More Slipper Prospects Emerge
Godolphin could go into next week's A$3.5-million G1 Golden Slipper Stakes with four live chances following the wins of Souchez and Calliope at Rosehill, Australia on Saturday, March 12.
Godolphin could go into next week's A$3.5-million G1 Golden Slipper Stakes with four live chances following the wins of Souchez and Calliope at Rosehill, Australia on Saturday, March 12.
On a day of high expectation, Souchez (John O'Shea/James McDonald) gave the stable a perfect start, bouncing straight to the lead in the G2 Pago Pago Stakes and refusing to surrender.
"It was a great James McDonald ride on a colt who really wants to be a racehorse," said Souchez's trainer John O'Shea.
Souchez looked to be in danger at the 200m when the challenges started to come, but he rallied strongly to score by a short neck from Chimboraa.
A brilliant effort from Calliope in the following race, the G2 Magic Night Stakes ensured her place in the Golden Slipper.
After a customary slow start, Calliope (John O'Shea/James McDonald) dashed through an opening at the 200m and held on to score by a half neck and give McDonald his 99th win for Godolphin.
"They went very hard and she hadn't run for over a month, so was entitled to weaken, but she stuck it out," O'Shea said.
"She's earned her place in the Slipper, but we'll wait and see what His Highness Sheikh Mohammed wants to do."
Godolphin already has strong prospects in the Golden Slipper with the O'Shea-trained colts Astern, who has trialled brilliantly since missing an intended race a week ago, and Telperion who are both confirmed runners.
On the same Rosehill card, the English gelding It's Somewhat (John O'Shea/Sam
Clipperton) won for the second time in Australia, taking command of the G2 Ajax Stakes at the 200m and going on to score a determined victory.
