Nayef takes his revenge
There was only a head between the pair after their dramatic tussle in last month’s King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes at Ascot and just half a length separated them following another duel here in the Juddmonte International Stakes.
But Ascot runner-up Nayef came out on top this time in the £450,000 contest, despite having to be reshod at the start after spreading a plate.
The four-year-old, sent off 6-4 favourite in spite of the alarm, showed no sign of discomfort during the race as he tracked the pace-making Starbourne before hitting the front three furlongs from home under Richard Hills.
Kieren Fallon stoked up Golan for an effort but he could not quite catch the winner, though he comfortably held off Noverre for second by a length and a half, with Indian Creek fourth.
Marcus Tregoning admitted that he had expected that Nayef would win this time, particularly after galloping companion Mubtaker had taken the Geoffrey Freer Stakes at Newbury last Saturday.
‘‘He had been working so well I was really quite confident,’’ the trainer said. ‘‘You just know when they are absolutely spot-on. I thought he would win. I think had there been more pace he would have won easier.
‘‘He is a super horse to have. People say ‘what about the pressure?’ but aren’t we lucky to have him.’’
Tregoning played down the effects of Nayef’s scare before the race, saying: ‘‘He was as cool as anything at the start, he hardly turned a hair.’’
Hills added: ‘‘He stood there like he was in his box at home and that shows what a good temperament he has got.’’
Nayef has now won eight of his 14 career starts, with three Group One victories. His next target remains undecided, with tilts at the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Irish Irish Champion Stakes or Champion Stakes all under consideration.
