David Slays Goliaths in Champion Stakes

David Junior, a 25-1 outsider ridden by Jamie Spencer, pulled off a major shocker when winning the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes (Eng-I) at Newmarket on Saturday. The 3-year-old chestnut son of Pleasant Tap won by ¾-length over the French filly, Pride. Sir Michael Stoute's Maraahel, another 25-1 shot, finished third. Favored Oratorio could do no better than fourth, with Rakti, Alexander Goldrun, and Chic finishing in mid-pack.

The Godolphin colt, Echo of Light, broke alertly and the rest of the field willingly let the son of Dubai Millennium have the lead. Echo of Light set a strong gallop for the first mile of the contest, but then started to weaken. The first to challenge him was Maraahel, who took the lead inside of three furlongs. David Junior quickly joined the fray, with Pride coming on during the closing stages.

Trainer Brian Meehan has always had confidence in David Junior, who captured his first group I win in the Champion. With any luck, it certainly won't be his last.