Group 1 In The Bag
It was a great feeling to get a Group 1 back in England with FONTEYN in the Kingdom of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes, particularly for Kevin [Ryan] and Sheikh Obaid. Kevin and I go back a very long way and it meant more than just winning a Group 1 because it was for him.
He was quietly confident ahead of the race. When you see Saffron Beach and Homeless Songs in there, you think you’ve got to be on your game, but he booked me quite well in advance.
She looked magnificent in the paddock. She was nice and calm, and took the preliminaries well.
When Kevin gave me the instructions, he said to try to follow something, but if she takes hold of the bridle let her breathe and let her run. After a furlong she took hold of the bridle, so I had to let her go on.
When I sent her down into the dip, she went with me without having to come off the bridle much and I knew from that point that she was going to be first or second.
You have to give credit to her toughness that she lengthened up the hill when she looked like she was going to get beat by Laurel.
To come back to England and win at the top level so soon was great. I’m hugely grateful to Kevin and Sheikh Obaid for having the confidence in me to give me the ride and hopefully it will lead to more opportunities like that in the future.
What a moment for Neil Callan! ⭐️
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) October 1, 2022
Fonteyn wins the Royal Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes 🥇#ITVRacing | @NewmarketRace | @neilcallan78 | @kevinryanracing pic.twitter.com/Q344aIGpTl
Sir Mark Prescott
It was great for all the connections to win the Arc with Alpinista. Sir Mark [Prescott] is meticulous with his planning and the way he trains them.
He maps out plans for them and the way he took her through a European Group 1 route, leading to the Arc, you have to applaud him for that.
It’s great for him to get a mare like that at this stage of his career and it was a thoroughly deserved success.
Chelmsford Rides on Saturday
I go to Chelmsford on Saturday for six and first up is SUNRISE BOY in the seven furlong novice (4:53). He’s been well beaten on his first two starts, so hopefully he can put in a better effort here.
LUCKYBOYLOVELYWIFE goes in the mile fillies’ handicap (6:00) for Marco [Botti]. I rode her last time at Newmarket when she ran a bit better to be fourth. She won her maiden at Beverley earlier in the season and we have to hope she can take another step forward.
I was second on LELABAD last time out at Yarmouth who takes his chance in the mile handicap (6:30). He’s yet to get his head in front but he’s been very consistent. He looks to have a fair each-way chance.
It’s nice to pick up a ride for The King and Michael Bell with SPRING IS SPRUNG in the six furlong handicap (7:00). I haven’t ridden this son of Oasis Dream before and he didn’t run too badly at Lingfield last time over seven furlongs. Hopefully the drop back to six will suit.
MISS CONAISSEUR has her second start for Ben Case in the second division of the six furlong handicap (8:00). It’s a weak race but she still looks to have it all to do.
My final ride of the day is MC’TED in the 10 furlong handicap (8:30). He’s had a good season, winning twice, and if he can repeat the form of his win at Newmarket two starts back then he should go close.
"We've always thought there's a race of that calibre in her." @kevinryanracing | @neilcallan78
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) October 3, 2022
Dewhurst Preview
This looks like a great race. There’s an abundance of talent this year and it should be really exciting to watch.
Nostrum and Naval Power are both unbeaten, Chaldean won the Champagne Stakes last time and you certainly can’t rule out Aesop’s Fables bouncing back to form for Aidan O’Brien who has such a great record in the race.
If I was to be given a choice, I wouldn’t know which one to pick. That tells you how good a race it looks.
FIRST PUBLISHED: 7th October 2022
