Sun Classique Shines in Balanchine

Sun Classique overcame a troubled trip to post a gutsy neck victory over Many Colours in the listed Balanchine Stakes at Nad al Sheba Feb. 22.

Many Colours broke alertly under Frankie Dettori and set a comfortable pace up front as she led the field of 10 through the early stages of the nine furlong turf contest.  Kevin Shea was content to let Sun Classique settle into fifth along the rail, only about four lengths behind the leader.

Many Colours continued to have things her own way as the field hit the top of the stretch.  Sun Classique made a bold move up the inside rail to move into second, with Gower Song hot on her heels.

Shea then angled Sun Classique off the rail in order to make his run at Many Colours.  Before he had the chance to let Sun Classique roll, however, Light Green, who was now in full flight in the center of the course, ran up alongside of Sun Classique, putting her into a pocket behind Many Colours.  Shea had to take up sharply aboard Sun Classique, and abruptly pull her to the outside.

Sun Classique was able to get her momentum going again with just a furlong left, and the chestnut mare flew down the center of the track to win going away.

Many Colours easily held second by one-length over Light Green.  Time for the nine furlongs was 1:52.23.

Sun Classique is a 5-year-old chestnut mare by Fuji Kiseki out of Elfenjer, by Last Tycoon.  She was bred in Australia by L. Cohen, who co-owns her with W. V. Rippon.