Saturday 17th October 2009
Twice Over is just 'Champion'
What a thriller! Twice Over (Pink Cap) edges Emirates Airline Champion Stakes
TWICE OVER was a popular winner of the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes for trainer Henry Cecil and jockey Tom Queally.
The son of Observatory, who was second to New Approach in this contest twelve months ago, gained a first Group 1 success in the prestigious Champions' Day showpiece.
Khalid Abdulla’s colt, sent off at 14/1, was settled midfield by Queally as Set Sail set a fast tempo.
At the 4f marker Queally still had plenty of horse beneath him and he quickened up well to take over the running from Fame And Glory inside the final two furlongs.
He stayed on gamely up the hill to repel the late challenges of Sariska and Mawatheeq and score by half a length.
Twice Over followed in the hoofprints of Indian Skimmer and Bosra Sham who also won this famous 1m 2f racefor Cecil.
The delighted trainer said of his 14/1 winner: “I think he’s a better horse than last year. He’s improved with age and has gained some confidence.
“He’s been working very well but we were slightly concerned that the ground might be a bit quick as he’s better with some cut..”
Trainer Aidan O'Brien landed a 1-2 in the Jumeirah Dewhurst Stakes with Beethoven pipping stablemate Fencing Master.
The market suggested the son of Oratorio was the stable’s third string but he was produced under a typically strong drive by Ryan Moore to land the spoils at odds of 33/1.
Moore settled his mount close to the pace but he was already being niggled along at halfway. Towards the business end of the race Beethoven really found his stride, running on strongly up the hill to collar Xtension inside the final 100 yards to win by a neck.
O’Brien said: “He’s a very tough horse who is getting better with every race. My son Joseph rode him in the week and said the visor may sharpen him up. He is improving all the time and I'm delighted."
