Staff Writer |
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Almaqam produced a stunning front-running performance to defeat the previously unbeaten Ombudsman in the Gr.3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes at Sandown, with Oisin Murphy dictating tactics from the outset to secure a dominant victory.
Ed Walker's charge had endured a disappointing seasonal debut in the Gordon Richards Stakes at the same venue, but the trainer's decision to employ different tactics proved inspired as Murphy sent his mount straight to the lead from stall one.
The 4YO son of Lope De Vega never looked in serious danger once establishing his advantage, running out a comfortable length-and-three-quarter winner to announce himself as a potential Group One performer.
Walker revealed his relief at seeing the tactical switch work perfectly after his charge's below-par effort last time. "Thank God. He has got a great attitude. Last year we had him in a lip chain in the preliminaries, but this year we took it off and he is just asleep, and he is so laid back."
The Lambourn trainer explained how his horse's temperament had cost him previously. "I think that is what got him beat last time as he was still on his winter holiday. He flopped out of the gates, and he flopped round and didn't really help Tom Marquand out."
Walker admitted to pre-race worries about the going conditions after observing other horses withdrawn from earlier races. "He had definitely sharpened up at home for that run. I was worried about the ground as I saw the soft ground horses coming out this morning and I thought what do they know that I don't. The good-to-firm in there made me nervous, but I walked the track, and it is good ground."
The trainer's concerns proved misplaced as his charge handled the conditions perfectly, with Murphy finding plenty of horse beneath him when John and Thady Gosden's representative loomed as a threat in the straight.
"When the Gosden horse loomed up I thought we were cooked here, but he was really tough and he stays well," Walker continued.
The victory marked a significant moment for Walker and his team, who had deliberately avoided other Group One opportunities to target this contest. "It was a big day for him, my team, and myself as we have all believed a lot in this horse. We skipped a couple of Group Ones at the weekend to come here and get the job done and thank God he did."
Walker revealed ambitious plans for his stable star, including potential trips over longer distances. "Ryan Moore said last year at Longchamp he would definitely get a mile and a half, and I told him about his pedigree and he said maybe not, but Oisin said exactly the same that he would stay a mile and half."
The trainer has entered his horse in the Arc, demonstrating his confidence in the 4YO's ability. "We have stuck him in the Arc, and I've never hidden how much I think about this horse. I think ground is absolutely key and it will be hard to know exactly what to do with him through the summer, but I think good ground is as quick as he wants to be."
Murphy was full of praise for his mount's professional attitude and performance level. "He gave me a really nice feeling today. Ed's comments were that he is very relaxed and easy to ride. I loved his temperament."
The jockey revealed his tactical thinking had been influenced by other withdrawals from the race. "I didn't discuss it with Ed, but I had a good think about it when Bolster and Ancient Wisdom came out of the race, I thought I might be able to lead and I was able to sort of dictate without slowing down too much."
Murphy emphasised the importance of ground conditions for his mount's success. "Ed is right, there is loads of juice in the ground today and that is probably key as he is a big horse with big feet."
Despite losing his unbeaten record, Ombudsman's connections remained positive about their charge's prospects. Thady Gosden highlighted several mitigating factors in the defeat.
"It was a very pleasing run. He hasn't run for over 200 days, and he gave three pounds to the winner as well there. He was a little fresh early on, but he settled nicely and quickened up the straight nicely. Obviously, the winner is a smart horse, but it was a pleasing performance first time back."
Royal Ascot remains firmly on the agenda for both horses following their impressive performances.