Kingdom of Bahrain

Sun Chariot Stakes

(Group 1)

ON what was to become a truly memorable weekend for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore, Alice Springs made no mistake in the Group 1 Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday.

Happy to track the leading trio for much of the 10-furlong journey, Moore eased Alice Springs out with two furlongs to travel and was in front with just over a furlong to go. The 13/8 favourite then showed commendable courage to hold Godolphin’s Always Smile by three-parts of a length on the climb to the line. French challenger Ervedya, steadily finding her form, was only a length away in third.

Alice Springs, yet another fine advertisement for her sire Galileo, was winning her third Group 1 race from her last four outings. Successful in the Falmouth and the Matron Stakes, her only below-par effort came in the Prix Rothschild at Deauville. She is very tough and consistent and her season is far from over.

“She’s an unbelievable filly,” O’Brien commented. “She’s big and physically she’s made some great progress and is a real powerhouse now. She travels very strongly and quickens so well. Ryan always seemed to be happy.”

The possibilities for the winner include the Breeders’ Cup Mile, one of the few gaps in her trainer’s outstanding record, together with the Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot, although that may come a shade too soon.

Godolphin need to challenge Ballydoyle at the highest level and occasionally there are signs that it is starting to happen. Always Smile had finished third to Alice Springs in the Falmouth and ran her closer this time without ever looking likely to get up.

Saeed Bin Suroor welcomed further evidence that his string is returning to form and mentioned the Turf on World Cup night in Dubai as a likely long-term target.