Friday 2nd October 2009
Special Duty and Awzaan nail Group 1 wins
She's so 'Special'! Another French winner of the Electrolux Cheveley Park Stakes. Pic: Chris Bourchier
CRIQUETTE HEAD-Maarek landed her fourth victory in the Cheveley Park Stakes (sponsored this year by Electrolux) with Special Duty beating Misheer by two and three quarter lengths.
Two of Head-Maarek’s past winners Ma Biche and Ravinella later returned to the Rowley Mile to take the 1000 Guineas and the bookies now make Special Duty favourite for the Stan James-sponsored Classic next May.
Stephane Pasquier was aboard the Hennessey filly who returned the 3/1 winner with the favourite Lady Of The Desert beaten into third.
In the other Group 1, the Shadwell Middle Park Stakes, Awzaan triggered Stan James 2000 Guineas dreams for trainer Mark Johnston.
The Alhaarth colt was too tough for his four rivals as he triumphed by three quarters of a length at odds of 4/1.
The outsider of the quintet Radiohead finished second with Showcasing a neck ahead of the Champagne Stakes winner Poet’s Voice.
Earlier in the afternoon Sir Michael Stoute continued his procession towards the trainers’ championship by taking both of the Group 3s on the card.
Tabassum bolted up by four lengths in the Sakhee Oh So Sharp Stakes and Confront nailed a victory in the Nayef Joel Stakes.
