Superb G2 success for Tower Of London in Centaur Stakes

Tower Of London lowered the six-furlong course record at Hanshin, Japan, as he stormed to a comprehensive victory in the G2 Centaur Stakes on Sunday, 8 September.

The Kazuo Fujisawa-trained Raven’s Pass colt, making his third consecutive appearance in sprints having previously raced over further, was pushed along leaving the stalls by Christophe Lemaire and settled in eighth of the 13-strong field after the first quarter-mile.

Tower Of London was angled out approaching the final furlong and showed tremendous acceleration, taking up the running in a matter of strides before powering clear to beat Fantasist by three lengths in 1m 6.7s on firm ground.

It was a fourth Graded-race success for the four-year-old, who now looks set to return to G1 level for the Sprinters Stakes (6f) at Nakayama on Sunday, 29 September – a race won by Godolphin’s champion sprinter Fine Needle in 2018.

Harry Sweeney, President of Godolphin in Japan, said:

"That was quite simply sensational. Tower Of London was again slightly sluggish out of the gates but travelled brilliantly throughout the race. It is incredible that he smashed the previous track record time with just an easy hands and heels ride and despite being eased down somewhat before the line. It is also very significant that the previous record was established 17 years ago by the brilliant Believe.

"Tower Of London had earlier this year established a new track record at Tokyo over seven furlongs and now holds the Hanshin six-furlong record too and is clearly a horse of exceptional ability.

"He will now be aimed at the G1 Sprinters Stakes which we won last year with Fine Needle. Christophe Lemaire is already committed to another horse and we have not as yet decided who will ride him.

"Hopefully, he will stay sound and well and, if so, I believe we may travel abroad with him next year. "