Blue Bolt, trained by Andrew Balding, produced a stunning performance to defeat the odds-on favourite Precise in the Group One Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket on Friday. The 4-5 favourite Precise could only finish two lengths behind the winner, becoming the fifth of the last seven odds-on shots to disappoint in this race.
Blue Bolt's Triumph
Blue Bolt, ridden by Colin Keane, had previously finished second in last October's Sun Chariot Stakes on her only other start at the highest level. Precise, meanwhile, arrived at Newmarket with two Group One wins already this season. The pair were among four runners across the track inside the final two furlongs, but Blue Bolt's sharp acceleration carried her clear.
"She's quality," Balding said. "Obviously, she looked good at Ascot and it's just nice to see her do it today in that style. She was getting a little lonely at the end, but she's just got that amazing cruising speed and the ability to sustain it. She's an exceptional miler."
Precise's Future Plans
Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Precise, indicated she may step up in trip. "We always thought she would stay," O'Brien said. "We left her at a mile when we had the other filly going a mile-and-a-quarter next time. It was a very good run today and the winner is a good filly. The Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf could be a long-term aim."
Senorita Bonita Shines in Duchess of Cambridge Stakes
Earlier on the card, Senorita Bonita, the 900,000 guineas top lot at the Craven breeze-up sale, won the Group Two Duchess of Cambridge Stakes by three-quarters of a length under Oisin Murphy. She will now step up to Group One company, with the Prix Morny at Deauville next month a likely target.
"Her turn of foot was electric today," Ed Crisford, her trainer, said. "I think we'll give her a go in Deauville."
Satono Reve Looks for July Cup Redemption
Satono Reve, Japan's leading sprinter, was edged out in the dying strides for the second year running in the Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last month. He can gain compensation in Saturday's July Cup at Newmarket. Newmarket's July course is less demanding at the business end, and Christophe Lemaire, successful on Satono Reve in a Grade One in Japan earlier this year, should get a good tow from the speedy Quinault in stall three.
Saturday Racing Tips
Greg Wood's selections include Al Wathba (Newmarket 1.40), Schrodinger's Cat (Ascot 1.55), Machadadorp (Newmarket 2.15), Zeus Olympios (Ascot 2.27), The Lost King (York 2.39), Alfaraz (Newmarket 2.52), Luna A Inbhir Nis (York 3.12), Physique (Newmarket 3.25), Quai De Bethune (York 3.45), Al Hudaiba (Newmarket 4.00), Tabletalk (York 4.55), and Satono Reve (Newmarket 4.35).
