Calandagan and Ombudsman both produce scintillating performances as they kicked off their respective campaigns for the season. Calandagan posted his fifth Group 1 in a row as he mowed down West Wind Blows late on. He settled in rear and despite not looking all that engaged throughout, this class came to the fore late on.
Speaking to the Press Association, via Sporting Life, Calandagan’s trainer said: “The winter was long and he’s a world champion now so has a big reputation. I’m really thrilled because we need to start, we really want to get the season going. It was a big race today, it’s always hard to get a horse completely ready for a race like that.
“I said to Mickael he needed the race but he’s a champion. Mickael was not too confident through the race, he was on and off the bridle. On the last bend he said ‘we need to go’. I think he needed the run, to get back to the races. But it’s a fifth Group One in a row for this horse. He’s a real champion.”
’90 per cent’ Ombudsman on track for Royal Ascot
Ombudsman delivered his trademark turn of foot as he swept down the outside under William Buick. Despite a dream run up the inner, Quddwah failed to adopt a similar turn of foot though stayed on for a solid second.
John Gosden said: “It’s a great sense of relief. It’s not easy coming out of a winter in England, bringing a horse in ready to run. I think he’ll come on for the race. He was probably coming in here at 90 per cent but it was enough to get the job done. I thought William was wise, he said I’ll give the ground away, go wide, lose the ground there but I want a clear run in the straight. Absolutely thrilled with him.
“We’ll see how he get on the rest of the year. He’ll go to Royal Ascot now for the Prince Of Wales’s and from there we’ll know where we go.
Buick added: “Ombudsman showed there, first run of the year, what he can do. It was how we hoped it would happen, very smooth. He’s going to have a very exciting year ahead.
Magnitude rises to the occasion
Elsewhere, American raider Magnitude won the coveted Dubai World Cup for Jose Ortiz and Steven Asmussen. The four-year-old beat last years winner Hit Show last November, who had Forever Young back in second here last season. The Japanese runner was again a strong favourite, but couldn’t match the pace of Magnitude who made all.
“We’re just so ecstatic to do this for Ron Winchell” said Scott Blasi, Asmussen’s assistant. “We were second with Gun Runner but it was Magnitude’s day today. What an opportunity to do this again and I couldn’t be happier with him.”