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| Staff Writer |
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Nations Pride added to Godolphin's impressive track record in Canada with a superb performance at Woodbine on Sunday. Securing a third Gr.1 victory, Nations Pride emerged victorious in the Canadian International, defeating Royal Champion.
The Teofilo colt is now a success in five different countries and is aiming for more stamps on his passport over the coming months. The Bahrain International Trophy is his prime objective, followed by a possible trip to Hong Kong.
With The Moonlight ran well on the same Woodbine card, claiming the runner-up spot in the E P Taylor Stakes. The full-sister to Dream Castle has now finished second at Gr.1 level three times in North America, in addition to a pair of Gr.2 wins at Meydan earlier this year.
Master Of The Seas narrowly lost in Gr.1 company for the second time in his career, as he was collared on the line by Up To The Mark in the Turf Mile at Keeneland on Saturday. The 5YO, who was beaten by a short-head in the 2021 2,000 Guineas, may remain in the US to prepare for a potential Breeders’ Cup Mile bid.
Wet weather disrupted racing at Aqueduct over the weekend, with Measured Time and Star Of Mystery missing out after their races were taken off the turf, and Rebel’s Romance failing to run to form on soft ground. 2YO filly Central Avenue had no issue with a sloppy track as she finished second in the Gr.1 Frizette Stakes.
Lemon Pop produced a stunning display on his first appearance since disappointing in the Dubai Golden Shaheen, routing the field in the NAR Gr.1 Mile Championship Nambu Hai in Japan on Monday, taking his record to nine wins from 13 starts.
In Australia, Zardozi set herself up for a possible tilt at the VRC Oaks when flashing home to take the Gr.2 Edward Manifold Stakes at Flemington, with Tamerlane enjoying Listed success on the same card.
Cylinder and In Secret will give Godolphin two live chances in the world’s richest sprint race on turf, The Everest at Royal Randwick this Saturday.
All eyes will be on Keeneland as Mawj makes her first appearance since winning the 1,000 Guineas in the same day’s Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup. First Mission, who missed the Preakness Stakes through a late injury, also makes an eagerly awaited return to action in the following race.