The flat racing world recently witnessed Team Godolphin from Dubai unleashing 37 horses in a trans-Atlantic campaign. This ambitious move coincided with major Classics happening in both the UK and America, with Newmarket hosting the 2,000 and 1,000 Guineas while Churchill Downs in Kentucky set the stage for the 150th Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, known as the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Big-race handler Charlie Appleby, representing Godolphin, had top contenders at both venues, with the royal blue silks of Godolphin being represented in all four Classics before Encino was ruled out due to a soft tissue strain. Trainer Brad Cox made the announcement that Encino would not participate in the Kentucky Derby due to being off after training, but Bernardini filly Tarifa would race in the Kentucky Oaks following her victories in the Rachel Alexandra Stakes and G2 Fair Grounds Oaks.
Tarifa, under the guidance of Brad Cox, was prepared for a big run at the Kentucky Oaks following a successful winter/spring training period. The Godolphin team is optimistic about Tarifa’s chances and hopes for a consecutive Oaks win after Pretty Mischievous emerged victorious in the previous year. Meanwhile, Pretty Mischievous is set to contest the Group 1 La Troienne Stakes at Churchill Downs.
In the UK, Appleby was preparing for a busy weekend, leading a battalion of horses including unbeaten Dubawi colt Notable Speech in the 2,000 Guineas race. Notable Speech had won all three of his previous starts on Kempton Park’s synthetic surface and was aiming to secure Godolphin’s fifth win in the classic. Appleby expressed confidence in Notable Speech’s abilities and versatility, given his successful preparation and legendary sire.
Godolphin had multiple contenders lined up for the upcoming races, with hopes for success in both the UK and America. Mawj and Cinderella’s Dream were set to aim for victories following warm-up wins, while Dance Sequence and other Godolphin horses were preparing to compete in various stakes races. With a strong lineup and a history of success, Godolphin was poised for an exciting weekend of racing at both Newmarket and Churchill Downs.
