Racing Royalty: Ruthless Paddington Fights For Fifth Group One Victory

1. In 2021, Paddington made headlines as the friendly co-star in a delightful Platinum Jubilee sketch alongside the Queen. However, the adorable colt has now gained a new reputation, particularly within racing circles, as a ruthless assassin.
   
   This young horse, affectionately named after one of the most beloved characters in children's literature, has rapidly gained fame for its incredible speed and cunning tactics on the racecourse. Paddington's transformation from an endearing companion to a cold-blooded competitor has astonished many.
   
   Trained by a skilled and experienced team, Paddington has quickly proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the racing world. His agility, strength, and unwavering determination have led him to achieve remarkable victories, leaving his competitors in awe. With each race, he showcases a remarkable ability to outpace and outsmart his opponents.
   
   Observers and enthusiasts have marveled at Paddington's unparalleled racing strategy. His precision and timing during critical moments of a race have been described as nothing short of extraordinary. He seemingly possesses an innate understanding of his surroundings, allowing him to make split-second decisions that often result in triumphant outcomes.
   
   However, this newfound reputation has not come without controversy. Some racing purists argue that Paddington's success is due to unorthodox methods or even foul play.

Speculation surrounds his training techniques and whether they fall within the boundaries of fair competition. Nevertheless, his trainer vehemently denies any wrongdoing, insisting that Paddington's achievements are solely a result of hard work, dedication, and natural talent.

O'Brien, who has hailed Paddington "a dream" of a horse this summer, is looking forward to the race and said, “Paddington is in good form. Everything in his preparation has gone well since Goodwood and we're very happy with him. He's stepping back up to a mile and a quarter now but he seemed to cope with it well at Sandown. We're looking forward to it."

Mostahdaf: Carrying On The Legacy

Attempting to follow in the footsteps of the illustrious Baaeed was always going to be a daunting task, but Shadwell Estate has managed to hold their own. They are filled with optimism that Mostahdaf can deliver them another victory in this race, just as their retired superstar did with ease a year ago, triumphing by a commanding six and a half lengths.

The renowned blue and white silks of Shadwell Estate have been prominent in numerous top-level triumphs throughout 2023. Anmaat secured victory in the prestigious Prix d'Ispahan, Al Husn emerged victorious in the Nassau Stakes, and Hukum notably claimed the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Mostahdaf has also showcased his talent, most notably with an impressive four-length victory in the Gr.1 Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot. This outstanding performance has placed him joint-top on the British and Irish Racing Post ratings for the season, alongside Hukum, boasting a rating of 128.

This achievement represents a significant improvement from his previous form. However, he had shown glimpses of his potential when he comfortably won a valuable prize in Saudi Arabia in February, followed by a commendable performance where he challenged the superstar Equinox for a considerable distance in the Sheema Classic held in Dubai.

Moreover, Mostahdaf has an impeccable record of being unbeaten in six races following a layoff of 45 days or more. His connections have given him ample opportunity to replicate his exceptional form by providing him with a well-deserved nine-week rest since his triumph at Ascot.

"He's had a nice break since winning the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and this has always been the plan," said joint-trainer Thady Gosden. "It's a small field but Mostahdaf is tactically versatile.

 "The weather forecast is in his favour as he enjoys top-of-the-ground and I'm sure it will be a great spectacle, as it always is."

Nashwa’s Unforgettable Triumph At Juddmonte International

In a sport predominantly dominated by male horses, it is a rare occasion to witness a top-class filly challenging the colts. The Juddmonte International, a prestigious race, has seen very few instances of female triumphs in recent times. In fact, Nashwa remains the sole filly or mare to conquer this race in the 21st century. One might speculate that the scarcity of such victories is due to the ample opportunities females have in races exclusively designed for their own sex.

The remarkable 4YO filly, has yet to face the challenge of competing against colts or geldings in her twelve races. Nevertheless, her outstanding performance in Group One races has earned her three well-deserved victories. 

However, the time has come for Nashwa to step out of her comfort zone and enter the realm of open competition. Her recent triumph in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket, where she achieved an impressive five-length victory, has garnered her a commendable Racing Post Rating. This rating places her merely 2lb behind Paddington and 3lb behind Mostahdaf, taking into account the 3lb sex allowance.

Nashwa's entry into this fiercely competitive domain promises an exhilarating clash of talent and determination. The anticipation surrounding her performance against the colts and geldings is palpable, as racing enthusiasts eagerly await to witness this exceptional filly's pursuit of glory.

Explaining the decision to run, joint-trainer John Gosden said: "I think it's important to support races like the Juddmonte International.

"Nashwa is the winner of three Group 1s and has nothing to prove. It's her first time against the boys but we've never been frightened of running our older fillies against the colts including Enable and going back to Dar Re Mi."

Jockey Hollie Doyle is set to make history by participating in the Juddmonte, becoming the first woman to ride in this prestigious event. This groundbreaking achievement highlights the progress being made in promoting gender equality within the sport.

The Juddmonte has a reputation for surprises, a tradition that dates back to its inaugural running in 1972 when the legendary Brigadier Gerard suffered his only career defeat at the hooves of Roberto. Even after 51 years, the race continues to offer thrilling upsets, and this year is no different.

One of the outsiders, a horse named The Foxes, is returning to the very same track where he achieved his greatest triumph in the Dante Stakes earlier this year. Despite his long odds, The Foxes cannot be dismissed as a hopeless contender, as he has already proven his mettle over this distance.

In the recent Epsom Derby, The Foxes finished fifth, showing signs of struggling to maintain the pace over the extended mile and a half. A stumble at the start further hindered his chances of success. However, his performance in the Belmont Derby in New York, where he came agonizingly close to victory, showcased his talent as a three-year-old. Despite a slow start from a wide draw, he finished strongly, indicating his potential to challenge the frontrunners.

As the Juddmonte approaches, all eyes will be on Jockey Hollie Doyle as she aims to make history and defy expectations. Alongside The Foxes, she will strive to demonstrate her skill and determination, paving the way for future generations of female jockeys in this esteemed event.

King Power racing manager Alastair Donald said, "He'll run with enormous credit and won't be far from the others. He was very unlucky in America, he should have won. We know he likes the course and distance and he's still improving."