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| Staff Writer |
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Get It is living up to his name, blitzing his rivals with a pillar-to-post victory in the feature sprint handicap of the Qatar Goodwood Festival, the Coral Stewards' Cup. The George Baker-trained six-year-old, sent off at 40/1, is jumping sharply from stall 28 and never looking back under Pat Cosgrave.
Thundering down the stands' rail, Get It is holding off Apollo One by half a length, with Billyjoh and Mostabshir filling the minor placings. The victory is marking a dream come true for Sussex-born Baker, who is about to relocate his business to Epsom.
An elated Baker is sharing his emotions post-race: "Being a Sussex man, I've been coming to this race since I was five, six, seven and I watched it for many years before I became a racehorse trainer. To go and win this race on my doorstep means a huge amount – it really does tick a massive box for me."
The trainer is also praising his team and the horse's versatility: "It's a massive team of wonderful owners and we've had a lot of fun with this horse in Bahrain, but I think this party might go on a little bit longer."
Jockey Pat Cosgrave is revealing his confidence in Get It's chances: "It is an old cliché but I couldn't believe the price Get It was this morning. Forget about his last run, he hates Ascot – it was a 100-grand race, but we shouldn't have gone for it as five furlongs there doesn't suit a front-runner."
In an earlier race, the British Stallion Studs EBF Maiden is producing a thrilling dead-heat between Hott Shott and Spell Master. Richard Hughes, trainer of Hott Shott, is expressing his delight: "It wasn't easy to watch. I thought Hott Shott was beat. He stuck his head out and, a stride after the line, he was a neck in front."
Andrew Balding, trainer of Spell Master, is finding relief after a string of second-place finishes: "I am relieved Spell Master didn't come second like the others! He is a grand horse, who's improving with every run and should keep progressing."
Align The StarsStars is potentially putting himself in the St Leger picture with a gutsy front-running performance in the Coral Summer Handicap. The Charlie Johnston-trained colt is holding off Fairbanks by a neck over the 14-furlong trip.
Johnston is hinting at future plans: "He's in the Voltigeur, the Lonsdale and the St Leger. It's going to require another fair step up to be competitive at that level, but I have enough faith in the horse that it's a realistic aim."
As the Qatar Goodwood Festival reaches its climax, Get It's surprise victory in the Stewards' Cup is standing as a highlight of the meeting. With emerging talents like Hott Shott, Spell Master, and Align The Stars also making their mark, the future of British racing is looking bright as attention turns to the upcoming autumn campaigns.