The north’s best sprint fillings came to prominence in the 1895 Duke of York Stakes (G2), but it was Blue who continued to rise through the ranks to reject queen Knavesmire Highland princess in a thrilling ending.
Godolphin’s 1st group win sprinter creative force —placed third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) for coach Charlie Appleby—with a serious leg injury.
Australian sprinter astrologer who finished second in the Al Quoz Sprint (G1) in March in Meydan, came in a disappointing seventh.
Beaten in a Rank 4 company by distance and distance just under a year ago, 4-year-old Azure Blue has improved by 26 lbs. since then, but was sent off 12-1 despite an impressive Newmarket listing win last time out.
The Highfield Princess rushed into contention with Jason Hart in her bid to win back-to-back races, while also enjoying her moment of wonder in England at the track during last year’s Nunthorpe Stakes (G1).
However, Azure Blue came up late under Paul Mulrennan to score at half-length to give jockey and coach Michael Dods their first success in group 2. Dods also came in at No. three in Commanche . Falls in a dream-like result for the Darlington home team.
“She’s done nothing but improve since the end of last season and we don’t feel that we’re ready for her before Newmarket, we haven’t given her the job,” Dods said.
“It’s been a big step up to today, but there isn’t anything else to gain in the short term. I know there will be improvement and she has shown herself to be a group 1 horse that likes to be. fit.”
Angel Mecca with the long-term goal of the Prix de l’Abbaye (G1).
He said: “The Angel of Mecca is all speed, but she’s hitting that pace later in her career. She’s hitting that level. Commanche Falls ran a super race. and getting first and third in the race really was like group 1 was amazing.”
It was also another glorious Knavesmire moment for Mulrennan, who recorded his greatest successes in the saddle at the track with victories over Mecca’s Angel’s Nunthorpe in 2015 and 2016.
He said: “Michael’s horses come to life here and he is a connoisseur of these premium fillings. “Especially at this point in my career, it’s great to have winners on the big stage.
“When you have big days like this, you don’t have to worry about early mornings or long trips. That’s what it’s all about.”
Highfield Princess Relationships is optimistic about her brave defeat and is excitedly bidding to add to her next three top-level wins.
Trainer John Quinn said: “Nobody knows year after year a horse will keep its abilities and she was a mare between five and six years old but she showed it all. his enthusiasm.
“She always started on her first run and will now run in group 1 and won’t be penalized. The King’s Platform is her next target, she has incredible speed.”
