Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes |
|
| Group 2, York 15:00 £225,000 added, 2yo only, 6f, Class 1  |
|
| Saturday 26th August 2017 | |
1 Sands Of Mali 14/1
2
Invincible Army 9/2C
3
Cardsharp 5/1
3 Headway 9/2C
10 ran NR: De Bruyne Horse, Grand Koonta
Distances: 2¾l, 1l, dht Time: 1m 11.16s (slow by 1.36s)
Sands of Mali Shines In impressive Gimcrack Win
 |
Richard Fahey's Sands Of Mali stepped up considerably on his Nottingham success three weeks ago and caused a 14-1 surprise by landing the Group Two prize.
Paul Hanagan had him smartly out of the stalls and Sands Of Mali kept up the gallop to hold off Invincible Army. Cardsharp and Headway dead-heated for third place.
Hanagan said: "He's a bit inexperienced, but he pinged the gates and showed a great cruising speed. He took some pulling up.
"I think this year is just a bonus with him, he's only going to improve."
Fahey said: "That's brilliant, I've been second in it three times I think, even with Ribchester, so I've been desperate to tick it off my list.
"I couldn't believe it when he got beat first time, but that's racing.
"I know he was 14-1 but he didn't know that, we've always really liked him.
"This is a big deal for us, I'm chuffed."
He went on: "He's in everything, like the Middle Park and what have you, it looks a big shout entering these horses when they've only won a maiden but you have to do it."
Trainer James Tate said of the runner-up: "I'm feeling mixed emotions, nobody likes finishing second. Having beaten Cardsharp and Headway, it represents a step up on his form.
"He's a big horse and can only keep on improving. We will look at the Mill Reef and the Middle Park, but we want to avoid soft ground."
William Haggas' said of Headway: "I'm satisfied, I wouldn't say I was happy. Judging on that run I think it's time to step him up in trip."
Al Basti Equiworld Gimcrack Stakes (Group 2)
£225,000 added, 2yo only, 6f, Class 1
12 ran
Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
| Pos | Dr | D | Horse SP | Jockey Weight | Trainer | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | (4) | Sands Of Mali (FR) 14/1 | P Hanagan 9-0 |
R A Fahey | 2 | |
| 2nd | (10) | 2¾ | Invincible Army (IRE) 9/2c | M Harley 9-0 |
J Tate | 2 |
| 3rd | (6) | 1 | Cardsharp 5/1 | James Doyle 9-3 |
M Johnston | 2 |
| 3rd | (7) | d.h | Headway 9/2c | Harry Bentley 9-0 |
W J Haggas | 2 |
| 5th | (12) | 1 | Staxton 10/1 | D Allan 9-0 |
T D Easterby | 2 |
| 6th | (9) | 1½ | Nebo (IRE) 9/2c | Jim Crowley 9-0 |
C Hills | 2 |
| 7th | (3) | nk | Stormbringer 16/1 | T Eaves 9-0 |
K A Ryan | 2 |
| 8th | (11) | ¾ | Frozen Angel (IRE) 6/1 | R Kingscote 9-0 |
Tom Dascombe | 2 |
| 9th | (1) | 7 | That's A Surprise (IRE) 100/1 | Barry McHugh 9-0 |
T Coyle | 2 |
| 10th | (8) | 3¼ | Nobleman's Nest 10/1 | D Tudhope 9-0 |
S Crisford | 2 |
| NR | (5) | De Bruyne Horse | K T O'Neill 9-0 |
R Hannon | 2 | |
| NR | (2) | Grand Koonta (IRE) | Non Runner 9-0 |
C G Cox | 2 |
