Sixteen and Sussex
July 31st 2008 07:24
As Aidan O’Brien gathered his 16th Group One win for the season with the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, it was fitting that it was his exciting colt Henrythenavigator who added to the tally. In fact, Henrythenavigator has now been responsible for 25% of this tally.
(photo: PA)
Usually the homework (and preparation for the exam) by Ballydole are worthy of an A grade. This time the designated pacemaker, Windsor Palace, was not equipped to produce (or sustain) a tempo that would allow the best horse in the field to produce his best.
More than two furlongs from home Johnny Murtagh had no option but to allow his brilliant colt to stride to the front. And once there the odds-on favourite was a sitting shot for Raven’s Pass to this time run him down and defeat the champion miler. And Raven’s Pass did get within a head of defeating Henry on the line - but Murtagh believes that he was never going to be headed and that Henrythenavigator had idled in the lead and had much more in reserve.
In serious consideration now is the prospect of sending Henrythenavigator to the US to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. The race is now run on synthetic sand, and not the out-of-favour dirt that had brought about the defeats of other champions from Ballydoyle attempting the same task: Giant’s Causeway performed best with a second, while brilliant performers Galileo, Hawk Wing and (the unfortunate) George Washington all failed.
It would also be a step up in distance for Henrythenavigator to 10 furlongs. Of course this staying-bred horse was ready to start in the Epsom Derby had track conditions suited. The extra distance should even suit.
I wonder what Henrythenavigator’s ranking will be at the end of the season? He has twice defeated higher ranked (Epsom Derby winner) New Approach. And now Henrythenavigator has won four Group One races in succession: English 2,000 Guineas; Irish 2,000 Guineas; St James’s Palace Stakes; Sussex Stakes.
In some pre-post markets he is favourite to defeat (top ranked horse in the world) Curlin should he contest the Breeders’ Cup Classic - if Curlin does not contest the Arc. The appearance of Henrythenavigator would save the Breeders’ Cup Classic this year and make it an interesting match race - or even three cornered contest should Big Brown also contest. A race with great appeal.
I think the latest rankings will move significantly before year’s end.
Curlin on 130 would be subject to challenge from the potential Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner - should that be Montmartre (outside of the top 10 at this time!); Zarkava or even New Approach. Big Brown would need to defeat both Curlin and Henrythenavigator to be considered for the top position. But what of Henry? Already I regard him well undervalued being behind in rankings Big Brown and Tartan Bearer.
At this moment I would rank him second to only Curlin. The running of the Arc will disclose more about the fabulous French duo - but to my mind Henrythenavigator has out performed all bar the fabulous Curlin.
Perhaps Aidan O’Brien is talking up the future stud value of Henrythenavigator when he calls him ‘the best miler’ he has ever trained. Ballydoyle have an illustrious list of champion milers. And the depth of 3 year olds may not have been as great as on some past occasions. But I don't wish to devalue his performances of this season, or make comparisons between champions from different eras. Not at this time. Right now I'm just enjoying the deeds of Henry.
Watch Henrythenavigator win the Sussex Stakes (you know his colours):
Henrythenavigator wins the Sussex Stakes
(photo: PA)
Usually the homework (and preparation for the exam) by Ballydole are worthy of an A grade. This time the designated pacemaker, Windsor Palace, was not equipped to produce (or sustain) a tempo that would allow the best horse in the field to produce his best.
More than two furlongs from home Johnny Murtagh had no option but to allow his brilliant colt to stride to the front. And once there the odds-on favourite was a sitting shot for Raven’s Pass to this time run him down and defeat the champion miler. And Raven’s Pass did get within a head of defeating Henry on the line - but Murtagh believes that he was never going to be headed and that Henrythenavigator had idled in the lead and had much more in reserve.
In serious consideration now is the prospect of sending Henrythenavigator to the US to compete in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. The race is now run on synthetic sand, and not the out-of-favour dirt that had brought about the defeats of other champions from Ballydoyle attempting the same task: Giant’s Causeway performed best with a second, while brilliant performers Galileo, Hawk Wing and (the unfortunate) George Washington all failed.
It would also be a step up in distance for Henrythenavigator to 10 furlongs. Of course this staying-bred horse was ready to start in the Epsom Derby had track conditions suited. The extra distance should even suit.
I wonder what Henrythenavigator’s ranking will be at the end of the season? He has twice defeated higher ranked (Epsom Derby winner) New Approach. And now Henrythenavigator has won four Group One races in succession: English 2,000 Guineas; Irish 2,000 Guineas; St James’s Palace Stakes; Sussex Stakes.
In some pre-post markets he is favourite to defeat (top ranked horse in the world) Curlin should he contest the Breeders’ Cup Classic - if Curlin does not contest the Arc. The appearance of Henrythenavigator would save the Breeders’ Cup Classic this year and make it an interesting match race - or even three cornered contest should Big Brown also contest. A race with great appeal.
I think the latest rankings will move significantly before year’s end.
Curlin on 130 would be subject to challenge from the potential Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner - should that be Montmartre (outside of the top 10 at this time!); Zarkava or even New Approach. Big Brown would need to defeat both Curlin and Henrythenavigator to be considered for the top position. But what of Henry? Already I regard him well undervalued being behind in rankings Big Brown and Tartan Bearer.
At this moment I would rank him second to only Curlin. The running of the Arc will disclose more about the fabulous French duo - but to my mind Henrythenavigator has out performed all bar the fabulous Curlin.
Perhaps Aidan O’Brien is talking up the future stud value of Henrythenavigator when he calls him ‘the best miler’ he has ever trained. Ballydoyle have an illustrious list of champion milers. And the depth of 3 year olds may not have been as great as on some past occasions. But I don't wish to devalue his performances of this season, or make comparisons between champions from different eras. Not at this time. Right now I'm just enjoying the deeds of Henry.
Watch Henrythenavigator win the Sussex Stakes (you know his colours):
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