By Andrew Atkinson
Richard Fahey saddled fromthehorsesmouth.info selection Perfect Power ridden by Christophe Soumillon to land the Group 1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes over 6 furlongs at Newmarket on Saturday.
“He was a little bit fresh today – but he was really professional at the end of the canter down and jumped well,” said jubilant Soumillon.
“The horses around me didn’t go fast enough for me – he stumbled badly – but managed to utilise his brilliant turn of foot to win well.
“He’s a champion and only a superstar could accelerate like he did today,” added Soumillon.
Two-year-old Perfect Power finished ahead of Castle Star; Armor was third.
“He’s special – you could see that with the way he quickened,” said Fahey.
“It took a special ride and a special horse to win. He’s had a busy season – but he loves it,” said Fahey.
“He spends most of his time laying down asleep at home – and saves his best for these days.
“We knew it would be hard from stall one, but Christophe said he’d drop him right out. With two furlongs to run, I thought we were in a bit of trouble – but he managed to get a run and picked up well.
“He’s blessed with a lot of natural speed and he’s got an excellent mind,” added Fahey.
Perfect Power was slashed to 8-1 from 16-1 for the Qipco 2,000 Guineas.
Coroebus tipped by fromthehorsesmouth.info was thwarted in the Newmarket Royal Lodge Stakes by Royal Patronage in a photo finish neck verdict.
William Buick rode Coroebus into a lead entering the final 2 furlongs – but flagged towards the winning post to be pipped by Royal Patronage ridden by Jason Hart.
“I had put my binoculars down at one point – when the other horse was clear – but when he hit the rising ground he found another gear.
“We almost supplemented him for the Champagne Stakes and were kicking ourselves afterwards, as the race cut up a bit. He could run again this year but I’ll have to speak to Harry Herbert first,” said Royal Patronage’s trainer Mark Johnston.
“It’s a bit tough to take – but fair play to the winner who won the Acomb Stakes in good style previously.
“He was in front long enough for a horse who had only had one run and we could look at the Vertem Futurity after that,” rued Coroebus trainer Charlie Appleby.
Charlie Hills trained Bint Elmalek (11-1) from 14-1 tipped each-way by fromthehorsesmouth.info finished third in the Maiden Fillies Stakes over 7 furlongs under William Buick.
