Delegator Miles too good

Zacinto chases home impressive winner at Goodwood

Last updated: 29th August 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Delegator Miles too good

Delegator

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Delegator showed he retains all his ability on his first start for Godolphin with victory in the Group Two totesport.com Celebration Mile at Goodwood.

Runner-up in the 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes for Brian Meehan, the classy colt claimed a deserved success for his new connections under a confident Frankie Dettori.

Outsider Ordnance Row set an even gallop with Dettori tracking the pace in third as the progressive Zacinto chased the lead.

Dane O'Neill quickened from the front on the leader and the 4-6 favourite needed to be pulled out at the two furlong marker to avoid trouble in running.

The colt had two lengths to find but quickened in taking fashion when Dettori popped the question, and was firmly on top inside the final furlong before beating Zacinto (5-2) by a length-and-a-half, Ordnance Row (33-1) staying on for third.

"He showed a tremendous turn of foot, he's a proper horse," said the winning jockey.

"He was second to Sea the Stars, he was second to Mastercraftsman. It was nice to get his confidence back today and it's all systems go for the QEII.

"I spoke to Jamie (Spencer) this morning and he said ride him with confidence.

Cup plan

"I was actually quite taken with the way he picked up - I haven't ridden a horse like this for a while."

Simon Crisford, racing manager to Godolphin, said the Breeders' Cup was now firmly on the horse's agenda.

"His class has shown," he said. "Good horses can get themselves out of trouble and he has got that turn of foot.

"It was all there in the form book and we had hoped to see that kind of performance. But first time out for a new stable you are never sure.

"This horse has always been special, and after he ran in the St James's Palace we were really keen to have him although we weren't the only ones.

"He will go to the QEII next as that is the race we want to win, and then he will go the Breeders' Cup for the Mile. Santa Anita will suit him well and that really is his race.

"He hasn't been over-raced this season, so he will still be fresh going into November and the exciting thing is he stays in training next year."