Sunday, 25 September 2011
Sahpresa Reigns Supreme
Sahpresa reigned supreme in the Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes yet again as the resilient French mare became the first to win the Newmarket Group One three times.
Although the distance, conditions and age restrictions have been tinkered with over the years, this was still a substantial achievement by trainer Rod Collet and his stable star, who was exceeding Free Guest's two titles from the mid-80s in a race that generally favours the Classic generation.
Sahpresa and Collet were both virtual unknowns when she opened her account here at 16-1 in 2009, but she has become a familiar sight from regular trips across the water and went off the 13-8 favourite.
Christophe Lemaire was criticised for leaving it too late when second in the Falmouth Stakes during the summer, but he has since steered her to placed efforts in two strong French Group Ones.
Perfectly settled in a prominent position, she quickened into the lead and made it a hat-trick without much fuss, keeping a comfortable length between herself and Chachamaidee.