The Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in the United States this autumn is on the agenda for our sprint stars BRADSELL and Aesterius, who crowned an unforgettable weekend with Group wins either side of the Irish Sea.
Bradsell dominated a big field to take the Group 1 Bar One Racing Flying Five Stakes at The Curragh on Sunday 15th September – just 48 hours after his stable companion claimed the Group 2 Carlsberg Danish Pilsner Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.
It was a third top level success for the remarkable Bradsell, who has twice come back from long injury setbacks to confirm himself among the world’s best sprinters.
Archie says: “It was great to see Bradsell stamp his authority on the sprinting division yet again. He was all class and very impressive. Hollie Doyle was delighted with the way he went through the race and quickened up to win so well.
“It’s brilliant for Sheikh Nasser and Victorious Racing and all the team at Saxon Gate. He has come out of the race very well and the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp and the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar are the remaining two options for him this year.”
Bradsell was always prominent from his high draw and simply had too much for his rivals including George Boughey’s filly Believing, who chased him home in second just three weeks after filling the same position in the Group 1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York.
Back in August Archie brought Bradsell back from an 11-month injury lay-off to win a Listed race in France before he went on to snatch glory on The Knavesmire and the son of Tasleet is now set to close out his season in Paris or California.
Meanwhile, Aesterius is building a big reputation of his own following his hard-fought success over market rival Big Mojo in Doncaster’s juvenile sprint showpiece and will definitely head to the Breeders’ Cup.
Archie adds: “Aesterius has had a great season for Wathnan Racing and it was fantastic to see him winning the Flying Childers. He showed plenty of speed and had to do it all on his own in the centre of the track.
“He really battled and showed a great attitude. James Doyle was very pleased with him and he continues to improve from race to race. He’s been good at home since the race and the plan will be to go straight to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Del Mar on 1st November now.”
Aesterius, owned by Wathnan Racing, has won four of his six starts including the Group 3 Prix d’Arenberg at Longchamp at the beginning of September and the Listed Dragon Stakes at Sandown in July.
In winning on Town Moor the son of Mehmas avenged a battling defeat by Big Mojo in the Group 3 Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood.
By Simon Mapletoft
