Snow Fairy and Meeznah, separated by just a neck when first and second in the English Oaks, go at it again at the Curragh on Sunday in the $548,000, Group 1 Irish Oaks, when they will be joined by two very dangerous rivals in Hibaayeb and Rosanara.
Overdose, the uncannily speedy sprinter who has been plagued with foot problems since winning the voided running of the Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp in 2008, makes his much anticipated return to the races at Bratislava Racecourse in Slovakia on Sunday. The occasion is a five-furlong listed race worth $12,900 called the Cena Mysa, in which he will be ridden by Gary Hind, an Englishman who is now based in the Czech Republic.
Zazou will need top effort in German Derby
Snow Fairy, Meeznah meet again in Irish Oaks
Overdose returning to races in Slovakia
Behkabad held off even-money favorite Planteur to win the Group 1, $765,000 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Wednesday, rewarding his Bastille Day backers to the tune of 8.80-1. Never worse than third under Gerald Mosse, the 3-year-old son of Cape Cross led at the quarter pole and found something extra when challenged by Planteur to prevail by three-quarters of a length, clocking 2:33.30 for the 1 1/2 miles on very soft ground.
Planteur heads a contentious field of nine 3-year-olds going 1 1/2 miles in the Group 1, $754,000 Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp on Wednesday. France’s Bastille Day feature has drawn three horses from the Prix du Jockey-Club, which, at 1 5/16 miles, serves as the French Derby.
Starspangledbanner emerged the gritty winner of the Group 1, $605,000 July Cup at Newmarket on Friday, with the speedy Australian-bred prevailing by a neck over the game pacesetting Equiano. American hopes went up in smoke, however, as Kinsale King weakened to finish 12th after having tracked the early pace in third.
Music Show turned European filly form on its head Wednesday with an impressive victory in the Group 1, $280,000 Falmouth Stakes over the Newmarket July Course, leaving Coronation Stakes winner Lillie Langtry and dual Guineas winner Special Duty far behind while recording a two-length victory over Spacious.
