Earthlight promises much for the future – and Frankie does it againEarthlight promises much for the future – and Frankie does it again
Newmarket presented a card full of potential on Saturday as a clutch of unbeaten juvenile colts clashed in the Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes, the fillies had their turn at Group One level in the Cheveley Park – and the annual Cambridgeshire puzzle was unravelled. It was a tale of the unexpected at times – but one that overall delivered on its rich promise. Earthlight’s bright future The Middle Park was billed as a juvenile race for the ages as Earthlight, Siskin and Mums Tipple arrived with a perfect 10 victories out of 10 between them. Andre Fabre’s Godolphin-owned colt had his task eased perhaps when Siskin had to be withdrawn after proving unruly in the stalls. Nonetheless, it was a substantial performance to quicken past Golden Horde and win by a neck – with much power to add, on the basis of the measured but confident post-race remarks of a trainer who has every reason to believe Earthlight will stay further next season.
Performance of the day Earthlight undoubtedly deserves very honourable mention here too, as does Millisle for belying her odds of 16-1 with a convincing Cheveley Park win. Yet it was a supposed handicapper who turned out to be the easiest winner of the day. Frankie Dettori could afford to drink in Lord North’s superiority as they vindicated a major gamble into 9-2 favourite to land the bet365 Cambridgeshire by the cheekiest of three-quarter lengths. Group races surely beckon for a three-year-old who blotted his copybook at Sandown back in May, but is clearly a different proposition following his midsummer gelding operation. Quote of the day Shock of the day Sadly for Ger Lyons, and Juddmonte, this was provided by Siskin. They never got a run for their trouble, but at least the form book still confirms that the First Defence colt remains unbeaten. Speed of the essence The worst of this week’s downpours spared HQ, and it was no surprise to see record times abound through the first half of the stellar card. Disappointment, fulfilment – or anywhere in between – there can be little doubt this was top-class form at every turn. Tweet of the day What’s next? For Dettori, Gosden – and millions of racing devotees the world over – the countdown currently stands at just eight days before Enable bids for an unprecedented third Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp next Sunday. Those waiting for Newmarket’s next instalment of juvenile Group One set-pieces – Pinatubo et al – must be patient for a week more.
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