Saturday 28th June 2008
Racer is pure speed in Criterion win
John Gosden - trainer of the Group 3 Criterion Stakes winner Racer Forever
Racer Forever made every yard as he became a Group 3 winner with success in the betinternet.com Criterion Stakes at Newmarket today.
Mohammed Obaida’s five-year-old was popped out of the stalls to grab both the stand’s rail and pole position.
He did not relinquish either as jockey Jimmy Fortune judged the pace to perfection, gradually increasing the tempo up front.
As they entered the last of the 7 furlongs, the John Gosden-trained Racer Forever held a narrow advantage from his rivals and was driven out in the final strides to score by a head from the favourite King Of Dixie. It was the Rahy gelding’s fourth career triumph
"We always thought he had a race like this in him," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Mohammed Obaida. "The small field just played into his hands."
In a thrilling finish to the betinternet.com Fred Archer Stakes, Lion Sands nabbed Tranquil Tiger late on to score by a head.
The day's other Listed race, the betinternet.com Empress Stakes, went the way of the favourite Baileys Cacao, who gave trainer Richard Hannon back-to-back triumphs after Weald Park ran away with the opening Sign-Up Bonus At betinternet.com Maiden Stakes.
Friday had seen another successful 'Newmarket Nights' with Jools Holland and his friends once again thrilling an enthusiastic crowd after a seven-race card.
We are racing next on Wednesday July 9 when the brilliant Ritz Club July Festival gets underway. Call the box office on 01638 675500 or book on-line via this website to secure your tickets for one of racing's great summer meetings.
