Thursday 29 July 2010

My Old Favourite Obliges Again...Hooh Hah!


Kieren Fallon got a great tune out of the veteran Borderlescott as the eight-year-old landed Goodwood's Audi King George Stakes by half a length.

Racing down the centre of the track, Robin Bastiman's stable star came with his customary late run and landed some hefty bets as the 9-2 favourite. Group Therapy and Astrophysical Jet produced late charges up the inside rail to claim the minor honours.

Fallon said: "He's been a great servant for the Bastiman family. A few different jockeys have ridden him and I was delighted to get the ride. He made it easy for me and won quite easy in the finish. I was stuck in behind in a bit of a pocket. I got a lucky run down the outside and he did it comfortably at the finish.

"You wouldn't think he'd had a race. He doesn't use any gas at all, he's totally switched off. I had to push him down to the post. Most sprinters use most of their energy even before the race. As soon as he gets into the gate he knows he's in a race and he lights up."

Bastiman added: "He's just an unbelievable horse. He's eight now and you wonder when he's going to lose that dash. We know he's been coming to hand - he comes right this time of year and he's just getting better and better.

"He's just getting a bit older and taking a bit longer to wind up, but once he gets wound up he goes. He's better of the bridle. Kieren gave him a couple of smacks and he got into overdrive. Bring on the Nunthorpe now. I think he's better now than ever."

Borderlescott's usual rider Neil Callan was suspended and Bastiman was asked if Fallon would keep the mount.

"It's an awkward question and I'll have to talk to the owners," he said. "I feel sorry for Neil, as he picked up a one-day ban in a Mickey Mouse race. It's a shame for the owner when things like that happen as you need the right man on board. Scotty is very easy but with others, you need that knowledge."

Jeremy Noseda said of runner-up Group Therapy: "I'm delighted and he's run a huge race. The draw did not help, but I've no complaints and that is a lifetime best from him. We could have a pop at the Nunthorpe or we may take in the view that we could take in a lesser race and try to get a stakes race into him."

Ed McMahon was thrilled with third-placed Astrophysical Jet, saying: "She was the first three-year-old and she's run a cracking race. We've found her trip and she's only been beaten three-quarters of a length by a Group One winner. We've got two options, the Flying Five at the Curragh or a Group Three at Longchamp."