Dual Royal Ascot winner Khaadem second on first US start as Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint favourite Cogburn impresses

Dual Royal Ascot winner Khaadem finished strongly from the rear but was ultimately well held in second when chasing home Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint favourite Cogburn in the Ainsworth Turf Sprint Stakes.

The eight-year-old became the first back-to-back winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes since Right Boy in 1959 when successfully defending his crown at the royal meeting in June and was having his first start in the United States, with his trainer Charlie Hills in search of fast ground.

The gelded son of Dark Angel was slowly away under Jamie Spencer but made significant progress to finish three and three-quarter lengths behind Cogburn.

The Irad Ortiz-ridden winner is no bigger than 5-2 for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint on November 2 after justifying 11-10 favouritism in the Grade 2.

The Steven Asmussen-trained five-year-old beat subsequent Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Nobals in last year’s Troy Stakes and confirmed that Saratoga form, with the latter finishing fourth.

Cogburn has been a revelation since switching to turf, with his sole defeat in six starts on grass coming when fifth in last year’s Ainsworth. After his star sprinter had made amends for that length defeat behind Gear Jockey, who was seventh when attempting to defend his crown, Asmussen said: “What an amazing horse Cogburn is. What a wonderful ownership group."

Asmussen, quoted by Bloodhorse, added: “I'm so proud that it's the first time he ran since WinStar bought his breeding rights. For him to validate the form he has shown all year long in his turf sprints is very special." 

Cogburn missed last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint after being sidelined following his defeat in this race, but will likely line-up a hot favourite for that contest at Del Mar on November 2.

Khaadem’s fellow Fitri Hay-owned stablemate Ancient Rome managed only seventh when attempting to repeat his victory in the Mint Millions Stakes. The five-year-old, who had finished third at the highest level in the Arlington Million Stakes when last seen, never threatened under Spencer in the Grade 3 that was won by Goliad.

No joy for Dettori and O'Brien

Frankie Dettori had been due to partner Mountain Bear in the Mint Millions but the Aidan O'Brien-trained colt did not make the journey, while Chief Little Rock, another of the rider’s intended mounts for Ballydoyle, was deemed unsound and scratched by the vet before the Grade 2 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes won by the Todd Pletcher-trained Grand Sonata. 

Dettori had earlier finished fourth on O’Brien’s 2-1 favourite Greenfinch behind Neecie Marie in the Grade 3 Ladies Marathon Stakes, in which the Roger Varian-trained Three Priests came home in third.

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