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| Sumita Pawar |
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In his debut handicap race in the UK, Equilateral, trained by Charlie Hills, showcased his prowess by overcoming top weight to emerge victorious in the opening race sponsored by Sky Bet And Symphony Group at York.
Despite being an 8YO and considered a veteran in the racing world, Equilateral proved that he still possesses the power and ability to compete at a high level.
While Equilateral had previously participated in handicaps, his previous experiences were limited to Meydan, where he achieved back-to-back victories in the same event in 2020 and 2021.
Following his successes in Meydan, Equilateral's career took him to elite races, competing against some of the best sprinters in Pattern races. One of his notable performances came in the 2020 King's Stand, where he finished second behind his stablemate Battaash.
Earlier in the season, Equilateral displayed promising form by finishing as the runner-up in both the Temple and Achilles Stakes at Haydock. However, in his most recent outing at Goodwood, he struggled and finished last among 11 runners, trailing behind Highfield Princess.
In a thrilling and chaotic race, Copper Knight, a specialist at York, made a valiant effort but was overwhelmed near the finish line. Equilateral, guided by jockey Jamie Spencer, managed to triumph by a narrow margin, defeating Alligator Alley by a neck, with Jm Jungle finishing a head behind.
Equilateral's victory in this fiercely contested race further solidified his reputation as a formidable contender in the racing world. Despite his veteran status, he continues to defy expectations and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Beloved Yard Favorite: Dubai's Darling
Hills said, “He’s a yard favourite, he’s always got his head over the door and the day he does leave will be very sad.
“He loves Dubai, he ran well this year without getting his head in front, hopefully that will give him confidence to go forward and go back into Group class. He loves that fast ground.
“He’s in the Flying Five at the Curragh and that is a definite option. If Khaadem can win a Group One at 80-1 then this fellow can!”
Forza Orta, under Kevin Ryan's guidance, defied all odds and emerged victorious in the Sky Bet Stayers Handicap, despite a stewards' inquiry into the race. Displaying remarkable determination, Forza Orta fended off the challenge of Aztec Empire, the 7-2 favorite trained by Andrew Balding. Unfortunately for Aztec Empire, luck was not on his side as he found his path obstructed multiple times during the crucial moments of the two-mile race.
Ryan said, “He got the trip well and he’s a horse we always felt would get this trip eventually.
“He was just looking a bit one paced over the shorter distances this year, it was time to try something different and I said if we were going to step him up, let’s do it at York and find out there.
“It was a good performance and it opens up an awful lot of avenues for us now.”
Designer, a 5YO filly, showcased her exceptional talent by winning the prestigious IRE Incentive, It Pays To Buy Irish Fillies' Handicap for the second consecutive year. While jockey David Egan rode her to victory in the previous edition, this time it was William Buick who guided her to success. Designer, sired by Pearl Secret, displayed remarkable speed in the final stages of the race, narrowly defeating the unexpected 40-1 outsider, Rage Of Bamby, by a neck at the thrilling finish line. This back-to-back triumph solidifies Designer's status as one of the top fillies in the racing world.
“She raced on her own, she was drawn right on the stands’ side in 14 on her own and I had to look for the speed that was drawn low,” explained Buick.
“She kind of made her own way down the middle and the second horse was quite a long way away from me. She was doing a lot of work by herself, but she didn’t back down and answered every call.
“On the line I really wasn’t sure who had won it, I thought the way she galloped out after the line she would have been an unfortunate loser.
“I thought she did very well and she’s a very straightforward filly.”
Heather Main's Zoulu Chief continued to showcase his impressive form by triumphing in the Sky Bet Nursery Handicap, guided to victory by Gina Mangan.
This chestnut colt has proven to be a true underdog, stunning the racing world with two unexpected wins. In May, he claimed victory in a Newbury maiden at staggering odds of 150-1. Not content with that feat, Zoulu Chief then triumphed at Windsor in his most recent outing, defying the odds again at 28-1. On both occasions, he dominated his rivals, crossing the finish line with a commanding lead of four and three-quarter lengths.
Despite his previous triumphs, Zoulu Chief was not underestimated by the punters at Knavesmire. He started the race at odds of 15-2 and effortlessly outperformed his 15 competitors, galloping home comfortably with a 6lb penalty. Crossing the finish line a length and a half ahead of the favorite, Starlust, Zoulu Chief proved once again why he is a force to be reckoned with.
“It’s best to take it a step at a time and give him confidence, but I think it’s time for some Group races,” Main said.
“He’s had a hard week, two races quite close together. You never know when you follow up so quickly.”
Of whether she would consider the Flying Childers at Doncaster, Main said: “I’m half-thinking of it now.”