Gift Wraps Up Group 2 Prize
on Aug 15, 2009 :Balthazar-Gift-Newbury.
Balthazaar's Gift took the Hungerford Stakes at Newbury in impressive style to claim Group-race success in over two years on Saturday.
The Clive Cox trained six-year-old travelled strongly at the rear until jockey Philip Robinson made his move going into the final furlong.
On just his fourth start for trainer the horse showed a terrific bust of speed to sweep to the front of nine strong field.
Regal Parade finish three lengths behind in second, with Plum Pudding half a length away in third.
Odds-on favourite Evasive put in a disappointing performance managing only fifth under Frankie Dettori.
The three-year-old, on his first start for Godolphin, travelled well in the early stages of the Group Two contest but dropped away tamely once the pace quickened.
[B]TOP-CLASS[/B]
"It's the first time I've ridden him," said winning jockey Robinson.
"But Clive knows his horses so well and tells you about every little quirk they have. Today he's got this horse spot on."
Cox added: "Many thanks to Rod Simpson who trained him in Dubai and suggested he came to us.
"I think he's a top-class horse and we shall now look at the Group One Prix de la Foret at Longchamp (October 3) with him.
"All credit to Philip as well for giving him the perfect ride."