Namibian strikes Gordon gold
Namibian (7-1) has followed a typically arduous programme mapped out by Johnston, starting off through Listed races before winning the Queen’s Vase over two miles at Royal Ascot, but his appetite for a battle had certainly not diminished as he fought off the attentions of the hot favourite Fiorente by a neck.
Silvestre De Sousa, increasingly Johnston’s jockey of choice these days, found himself alongside Ryan Moore and Fiorente in the home straight after a lethargic pace set by Well Sharp and there was very little between the pair all the way to the line.
The winner was quickly cut to 10-1 by St Leger sponsors Ladbrokes.
“He started at a fairly low grade and clearly he wasn’t ready early in the season, but he’s made rapid progress,” said Johnston.
“I wasn’t sure about the trip at all. It was a bit experimental coming back but it has made up our minds for the future.
“It shows the Queen’s Vase isn’t just for out-and-out stayers and I was surprised no-one was talking about him for the Leger after Ascot as it was in my mind after that.
“Obviously the owner has got to be involved in that decision, but a mile and three-quarters should be no problem at Doncaster.”
It would be a lot to ask for Richards Hannon and Hughes to replicate their nine winners apiece from the Glorious Goodwood of 2010, but Strong Suit helped the all-conquering team make the perfect start to this year’s meeting with an effortless win in the bet365 Lennox Stakes.
Although taking on older horses over his favoured trip of seven furlongs, this was essentially a drop down in class for the 5-2 favourite and that conclusion had to be drawn with Hughes barely moving a muscle in defeating Red Jazz by a length and a half.
Moustache’s later success in the Casino At Bet365 EBF ’Assertive’ Maiden Stakes made the day even better for Hannon and Hughes, the 6-1 shot appropriately beating the newcomer Llanarmon Lad by a nose.
Requinto (6-1) collected the bet365 Molecomb Stakes for Irish trainer David Wachman.
The Tipperary Listed-race winner broke fast close to the stands rail before losing some ground at halfway.
Jockey Wayne Lordan switched to the middle of the track and it proved a wise move, as his mount picked up well to score by a length and a quarter in a good time.
Lordan explained: “They’re only two-year-olds and it was only his fifth start so once I got a bit of room, he quickened up and went to the line very well.”
Coolmore representative Kevin Buckley added: “David will see how he is and make a decision, but he could maybe be one for the Flying Childers.”
