England: Russian Rhythm takes 1000 Guineas

Russian Rhythm proved her doubters wrong with a convincing victory over Six Perfections and Intercontinental in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, England.

Russian Rhythm showed none of the lethargy she had displayed in her morning works before the one-mile fillies classic. Kieren Fallon brought her from 18th place to the lead at the furlong pole, and Russian Rhythm gave trainer Michael Stoute his second 1000 Guineas title, the first having come with Musical Bliss in 1989.

Russian Rhythm covered the straight mile on good-to-firm ground in 1:38.43 and could go next in the one-mile Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 20. Russian Rhythm, a daughter of Kingmambo, is owned by Cheveley Park Stud.

The 8-5 favorite, Six Perfections, saw her four-race winning streak ended after a very rough trip. Bumped twice, she finished rapidly to be beaten by only 1 1/2 lengths.

"It's very tough to take," said Six Perfections's trainer, Pascal Bary. "The French Guineas is next Sunday, so if we try again it will probably be the Irish 1000 Guineas on May 25."

Intercontinental, a half-sister to Heat Haze, winner of Saturday's Distaff Turf Mile at Churchill Downs, led from the quarter pole to the eighth pole but faded to third, beaten 2 3/4 lengths.

"The distance was always a fear, and the last furlong proved a bit much," said Andre Fabre, trainer of Intercontinental.