Chandon Golden Rose Stakes (Group 1)

THE Rubrick colt Jacquinot has assured his future with a brilliant win in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill over 1,400 metres last Saturday, putting the A$15 million Everest firmly in his sights.

Near the rear of the field as the 16 starters rounded the final bend, he powered down the middle of the track as In Secret battled with Zou Tiger and her stablemate Golden Mile, the winner looking to emerge from the trio.

With 50 metres to run, In Secret got the upper-hand over her rivals just as Jacquinot swept past in the final few strides. The margin was a neck to Godolphin’s I Am Invincible filly as the Zoustar colt Zou Tiger claimed third.

“It’s fantastic. What a win,” said Michael Kent Jr who trains Jacquinot in partnership with Mick Price.

“They don’t normally do that. The speed was on and it kept flowing and the important thing was, the horse broke well and got into a winning position. But they’d rolled so well that on straightening, he was eight or 10 lengths off them and it was going to take a big performance to win. He’s got a huge action on him and just let’s down so well.”

Retained

Jacquinot is bred and part-owned by Coolmore Australia chairman Lindsay Maxsted having been passed in for $120,000 at the Magic Millions with Maxstead retaining the colt to race with his partners.

“Lindsay is our chairman at Coolmore but he’s not here today. I think he is regretting that now,” said Tom Magnier.

On Monday, the Everest was confirmed. “I’ve had a chat with some of the owners and we’re definitely going for the Everest,” said Mick Price.

“It’s an exciting race, The Everest, he’s won his Group 1, so we have a bit of credit in the bank, and I think it would be sensational to win an Everest.”

By Tuesday, Coolmore confirmed Jacquinot as their slot starter. “As the 64th Group 1 winner ‘raised and grazed’ at Coolmore, we have a special connection with this extremely talented colt. His dam Ponterro (by Pierro) and grandam Pontiana reside at Coolmore and it is a great pleasure to share in his success with the owner and breeders who are long-term, loyal supporters of Coolmore and its stallions.” Jacquinot will attempt to become only the second three-year-old to win the Everest following the Coolmore-owned Yes Yes Yes in 2019.