Ramonti Claims Group I Double in Sussex Stakes

Ramonti is quickly proving to be an invaluable purchase for Godolphin after holding off a fast-closing Excellent Art to capture the BGC Sussex Stakes (Eng-I) at Goodwood Aug. 1.

The 5-year-old Italian-bred snagged his second group I prize, having won the Queen Anne Stakes (Eng-I) at Royal Ascot in his last start.  With the victory, Ramonti became the first horse since Rousillon in 1985 to complete the Queen Anne/Sussex Stakes double.

Frankie Dettori settled the Godolphin color-bearer into fifth place as Trinity College and Archipenko, stablemates of Excellent Art, set a torrid pace up front and quickly drew several lengths clear of the rest of the field.  South African invader Asiatic Boy raced in third, with favorite Excellent Art being held up in seventh by jockey Jamie Spencer.

Ramonti rolled smoothly to the front with two furlongs left, and was soon a length or two clear of the field.  By this time, Spencer had Excellent Art under a furious drive on the outside, but the pair could never quite reach Ramonti, falling a head short at the wire.

Sir Michael Stoute's Jeremy rallied gamely to capture third over Asiatic Boy, 1 3/4-lengths behind the top pair.

Time for the mile was 1:37.62 over a turf course rated good.

Winning trainer Saeed bin Suroor told reporters after the race: “It is great to see Ramonti win another group I, and our horses are flying at the moment.  (Ramonti) is improving all the time, and he was kicking and squealing during his last piece of work, which told me he was good enough to win today.”

The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-I) Sept. 29 was mentioned as possible for Ramonti's next start.

Ramonti is a 5-year-old horse by Martino Alonso out of Fosca, by El Gran Senor.  He was bred in France by SPA Siba.