Gleneagles Storms to St. James's Palace Win
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Coolmore and partners' dual Guineas winner Gleneagles unleashed a rousing burst of acceleration past rivals and won the St. James's Palace Stakes (Eng-I) June 16, opening day at Royal Ascot.
The colt's 2 1/2-length victory as the 8-15 favorite marked the third consecutive group I win for the son of Galileo, who entered off classic scores in the Tattersalls Irish Two Thousand Guineas May 23 at the Curragh and QIPCO Two Thousand Guineas May 3 at Newmarket. Trainer Aidan O'Brien enjoyed a record seventh win in the race, eclipsing 19th century trainer Matthew Dawson with six winners.
Ryan Moore settled Gleneagles in fourth as Consort set the pace with Frankie Dettori, and eagerly responded when Moore ignited his rally early in early stretch. The colt showed rapid speed to collar the leader nearing the furlong mark and shook clear to win under a hand ride.
Gleneagles covered the one-mile trip in 1:38.86 on firm turf, cementing himself as Europe's top 3-year-old miler.
"He's got a very good turn of foot," Moore said. "It was a muddling race and messy early on. Frankie (Dettori) had (on Consort) his own way up front.
"He's a pleasure to ride and getting better. I never really got serious with him, just hands and heels."
Goldophin Racing's 25-1 longshot Latharnach, a Kentucky-bred son of Iffraaj, powered past Consort near the finish line for a praiseworthy second, a half length to the good of the third-place finisher.
Make Believe, winner of the Prix d'Essai des Poulain (Fr-I, French Two Thousand Guineas) May 10, led out of the gate before pressing Consort under stout restraint. He ran out of steam early in the stretch and faded to finish last in the seven-horse field.
O'Brien indicated the Sussex Stakes (Eng-I) July 29 at Goodwood might be next for Gleneagles, who most likely would face Dubai Turf (UAE-I) victor Solow, winner of the Queen Anne (Eng-I) earlier on Tuesday's card.
Storm Cat's daughter, You'resothrilling, a multiple group winner and a half sister to Central Kentucky sire Giant's Causeway , is the dam of Irish-bred Gleneagles, a full brother to 2014 Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-I) winner Marvellous.