Cacique Colt Smooth In the Newbury Mud

1st-NBY, £6,100, Mdn, 8-25, 2yo, 8fT, 1:47.28, sf.
+ABDON (GB) (c, 2, Cacique {Ire}–Kinnaird {Ire} {G1SW-Fr, GSW-Eng & MGSP-Ire, $406,445}, by Dr Devious {Ire}), sent off at 12-1, was allowed time to ease into the contest towards the rear early. Making smooth progress through the rain-softened ground to enter contention inside the last quarter mile, the 175,000gns TATOCT yearling rolled to the front with 100 yards remaining en route to a hand-ridden half-length success from Navajo War Dance (GB) (Makfi {GB}) with seven lengths back to the third. The winner is a half-brother to Berkshire (Ire) (Mount Nelson {GB}), MGSW-Eng, $204,257. “He’s a lovely horse and we were expecting the horses who had had a run to have the upper hand especially on this ground,” jockey Ted Durcan said. “At home he’s been working really well and Sir Michael has always loved him. He went there and won it nice and smooth and he has a lovely mindset on him. At home, he’s so straightforward and easy, but we were expecting the run to help him. There’s no reason he won’t stay further and he switches off to help him. The ground is hard work and a slog and there was a headwind as well.” Abdon is also kin to Keenes Royale (GB) (Red Ransom), the dam of MGSW & MG1SP Ivawood (Ire) (Zebedee {GB}). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $6,226. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Al Shaqab Racing; B-Newsells Park Stud (GB); T-Sir Michael Stoute.