Back On Top: Bristol Rovers Gains Some Redemption with Ark Win

You must excuse the general populous for forgetting his name.  After all, racing fans are very much a “What have you done for me lately?” type of group.  But some have never forgotten him, and indeed regard him as one of the most talented and explosive runners in the world at this point.  And those that remember him are the ones that matter: the trainers of Sunnybank Memorial, Allied Assault, Rain God, and Horseshoe Bay almost certainly had one eye on Longchamp this week, and they must have gone just a little bit weak at the knees when they saw the old warhorse Bristol Rovers steamroll a solid field in Europe’s premier 12 furlong turf race.  Last year’s Breeders’ Bowl turf 2^nd choice, Bristol Rovers disappointed when apparently injured when coming home last of 14, but looks as if he’s back on the top of his game here.

Jockey S. Graf, aboard 5/1 shot Militant, who finished 2^nd, could only shake his head when questioned about his ride: “I don’t know what happened.  After the first mile, we shook loose from the field, and my horse was running along well turning for home.  He really did find more as we came through the stretch; he wasn’t stopping.  Bristol Rovers though… It was as if we were standing still.”  Militant in turn had 5 lengths on 3^rd place finisher Jacques, who may be better over 10 furlongs than he is over 12, but nonetheless acquitted himself well today.

So the stage is set; Bristol Rovers is back in with a big chance in the Breeders’ Bowl.  Sunnybank Memorial shored up his status as the race favorite with an equally impressive win in New York this week, while Horseshoe Bay disappointed in his first start against older competition, leaving some questioning whether this year’s three year olds really do stack up against the best of the older set.  Allied Assault and Rain God sat comfortably in the barn this week, but they’re sure to be up and ready to fight when the big dance rolls around.  Maybe now, people will start talking about the “Big Five,” and including Bristol Rovers in that group.