An impressive victory for the Tally-Ho-bred Indestructible in the Group 3 Craven Stakes at Newmarket on Thursday capped a wonderful day for our stalwart Kodiac.
Amo Racing's colt led the way among a trio of good winners on the day for the stallion alongside two-year-old Ziggy's Phoenix, who scored well for Richard Hannon at Ripon, and Once More For Luck, who has Group 1 aspirations after defying a big weight to win the opening 6f handicap at Newmarket.
Indestructible showed good form for connections last year, winning at Windsor on his second start before chasing home Chaldean in the Acomb and Champagne Stakes.
On Thursday, he was bounced out in front by Kevin Stott and although headed with three furlongs to go, showed a great attitude to fight his way back to the head of affairs before pulling a length-and-a-quarter clear of The Foxes.
His win, which prompted bookmakers to cut him into 14/1 for the 2,000 Guineas, continued an outstanding week for Amo Racing.
“That was brilliant," said trainer Karl Burke. “He is a lovely scopey horse. He had a couple little of niggles when he arrived physically but nothing major. He has worked well, but because of those little niggles, and I’m sure Kevin will say the same that he has had a good blow today and he will come on.
“He had been working very well, especially the last two weeks. Each piece of work he has done leading into this he worked better each time. I’m delighted.
“I didn’t have him last year but I’ve watched all the replays. I imagine the deep ground didn’t suit him when he was second at Doncaster. I’d say I would have to fight Kia not to send him back here in two weeks’ time, but I’m sure he deserves his chance.
“This is the only horse (I’ve got for Amo Racing) at the moment, but we’ve had a couple of horses for them over the last few seasons. It is shame for connections who had him last year but I got a phone call just before Christmas asking if I would take him and I’m not going to down horses like him.
“Who knows what Aidan (O’Brien) will bring over. We will digest this and see how he comes out of it but I would be very surprised if he doesn’t come back here in two weeks."
Indestructible was bred by us out of Shareva, a daughter of Rip Van Winkle from a fine Aga Khan family. Like Champion 2yo Lezoo, he was part of our Arqana May Breeze-Up draft last year when sold for €150,000 to Kerri Radcliffe.
He becomes the 85th stakes winner for Kodiac and his second Classic trial winner of the year after the Prix Djebel hero Good Guess.
Also on Thursday
Ziggy's Phoenix, another Kodiac bred here at Tally-Ho Stud, also looked a youngster to follow when successful at Ripon. The filly was always prominent and quickened clear under Joe Fanning to win well for Middleham Park Racing.
"She was quick out and travelled nice, and just when she hit the crowd she had a look there," said Fanning. "She just pulled up a little. She's a grand natured filly, so she should win again."
Not long after, Kodiac three-year-old Once More For Luck struck in the Newmarket opener, a competitive 6f handicap. Highly tried last year by Ismail Mohammed, the colt won well from the talented Kessaar colt Yacowlef.
"We thought a lot of him last year which is why we ran him in the Middle Park," said Jose Santos, assistant to Ismail Mohammed. "He had a busy campaign last year and we've freshened him up. He's in the Group 2 Duke Of York Stakes next month and he may well go there after that. The goal in the summer is the July Cup."