Bluestocking, the filly trained by Ralph Beckett, made a stunning late charge to secure the top spot at the Group One meeting in the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Cairn Community Games at Curragh on the past weekend. In the last season, the filly has already put up a commendable fight, finishing a close second twice at the top level, coming up short by only half a length against Savethelastdance in the Irish Oaks, and by a mere neck against Poptronic in the Fillies & Mares Stakes at the Ascot’s Champions Day.
Kicking off her racing tenure with a robust six-length win in the Middleton Stakes and with the Curragh turf becoming progressively favourable throughout the day, rider Rossa Ryan ensured that Bluestocking was off to a flying start. The filly was widely favoured at 11-10 and steadfastly settled behind Lumiere Rock who set the initial pace.
As the competition progressed, it appeared that Kieren Shoemark, aboard Emily Upjohn, had taken a decisive stride towards victory with an early lead of a couple of lengths, two furlongs away from the finish line. However, with Bluestocking just hitting her stride, she caught up with the leader in the final furlong, crossing the finish line half a length ahead, while Content trailed by almost four lengths in third place.
Commenting on the victory, Beckett remarked that Rossa had anticipated that Emily Upjohn might take the lead at some point, which somewhat worked in their favour but also posed a challenge in catching up. He was delighted with the win and mentioned that the disappointment from the previous Irish Oaks day was now a distant memory.
In a strategic decision, Bluestocking did not wear cheekpieces for this race. Beckett justified the decision, stating that she performed extremely well in the previous race, and there was no need for them. However, the right to use them in future races is always an option. Beckett expressed his confidence in Bluestocking’s abilities, stating that he always believed she would eventually reach the top spot, given her tendency to work hard under pressure.
Following her victory, Bluestocking’s odds have been shortened for a series of upcoming summer races. Betfair has placed her as a 5-2 favourite for the Nassau Stakes at Goodwood and for the Yorkshire Oaks.
Beckett shared, “It seems that Nassau is an ideal destination, and unquestionably, her performances in York have been noteworthy, having played well there twice. Consequently, the Yorkshire Oaks could also suit her. The length of the trip doesn’t seem to be a crucial factor, the conditions appear to be a more significant consideration, as they were perfect today.”
Bluestocking competes under the sponsorship of Juddmonte, and she’s from one of the long-established families owned by the stable.
Barry Mahon, the European racing director, remarked, “The dam, Emulous, was victorious in the Leopardstown Matron, she was an excellent filly, and she had the pace to triumph a Group One over one mile.
“At the end of the last season, we mulled it over and came to a conclusion that we likely extended the filly’s range with a mile and a half. Her performance has been a revelation this year, reduced to 10 furlongs.
“This victory carries a lot of significance for Juddmonte. We have two bases in Ireland and a large workforce. It’s a triumph for Prince Khalid’s family and our entire team. It’s a wonderful accomplishment and we can’t be happier.”
Ryan, relishing his success in Group One, exclaimed, “This is exceptional! She proved resilient with my guidance, and I thought Kieran had outpaced me. The speed we set wasn’t exceptional and my strategy had been to follow one lead. I hadn’t anticipated being pushed back that far, but she displayed significant strength.
“I’m ecstatic, particularly for all the individuals back at Kimpton – they are the unrecognized champions. Eric, who takes care of him, couldn’t make it here today, but he unquestionably deserves it.”
Jan Brueghel outshone Trustyourinstinct, securing a Group Three victory in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai International Stakes.
The colt, trained by Aidan O’Brien, was a favourite after an eight-length maiden victory on his first racecourse showing last month. Ryan Moore was content to trail behind frontrunner Trustyourinstinct but had to push his inexperienced charge with half a mile still to go.
Jan Brueghel exhibited great potential as he outshined Trustyourinstinct at the 10-furlong race, clinching victory by a neck’s length, all while seemingly having more to offer. A full sibling to Sovereign, the Irish Derby victor, Brueghel is currently predicted as a 10-1 shot, upgraded from 14s for the approaching St Leger at Doncaster, sponsored by Paddy Power.
O’Brien voiced his concern about the suitability of the terrain given the race conditions. However, he acknowledged Brueghel’s notable improvement since his last contest. Moreover, he expressed certainty about the horse’s endurance, although he couldn’t predict its performance on the selected ground. Noticing some fluctuations as Brueghel approached the finish line, he applauded Ryan’s handling of the horse.
O’Brien iterated that Brueghel would indeed perform exceptionally in a longer race, potentially suiting a mile and a half. He explained that their primary goal of participating in this race was mainly for the horse’s learning and development. Despite the challenge faced in transiting from a maiden race directly to group level competition, he has a positive outlook as Joseph’s horse brought this one along at a steady pace during a highly competitive race.
O’Brien was thrilled with the victory, despite his initial uncertainty, suggesting that Brueghel exhibits considerable staying power. Ryanmade an observation that drew their attention to the horse’s heightened attention and focus on the finish line’s photographers, indicating that there’s more to be expected from the horse.
The victory crowned Brueghel as a potential contender for future races, including the St Leger on the horse’s connections’ radar. However, the final decision on taking part remains to be confirmed. O’Brien voiced the team’s contemplation on competing in the upcoming Goodwood race and perhaps advancing to the Leger.
Drawing a comparison with Sovereign, O’Brien confidently stated that Brueghel moves more effectively, with a distinctive low movement and a bigger structure, making him an exciting prospect moving forward.