One of the highlights of the third day of the Qatar Goodwood Festival was the Qatar Goodwood Cup (Gr2). After winning the 2015 edition of the race, Big Orange converted the try again this year ahead of Qatar Racing Limited-owned Pallasator.
The latter fought against Sheikhzayedroad for the second place, but finally took the advantage at the very end.
Big Orange, with jockey Jamie Spencer at the helm, led the race as he is used to. In the final furlongs, he was challenged on all sides, but managed to sustain his speed in order to resist the attacks and impose himself.
Big Orange had won his second straight Princess of Wales’s Arqana Racing Club (Gr2) three weeks ago.
“He’s a big strong galloper and he’s got stronger since last year and can sustain top speed for longer,” Spencer said after the win.
“I’m not convinced this is his track. On flat tracks, he’s much better as you can really let him at it, but you have to slow down for the bends here. He was tough when it came to it. They came to me at the three and matched me for speed and in the last furlong he just outstayed them again. I always wanted to be leading or sat second, but he got on with it and put them to the sword.”
Trainer Michael Bell, who was a bit reticent to commit to another Melbourne Cup trip in which his pupil finished fifth last year, said after the race: “He’s an enormous horse and big horses tend to mature with age. It’s a cliche, but like a fine wine, he’s getting better with age. He’s just a star to have in the yard. It’s lovely to have him. He loves this fast ground and he’s got such a high cruising speed, an enormous stride and, touch wood, he’s a very sound horse.
“Bill is not so keen, Tim (Gredley, owners) is very keen, I’d be quite keen, but I think we will have to see what weight he’s got before we commit. There are others possible targets for him like the Canadian International and the Hong Kong race, but there’s a lot to be chewed over and we will enjoy doing it. Bear in mind Melbourne is a handicap and if you get a prohibitive weight, there’s no point in going.”
Four-year-old filly California won the Markel Insurance Fillies’ Stakes (Gr3). The Denford Stud-owned filly won easily ahead of Tioga Pass and Twitch.