David Ord talks Alpha Centauri and Ruth Jefferson in our new column
David Ord reflects on Alpha Cenaturi's brilliant weekend win and the news Ruth Jefferson has lost three of her stable stars.
UP FOR THE CUP
Betting isn’t available on who will be crowned Horse of the Year in Britain and for good reason: we don’t have a definitive award.
But if we did – and we should have – then Alpha Centauri would now be trading at odds-on.
She has galloped to the rescue of a campaign that had threatened to fall somewhat short of the anticipated heights.
The ongoing absence of Enable has robbed us of a leading star, Cracksman’s Royal Ascot defeat at the hooves of Poet’s Word means he has questions to answer that we thought had been dealt with in no uncertain style when he was so impressive at the Berkshire track last October.
Battaash and Harry Angel’s domination of the sprint division has not materialised, although the former took a definite rapid stride or two back in the right direction at Goodwood.
Calyx emerged as the best summer two-year-old only to exit stage left shortly afterwards and Saxon Warrior’s Triple Crown dream died at Epsom on the first Saturday in June. Subsequent defeats in the Irish Derby and Coral-Eclipse mean his task between now and October is to merely establish himself as the best colt of the current generation. In May, we were starting to argue over where he may sit among the behemoths of the past.
Others have made significant contributions, though. Stradivarius is dominating the staying division and closing in on the £1million Weatherbys Hamilton bonus.
Poet's Word followed up his Royal win by reeling in stablemate Crystal Ocean in a pulsating King George.
Roaring Lion has barely missed a dance all year and in the enforced absence of Investec Derby hero Masar, will carry the baton for the Classic generation through some of the key autumn championships.
But none have made the visual impression of Alpha Centauri and she’s proof, if it be needed, that defeats don’t mark the end of a horse’s career.
Few at Leopardstown on April 14 left thinking they’d seen a future superstar. Or if they did, it wasn’t Alpha Centauri.
She reappeared in the Irish 1000 Guineas Trial that day and, easy to back in the market, made little impact from the rear of the field, finishing 10th of 13.
But from that mud-splattered defeat in the gloom of early spring, she’s blossomed. It’s a testament to the skill and patience of the Jessica Harrington team that she’s not only won four successive Group One races, but improved with each and every one of them.
The Irish 1000 was hard work, reeling in the enterprisingly-ridden Could It Be Love, but the Coronation at Royal Ascot, well that was stunning. Then onto the Falmouth and the older fillies, who were dispatched with contempt, before Sunday’s demolition of her Prix Jacques le Marois rivals.
Now colts can be added to the list of the vanquished.
This isn’t the strongest mile division of recent years but it’s now at her hooves – and surely all roads will lead to Churchill Downs and the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Her great grand-dam Miesque won the race for the second time there in 1988 and this looks a golden opportunity to add further to the family honour.
Just look what’s closest to her in the betting - Lancaster Bomber, Expert Eye, Gustav Klimt, Saxon Warrior, Lighting Spear and Without Parole.
Defending champion World Approval is already missing from the American team and Yoshida needs to be significantly transformed by home advantage having finished fifth to Accidental Agent in a far-from vintage Queen Anne back in June (he's since been well beaten in the Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga).
Perhaps Chad Brown might be tempted to drop Secretariat Stakes runner-up Analyze It back two furlongs and he’d rate the main threat.
But I wouldn’t mind betting the date Saturday November 3 has a big red circle around it on the calendar at Commonstown Stables.
I’d be booking the flights right now if she was mine.
SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS
It was hard not to feel huge sympathy for Ruth Jefferson following the news Cyrus Darius, Cloudy Dream and Mount Mews won’t be rejoining her stable for the new campaign.
The former had provided her with a first winner when landing the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso in February, the same week as the funeral of her father Malcolm.
Obviously it’s every owner’s prerogative to have their horses trained by whoever they like and if Ruth is in need of inspiration she need look no further than Donald McCain, who is taking charge of Cloudy Dream and Mount Mews.
Donald shone brightly on the northern circuit for many seasons, regularly having runners – and winners – at the major spring festivals too.
Then in October 2015 principal owners Paul and Clare Rooney decided it was time for a change and removed all their 60 horses from his care.
It left a huge void to and that season he saddled 53 winners, down from 98 the previous season.
But he’s rebuilt. He may not be dining at the top table again but significant inroads are being made. Last season saw 98 winners – the same figure as in 2014/15.
Brian Hughes has joined as stable jockey ahead of the new campaign in a bid to boost his own title ambitions. They’ve already formed a formidable partnership and now the momentum is building again, these are exciting times for the McCain team.
They are for Jefferson too. A first full season with a licence and a Grade One winner in the ranks is a fair old launchpad. Let’s hope she has already encountered the biggest bump in the road this term.
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