Andrew Balding landed his first Juddmonte International Stakes as Item overcame trouble in running to pip Almaqam on the line.
The race was billed by many as a two horse race between Constitution River and Ombudsman. The suggested complexion of the race panned out differently from the off, with Hawk Mountain becoming the Coolmore pacemaker. Constitution River sat in second behind his teammate, with the Godolphin pacemaker in third.
Ombudsman sat last into the turn for home and despite a clear run up the inner, failed to perform. Almaqam hit the front and once fending off Constitution River, he looked home and hosed. However, once released from a pocket, Item motored home down the outside to land a fifth career win.
Remarkably, it was touch and go as to whether Item would participate after declarations. Speaking to the Press Association, via the Racing Post, Andrew Balding said: “We declared but at the time of declaration he wasn’t running. We just thought we’d give it time because they found a little blood blister on his foot.
“As soon as it popped he was pain-free and it wasn’t a problem. But the boys have worked super-hard on him.
“Everything bar the last 48 hours had gone to plan. It was an unorthodox preparation because usually our runners come up the night before and he had to leave at the crack of dawn this morning. It was a five o’clock decision to get on the box and come up here.”
‘I thought we were going to be an unlucky second’ – Andrew Balding
Fortunately Item could travel, but further doubt will’ve ensued when a downpour emerged around midday. Item’s sole defeat came on soft going, so it remained to be seen how much of the rain got in. Despite all the money for the top two, Item conjured up an excellent performance, very much coping with the ground.
Balding continued: “Colin did a beautiful job, as ever. I thought he was in a bit of a pocket. He’s a big horse and Colin wisely managed to get him out and find some space. Then he really hit overdrive. I thought we were going to be an unlucky second. In the last 50 yards Colin really made it count.”
It’s been a magnificent few weeks for Juddmonte, Balding and Keane with Group 1 galore. Blue Bolt landed the Falmouth and the Prix Rothschild, Kalpana won the King George and now Item is a coveted Juddmonte International winner.