Solow (Singspiel) gave Freddy Head a second winner of the Queen Anne Stakes
(Eng-G1) — Goldikova won for the French trainer in the same colors of the
Wertheimer brothers in 2010 — when taking Tuesday’s opening race of Royal Ascot 2015
by a length.
“He is a fantastic horse, a great warrior who can do anything — you can
wait, you can lead,” said Head, who is based in Chantilly, France. “I didn’t think the
pace was that fast and he got caught for speed for a moment, but you are running
against the best; what do you expect?
“I hope he lasts and we have many more years with him. Maybe we will come
back for the Sussex Stakes (Eng-G1) at Goodwood. We’ll see — I’m not going to
run in everything that comes because I want him to last. I’m not a fan of the
Keeneland track — I think it’s a bit tight so we won’t go to America (for the
Breeders’ Cup) this year. Next year will be the same — he hasn’t got that many
races to run, so it’s Dubai, Longchamp and Ascot.
“He’s a lovely horse, great balance, great action, great mover, very easy to
train, great mind, which is very special because at two and three he was a very
nervous horse, wouldn’t travel well and things, so he has changed with time and
with racing. I think we will still have some more good days with him. I love
Ascot and have got some great memories of being here”
Two 16-1 shots chased home the 11-8 favorite Solow in the one-mile Queen
Anne, with Esoterique (Danehill Dancer) finishing second by a neck over Cougar
Mountain (Fastnet Rock) in third.
Well-regarded Hong Kong star Able Friend (Shamardal) was never a factor in
sixth, a disappointing result given his stellar eight-for-nine record at the
distance.
Maxime Guyon rode Solow.
“It’s amazing,” Guyon said. “Before the race we didn’t know if Able Friend
could win because, in Hong Kong, he is the best horse but today, the boss is
Solow. I think he is the best horse that I have ridden in my career. It’s
amazing because this year is a new contract for me with my new bosses, the
Wertheimers. When you can win a Group 1 at Ascot, it’s amazing.
“My horse was really relaxed in the race and showed a very good turn of foot.
We didn’t know how he would react to Ascot because he hadn’t raced here before
and it was also the first time in a straight line — he has proved he is
the best today.”
Trainer John Moore had no explanation for Able Friend’s performance.
“The jockey just reported that there wasn’t much in the tank. Able Friend
wasn’t himself and didn’t show the usual kick,” Moore said. “He seems to have
pulled up OK but it is disappointing to say the least. Thanks to all for
inviting us and for being part of the Royal Meeting. Today just wasn’t his day.
We will fly him back to Hong Kong in mid-July and we will prepare him for the
races there and then will decide where he goes. I am sure I will have him back
in Hong Kong.”
The Queen Anne jockeys reported the ground as being good to firm after the
race.
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