late inroads to get up for second close home, hitting the line three and a half lengths behind the decisive winner.

Trainer Charlie Appleby said: “We are obviously disappointed to get beaten but Modern Games has run a gallant race. He made up a lot of ground in the straight, although the winner had already flown. “

It was a good, solid run and I am confident that Modern Games is still the same horse that we had last year. We will take him back to Newmarket and prepare him for the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.”