Fight to the wire in Longchamp

This week’s Light of Dayjur Challenge, very quickly developed into a race in two. The bulk of the field adopted a sit and wait attitude, allowing two horses to clear out in front. Sadly for the trailing horses, the yielding turf, coupled with the unyielding efforts of the two front runners in question, meant those horses patiently waiting to make their runs, were still waiting patiently after the race had been run and won. As expected, Gold Forest sought and gained the lead. Arkansaw Diamond was expected to be the logical early challenger, but jockey R. Miavia chose to settle behind, taking a sit two and three lengths off the pace, keeping within striking distance, but expending little energy. Constantly extending their leads from the remainder of the runners, it soon became apparent that nothing was going to challenge from the rear. From the top of the straight the only questions to be answered were whether Gold Forest could hold the lead she’d established from the instant she’d won the jump away, or whether Arkansaw Diamond had made her run early enough, as she set about closing the gap. For the entire journey down the home run, the crowd was witness to a thrilling match race, and it was only in the last strides that Arkansaw Diamond established her superiority over the very courageous Gold Forest, gaining a half length victory on the wire.

Bux Noelle G had placed herself at the head of the “other” race and held on to third, after a spirited battle with Ms Dixieland. They trailed the lead pair by eight lengths

Toofasttoofurious secured the final prize money, passing a couple of tired horses in the run

March Madness and Represent were always in the back half of the field

Gramona took a handy position early, but wilted.

Undo the Charge settled last and stayed there.

Arkansaw Diamond is a superbly bred four year old filly, carrying Seeking the Gold / Broad Brush / Northern Dancer lines, and is raced by her breeder. She covered the 7.5 furlongs in 1.28.2, returning a speed figure of 110. She now has 9 wins from 27, and this was her fifth black type success. The win increases her lifetime earnings to more than $290,000.

Trainer simond sent three to the races this week, winning two including this event and an Eastern Kentucky maiden with second time starter Muckracker (Distorted Humor / Broad Brush), who looks to have a bright future ahead. With Grade 3 and dual stakes winner Runaway Train Too (Wild Again / Miesque’s Son) the leading earner and one of two stable elders at 5, simond stable contains a strong mix of established top liners, and potential future black type performers. simond has won 155 of 960 total starts.